French 75

The weekend was warm and sunny, and so - though the ground was still damp - my thoughts turned immediately to summery cocktails. This one (via CHOW) sounded good, though expediency led me to use the recipe in the comments (reproduced below) instead of the main one. They turned out well, if rather undistinguished; I suspect they'll become more of a favorite as the weather warms and the garden patch needs additional tending. Next time, I'll probably try the bitters-and-sugar cube version, too - that might add a bit more character to it.

• 4 oz. champagne or sparkling wine
• 1/4 oz. gin (Tanqueray was fine)
• 1/4 0z. Cointreau
• 1/4 oz. freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Combine everything in a glass. Stir, and serve (orange rind garnish optional).

Dreaming of Summer - Poste's Basil Lemontini

After I discovered this drink while having oysters with John at Poste, it promptly became a mainstay of our weekend "lawn" (i.e., the park across from our apartment building) layabouts. I first found the recipe here (PDF warning!), but am reproducing it below for ease of reference.

• 3 oz. vodka (the original recipe calls for Absolut Citron, but Svedka Citron works just as well)
• 3 oz. lemonade
• 1 oz. sparkling wine
• 3 basil leaves

Muddle two basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or in the glass itself, if you're being low-ren efficient).

Add vodka and lemonade.

Strain into a glass (or not, if you're already there).

Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a basil leaf.