French 75

A classic cocktail, and one of my favorites. This drink got its name from the French 75 Howitzer field gun in WWI, when a Parisian barman (at the ironically named New York Bar) thought to elevate a Tom Collins with Champagne.

But the story doesn't end there...

When it hopped the pond to Arnaud's in New Orleans, it got further refined by switching the gin to cognac. This is my preferred way to serve it.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 ounces cognac

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp simple syrup

• 3 ounces champagne

• lemon twist

DIRECTIONS:

• Fill a shaker with ice

• add cognac, lemon, and simple syrup and shake until well chilled

• strain into chilled champagne flute or coupe

• pour champagne over and garnish with a lemon twist

Enjoy.

• 1