Obviously, I think my birthday [1] is a cause for celebration, and with celebration comes champagne! When choosing a signature drink for my bash, I wanted something that would subtly echo the floral motif [2] of my invitations without being too juvenile. A playful twist on a classic, grownup cocktail seems fitting for someone turning 27.

I've settled on this variation on the French 75 cocktail [3]; it features blood oranges so it has a slightly pink, but not too pink, hue. Better yet, it will please both cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers, and it can be made in large batches. To get the recipe, .

Blood Orange French 75 [4]
Bon Appetit

Ingredients

3 blood oranges (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups gin
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon angostura bitters
2 750-ml bottles chilled Champagne

Directions
Serves 12.

1. Cut 1 orange in half through stem. Cut each half crosswise into 6 slices; reserve for garnish.
2. Using small knife, cut peel and white pith from remaining 2 oranges; chop oranges.
3. Transfer chopped oranges with juices to bowl; mash with potato masher or wooden spoon. Stir in gin, sugar, and bitters.
4. Strain into 2-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to release liquid. Chill 4 hours.
5. Pour scant 2 tablespoons gin mixture into each of 12 glasses; fill with Champagne and garnish with orange.

Print recipe with images [4] | without images [4]