French 75

If you’re subbing the Champagne for another, perhaps sweeter, sparkling wine, consider dialing it back to 60ml and adding a splash of soda. Alternatively, reduce the amount of simple syrup.

This recipe works just as well using limes instead of lemons.

Although it’s now commonly served in a flute, the earliest versions of this drink served it over ice in a Collins glass. The latter option will make for a more laid-back, refreshing cocktail.

Named after the Canon de 75 modèle 1897, a field gun adopted by the French army in 1898. This artillery piece was used extensively in the first World War.

The artillery piece, better known as the Soixante-Quinze (seventy-five), was famous for being accurate and deadly; words also used to describe the cocktail.

Early versions of this drink use grenadine and Applejack (or Calvados). The earliest publication using ingredients similar to the ones we use today is from 1927’s Here’s How by Judge Jr.

Gin and Champagne, as well as Cognac and Champagne (see French 125), were pairings that were commonly enjoyed long before the naming of this cocktail.