French 75

1920's elegance is exemplified in the French 75. Stories abound about its name being derived from the French 75mm field gun. We prefer to think of it in a much more benign role, a refreshing combination that is perfect for sophisticated parties or for enjoying on lazy summer evenings.

• As with most cocktails that have remained as classics its preparation is simple:

• 45ml of Garden Swift dry gin

• 15ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 8ml of 2 to 1 sugar syrup (to make your own simply combine two parts (by volume) of sugar to one part water. Heat whilst stirring until dissolved and bottle. It will keep for several months.)

• English sparkling wine or Champagne

• A strip of lemon peel

Combine the Garden Swift, lemon juice and sugar syrup in an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake until well coated in condensation, strain into a champagne flute or coupe and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with the twist of lemon peel.