Drink of the Week: Japanese 75

We decided to post our Drink of the Week a couple of days early to help those of you looking for something beyond the usual glass of bubbly to toast the New Year. Imbibe Editor-at-Large Kate Simon, whose new book Tiny Bubbles offers a delicious array of fizzy cocktails, came up with this twist on a classic French 75, made with sparkling sake instead of Champagne. We think it's the perfect way to ring in 2009. Happy New Year, everyone!

1 1/2 oz. gin
1 oz. simple syrup
3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
5 oz. sparkling sake, chilled
Glass: highball
Garnish: lemon twist

In a 10-ounce highball, combine gin, simple syrup and lemon juice and stir gently. Fill glass halfway with cracked ice. Top with chilled sparkling sake. Garnish.