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Fraise Sauvage

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.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 drink

Ingredients

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

Preparation

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. Step 8

    Glass: cocktail

Cover of Speakeasy by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric featuring a coupe glass with a brown cocktail and lemon wheel garnish.
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.
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