Timeless Tipple of the Week: French 75

The cocktail of the week is notoriously a hard hitter despite its elegant look and that is why the French 75 is named after a piece of World War I artillery. In fact, in The Savoy Cocktail Book Harry Craddock says that it, "Hits with remarkable precision."

Like many of the cocktails of its day, the French 75 has some controversy. It is still debated if the original cocktail Harry MacElhone concocted was made with brandy or gin. Then there's the adaptation to a French 76, which brings vodka in as the base and with that one most agree. For me the French 75 is excellent with either of the two spirits, and yes both do pack a punch, but the brandy version has a richness that is extra delightful. Which one you choose probably depends on your mood at the time: if you feel like something semi-sweet go with the brandy and if dry is more to your taste at the moment go with the gin. Both are good choices.

French 75 cocktail recipe...

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