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!
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