I first enjoyed a French Bikini poolside in Florida this past February. My friend Beth told me I had to try one, and when I looked at the list of ingredients, I knew this would be a drink I would enjoy. Lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, vodka, and (the best part) champagne!
As we sipped our summery cocktails and enjoyed the ocean view, I realized the French Bikini might be my favorite combination of flavors. I would describe a French Bikini as a sparkling, floral lemonade. They are refreshing, incredibly drinkable, and a cinch to throw together.
Unless you plan on drinking a lot of these, you will not need a whole bottle of champagne. Instead, what I like to use are the small cans of sparkling Prosecco sold in most grocery stores. They are the perfect size for adding a bit of bubbles to French Bikinis.
As written, this recipe makes three ample drinks, or as I like to think of it, the perfect amount for sharing with a friend, poolside or not. If you would like to scale this recipe for a party, I would mix large batches of the base, then serve it in carafes or pitchers next to chilled, full-sized bottles of champagne for topping. I hope you enjoy…ooo-la-la!
French Bikini
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) simple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounce) elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germaine
- 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) vodka
- generous splashes of champagne for topping
Instructions
- In a shaker or pitcher, combine all of the ingredients except the champagne.
- Combine well, pour over ice, and top with champagne!
To make simple syrup…
- Heat equal parts water and granulated sugar in a sauce pan (or in the microwave) until dissolved. Store in the fridge!
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