Italian 75

Name: Italian 75
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces chilled limoncello or Homemade Limoncello (recipe follows); 1/2 ounce gin; 2 ounces chilled prosecco; 1 lemon twist, for garnish; 4 organic lemons, thoroughly washed and dried (see Cook's Note); 2 cups 80-proof vodka, such as Tito’s; 3/4 cup sugar or 3/4 cup store-bought simple syrup plus more, if desired

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Level: Easy

Total: 10 min (plus 2 weeks infusing, if making your own limoncello)
Active: 10 min

Yield: 1 serving

This is a riff on the timeless cocktail, a French 75. Traditionally, this drink uses fresh lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup to dress up gin and Champagne. As homemade limoncello is all about the balance of tart, bright lemon with the sweetness of simple syrup, it makes for the perfect base for this drink. I take it for an Italian spin by using prosecco instead of Champagne. This cocktail is a light and refreshing start to any meal!

Level: Easy

Total: 10 min (plus 2 weeks infusing, if making your own limoncello)
Active: 10 min

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

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1 1/2 ounces chilled limoncello or Homemade Limoncello (recipe follows)

1/2 ounce gin

2 ounces chilled prosecco

1 lemon twist, for garnish

Homemade Limoncello:

4 organic lemons, thoroughly washed and dried (see Cook's Note)

2 cups 80-proof vodka, such as Tito’s

3/4 cup sugar or 3/4 cup store-bought simple syrup plus more, if desired

Directions

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How to Make Limoncello, the Easiest Edible Gift

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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the limoncello and gin over the ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Top with the prosecco. Garnish with the lemon twist and serve.

Homemade Limoncello:

Zest just the yellow portion of the lemon peels with a rasp grater, avoiding any of the bitter white pith. You should have about 1/4 cup zest. Transfer the zest to a jar or other airtight container. Add the vodka, seal and shake to combine. Set aside in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.
Strain the infused vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. You may need to line the sieve with a coffee filter to catch all of the zest. Discard the zest.
If making your own simple syrup, combine the sugar with 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
Combine 3/4 cup of the simple syrup (or more, if desired) with the infused vodka. Store in an airtight bottle in the freezer for up to 6 months. Makes about 3 cups.

Cook’s Note

If organic lemons are not available for the Homemade Limoncello, scrub the lemons in warm water to remove any wax. Meyer lemons are also an excellent option, when in season.