The classic French 75. Photo by Donna Turner Ruhlman.

It’s a celebratory week here in the Ruhlman household. Two significant graduations and the 18th birthday of my daughter. So bubbly is on hand, and it led me to this thoroughly refreshing and restorative cocktail, the French 75, which I was first introduced to at the Velvet Tango Room. The concoction was apparently named after a French field gun, owing to its kick, at Harry’s Bar in Paris, and I love its French name best, Soixante Quinze.

It couldn’t be simpler: a gin sour (lemon juice and simple syrup), topped with dry sparkling wine, finished with a twist.

Best wishes to all on this first Friday of June, but especially to the parents out there with kids who are graduating.

The French 75

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Bubbly as needed
• Lemon twist

1. Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Swirl till thoroughly chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
3. Top with sparkling wine.
4. Garnish with a twist.

If you liked this post, take a look at these links:

• My recent cocktail posts that include gin are the Hasty Negroni, Boulevardier, Tom Collins, and the classic Manhattan.
• The Hour: A Cocktail Manifesto, by Bernard DeVoto, is a lovely meditation on that heavenly time of day.
• Letherbee Original Label is an interesting Chicago gin you should try when you come to town.
• Be on the lookout for Two James distillery in Detroit—they make gin, rye, whiskey, and vodka.

© 2013 Michael Ruhlman. Photo © 2013 Donna Turner Ruhlman. All rights reserved.