The French 75 first appears in printed recipe form in the 1920's, but the cocktail dates back to the 19th century, when champagne coupe cocktails were popular.

In the 1930's this concoction of lemon, sugar and champagne gained popularity after the Savoy Cocktail Book called for the addition of gin. This legend in a glass had a great run at Manhattan's Stork Club, and it’s mentioned in the movie Casablanca. Charles Dickens served something very like it to guests in the 1860s.

Some have referred to this as a Tom Collins in a tuxedo, so if you're a Collins drinker and feeling fancy, this just may be the perfect way to dress up your night.

Ingredients

2 parts gin

1/2 parts simple syrup

1 part fresh squeezed lemon

Top off with champagne or sparkling wine.

Instructions

Combine lemon juice, simple syrup, gin and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake for about 30 seconds until cold. Strain into champagne flute and top with champagne or sparkling wine.

Serve a twist of lemon.

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