French Blonde

My husband and I were first introduced to this cocktail at a holiday party some friends hosted a few years ago. It was a musical theater moment...picture South Pacific where the song Bali Hai is playing in the background. Key music..."some enchanted evening...across a crowded room..." there it was, a beautiful pink jewel floating through the crowd on a polished silver tray. I couldn't take my eyes off it, but before I could taste one, the tray was empty! I quickly found my way to the bar staff and asked what this gorgeous cocktail was...and was informed it was a French Blonde. I proceeded to ask what was in it...then, shock of shocks, it contained gin, and I was not a gin person -- but they assured me it was very mellow and quite nice. So I decided to try it. Can I just say, it was instant love.

You will find the recipe below as I want to spread the love.. this cocktail is deceivingly easy to drink, so beware as it can sneak up on you!

What you will need for 1 cocktail:

• ½ oz. Elderflower liqueur, like St. Germain

• 1 oz. dry gin (recommended; Hendricks)

• 2 oz. White Lillet

• 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice (pink grapefruit juice gives you that lovely blush color)

• A few dashes lemon bitters

• Lemon or Grapefruit peel to garnish

• Rosemary spring to garnish (optional)

• Champagne or sparkling wine to top (optional)

Let's get shaking:

• Place the Elderflower liquor, gin, Lillet, grapefruit juice, and bitters in an ice-filled cocktail shaker.

• Vigorously shake together for at least 30 seconds.

• Strain into a martini glass.

• Top with a splash or champagne or sparkling wine (optional)

• Garnish with a small lemon or grapefruit peel and rosemary spring.

Cheers!