
Revolution – The French Way
Add a little French Flair for Bastille Day
French Country
Photo Courtesy of Plum Deluxe
Celebrate the independence of the Red, White, and Blue French style. Bastille Day on July 14th marks the independence of France during the French Revolution. This table, decorated with French country style vases and plates, adorned with red flowers and Eiffel Tower flags.
Outdoor Flair
Photo Courtesy of Anyone Can Decorate
Who says you can’t light the outdoors or that chandeliers are only for fancy events. Give your French Revolution a touch of flair by adding beautiful chandeliers to an outdoor space. This crystal-laden chandelier could fit electrical or candle lighting for a softer touch.
The Flying French
Photo Courtesy of Scarlett Entertainment
Cirque du Soleil did not invent the art of French acrobatics, they merely brought it to the forefront. Hire French Acrobatic performers to be the mainstage entertainment at your next event.
The French 75 – Revisited
Photo Courtesy of Vicky Wasik
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a Minnesota Good-bye. A fresh take on a French 75 drink, this cocktail suggests that it’s rude to be the first to depart, so it’s best to keep celebrating!
For the Spiced Cranberry Cordial:
3 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
2 whole star anise pods
5 cardamom pods
3 whole cloves
1 cup (240ml) water
2 cups (400g) sugar
Peel of one orange (use a vegetable peeler to remove zest only)
2 cups (225g) fresh cranberries
1 cup (240ml) fresh juice from about 8 limes
3/4 teaspoon (3g) kosher salt
For the Cocktail Mix (8 Servings):
1 cup (240ml) Spiced Cranberry Cordial (see note)
1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed juice from 2 pink grapefruits
1 1/2 cups (360ml) London Dry gin
To Serve:
1 bottle (750ml) chilled sparkling wine, to top
Fresh cranberries threaded on cocktail picks, for garnish
Directions
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For the Spiced Cranberry Cordial: Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom, and cloves to a saucepan and toast over medium heat, shaking pan frequently, until fragrant; make sure not to let them burn. Add water, sugar, orange peel, cranberries, lime juice, and salt and stir over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook, using a wooden spoon to smash fruit against side of pan, until all of the cranberries have popped. Remove from heat and let cool completely, 1 to 2 hours. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a resealable container. Cordial can be kept up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
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For the Cocktail Mix: Up to 2 hours before serving, mix cordial, grapefruit juice, and gin in a pitcher, bottle, or resealable container. Use immediately or store up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Cocktail mix makes 8 servings; feel free to double the recipe.
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For Each Cocktail: Fill a Collins glass with ice and add 3 1/2 ounces (105ml) Cocktail Mix and 2 ounces (60ml) chilled sparkling wine. Stir gently and garnish with skewered cranberries.