Blood Orange French 75 Recipe

Happy Hour: Blood Orange French 75

February 19, 2010

All Winter I've been dying to make a cocktail with blood oranges. Their vibrant flesh releases a brilliant colored juice that is tart and sunny. Yesterday when I realized that Spring is around the corner, I knew I had to make one as soon as possible! A traditional French 75 is a classic cocktail that's made with gin and Champagne. This variation, that serves a crowd, infuses the gin with muddled blood oranges. Although the mixture has to sit for several hours, it's worth the wait; this is one spirited beverage that's potent yet refreshing. To make the most of blood oranges while they are around, get the recipe.

From Bon Appétit

Blood Orange French 75

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

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

Serves 12.