Someday before I hang up my spatulas, I want to create a cleverly named drink. What a great legacy to leave friends and family—at every family occasion or celebration—my drink could be served and I would be there in spirit!! (Um…sorry about the pun.)
Today’s recipe is in the category of fun bar facts to know and tell. The French 75 has two origins that I can find. One story is that it was created in 1915 by barman Harry MacElhone of what would become the famous Harry’s New York Bar—the other that it was created by a World War 1 fighter pilot who wanted a drink with a little more “kick” to it. In both stories, the drink is named for a 75mm French artillery piece said to pack as powerful a punch as this drink. Cute.
My husband and I find this to be a smooth, delicious change from our usual fare, festive, easy on the eyes and on the palate. There are two variations of the French 75, one made with gin, the other with Cognac. We prefer the Cognac version and that’s the one we’re offering here. A votre santé!
French 75
Makes 2 drinks
Ingredients:
Ice
2 ounces VSOP Cognac
1 ounce simple syrup (see Cook’s note below)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
Champagne or sparkling wine (today we used a sparkling red which was pretty)
Preparation:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all of the ingredients. Shake well and strain into two martini glasses. Top with the champagne or sparkling wine and serve.
Cooks note: To make simple syrup, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture in completely clear. Let the syrup cool and refrigerate it in a glass container. It will keep for a month or so.
