French 75 Cocktail
The French 75 is a legacy of WWII, the big one. It’s named for the 75mm howitzers used to defend the Maginot Line, because it’s an equally powerful drink. The story says French soldiers preparing to leave for the front chose it on the eve of departure.
Although strong, it’s not the same level as the methamphetamine issued to German soldiers. Their blitzkreig strategy required superhuman speed and endurance that enabled them to fight non-stop for days without rest or nourishment. It took them only six weeks to conquer France, beginning in May, 1940.
Cautionary Advice and Endorsement
If you need extra strength or quickness, I expressly advise you to refrain from using meth, however I do recommend a French 75. It won’t really help with any of these things, but it may cause you to believe it did!
When and Where to Enjoy a French 75
The perfect time to enjoy a French 75 is on New Year’s Eve, because it’s festive and delicious. The perfect place is at Arnaud’s. It’s in the New Orleans French Quarter, but if you can’t travel there, make one at home. Follow my recipe, sit back, relax and watch the ball drop. These are just as powerful now as they were in the ’40’s, so go easy and limit yourself to one or two.
Ingredients
- 1 oz premium gin
- 3 oz brut champagne
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon peel or twist
Instructions
- Chill your champagne in the fridge
- Make your sliced lemon peel or twist garnish
- Plan ahead and make another set of garnish for your second cocktail
- Juice your lemon
- Add the simple syrup, gin and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake well until cold
- Double strain into a champagne flute
- Top off with the chilled champagne
- Garnish with the peel or twist of lemon
