An Alsatian Twist On The French 75

GabrielKreuther New NYC fine-dining establishment Gabriel Kreuther utilizes mirto — a liqueur native to Sardinia — in this inventive take on the French 75.
Brian Quinn•

The elegance of the French 75 is unparalleled. Whether made with gin or cognac, it's hard to imagine creating an improved version of this classic. However, at one of the latest fine-dining establishments to open in NYC, Gabriel Kreuther, not a shred of elegance is lost in an inventive marriage of both Alsatian and Mediterranean elements in its Mirto cocktail. Of course, the question most will ask when deciding if they will like this drink will be "What's mirto?"

Well, in creating this fall drink, beverage director Emilie Perrier expressed her affinity for both the French 75 and the Kir Royale, but instead of using a syrupy cassis, she opted for the little-known sweet, herbal myrtle berry, or mirto — a liqueur native to Sardinia. Resembling tiny blueberries in appearance, mirto berries provide a distinctive floral and slightly bitter flavor, akin to an amaro. In the glass, subtle notes of hibiscus, spice, mint, coriander and red flower blend perfectly with the lemony notes of the Citadelle gin and cleansing lemon peel garnish. A gentler Cremant d'Alsace takes the place of champagne in this 75, giving it less of an artillery caliber, but it's an equally pleasurable experience.

The drink makes a strong case for why more bars should add mirto to their lexicon, and it's also a testament to the value of taking a wine-driven approach to cocktails. Though many drinks are heavy-handed by design, there's a certain luxury to highlighting the aromatic complexities naturally found in wine while still adhering to the core tenets and history of a cocktail like the French 75. Great for opening any meal or alongside one of chef Kreuther's famous tarte flambées, the Mirto cocktail is a delightful surprise that only gets better with each sip. Enjoy.

French 75 

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

1 ounce gin

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Directions:

  • Shake gin, lemon and simple syrup with ice and strain into a chilled champagne flute glass.
  • Top slowly with 3 to 4 ounces of champagne and garnish with a lemon twist. 

    • Mirto

    Servings: 1 cocktail

    Ingredients

    1 ounce Citadelle gin

    1/2 ounce Argiolas Tremontis mirto herbal liqueur

    1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

    4 ounces Kuentz-Bas Crémant d'Alsace Brut

    Directions:

  • Stir gin, lemon and mirto with ice and strain into a champagne tulip glass.
  • Top slowly with 4 ounces of Crémant and garnish with a lemon twist.

    • Difficulty: Easy

    Prep time: 3 minutes

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