The Fraise Sauvage was inspired by the famous pre-Prohibition classic, the French 75 (page 70). The name itself is a play on words in French, meaning “wild strawberry.” This cocktail uses our EO homemade Wild Strawberry Cordial to create a cocktail in the classic style. We shake together Plymouth gin with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and strawberry cordial, then top it off with demi-sec champagne. For our first summer menu at Employees Only, we wanted to put on the list a cocktail that would be a crowd-pleaser. Fraise Sauvage is the EO equivalent of the ubiquitous Caprese salad. The flavors of gin, strawberry, and champagne are a timeless combination and showcase how simple flavors can become complex when combined. To make this cocktail without the strawberry cordial, simply muddle a whole fresh strawberry, then follow the rest of the directions.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　1 1/4 ounces Plymouth gin

　　1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　1/4 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　1/2 ounce Wild Strawberry Cordial (page 158)

　　2 ounces demi-sec champagne

　　1 half strawberry, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Pour the gin, juice, syrup, and cordial into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously for 7 or 8 seconds. Pour the champagne into a chilled cocktail glass and pour the cocktail over it. Garnish with half a strawberry.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: straightforward strawberry

　　

Step 3

Body: light, crisp, full mouth of fruit

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium

　　

Step 5

Complexity: low

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: hints of vanilla and juniper rounding to strawberry flavor

　　

Step 7

Finish: medium with vanilla overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.