Classic Drink of the Month: French 75

Do you have bottles of unopened champagne leftover from the holidays? Why not mix up one of our favorite classic cocktails: the French 75! This elegant, not-too-sweet, drink was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris and includes cognac or gin and champagne along with simple syrup and lemon juice. It can be served in a champagne flute or martini glass.

I had a great French 75 in Ballard over the weekend at the Back Bar in Bastille restaurant. Their motto is "Damn Good French Cuisine" -- I can only agree based on the delicious mussels, falafel and crème brulée we consumed. 

French 75 recipe from Creative Culinary

• 3 ounces gin
• 3 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons superfine granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
• 1 cup chilled champagne
• Lemon twists for garnish

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, sugar, and ice cubes and shake to chill.
2. Strain cocktails into 2 champagne flutes and top off with champagne.
3. Garnish glass with a lemon twist.

(photo from madtini.com)