I love my bourbon as much as the next southern gal, but sometime I find myself wanting a cocktail that’s a bit more on the refreshing side.  In that vane, I decided to take on a French 75 but with an added twist.  I was a little surprised by just how much I fell in love with this cocktail.  Of course it involves a top-off of champagne, which is always a good add-on in my book, but gin has always kind of been “the other southern liquor” in my book.  I decided to use a gin that was slightly more expensive and, if we’re being honest, Hendricks just has a really pretty bottle.  This cocktail is super refreshing and light.  If you’re not into sweet cocktails, I think the basil will really cut that sweetness for you and add a slight earthy quality.

Basil French 75

Ingredients:
5 Basil leaves
1 tsp. Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 ounces of Gin
1/2 lemon, juiced
Ice
Champagne or Prosecco

Directions:
1.  In a glass tumbler, muddle the basil leaves and sugar using a muddler or a wooden spoon
2.  Add the gin and lemon juice to the tumbler and stir until sugar is dissolved
3.  Fill tumbler with ice as desired
4.  Top-off the tumbler with champagne, stir, and serve