Champagne Cocktails: Rhubarb 75 Cocktail

Sweet, tart, sparkling and elegant, the Rhubarb 75 Cocktail is a variation on the classic French 75 using house-made rhubarb syrup and champagne.

Classic cocktails withstand the test of time and in turn, inspire riffs and seasonal variations. One such drink is the Rhubarb 75 Cocktail which puts a sweet-tart spin on the classic French 75.

Rhubarb syrup is a versatile modifier and can easily be prepared at home. The process of making the syrup is zero waste and and it’s well worth having in the home bar. The rhubarb syrup lends a soft pink hue to the cocktail which balances sweet and tart notes with the botanicals of the gin.

It may be stating the obvious to say that different styles of gin create a different flavour profile but the differences are very pronounced in this cocktail. For example, a gin with floral botanicals highlights the perfumed and slightly sweeter elements of the drink while a London dry gin enhances the tart notes. It pays to experiment with different styles for different results. As for the choice of champagne, it works best with a crisp, brut style or a extra brut if you prefer it on the very dry side.

The Rhubarb 75 Cocktail is equally at home for brunch in the garden, makes an elegant sipper in the early afternoon or to kick start a celebration with a sparkle. Serve the cocktail in a champagne flute and for an elegant touch, garnish with a rhubarb ribbon.

Rhubarb 75 Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 45ml gin
• 15ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 7.5ml rhubarb syrup
• 60ml brut champagne

Glassware: champagne flute
Garnish: rhubarb ribbon (optional)

Method

In a cocktail shaker, add gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice and rhubarb syrup over ice and shake vigorously until the tin is cold. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and garnish with a rhubarb ribbon if you wish.