French '75'

The original French '75' cocktail seems to have been intended to pack a major punch. You won't see it served in a highball glass like this in restaurants, mostly because this much cognac and champagne amounts to two expensive and potent drinks in one. Presumably no one would pay such a steep price for one drink, and bar guests would get fall-down-drunk pretty quick if these were served.

So make this one at home. It's still as refreshing as it was in New Orleans before prohibition hit, and it is just as intoxicating as ever now. Good cognac really amounts to a richer and more interesting drink, as does the use of quality champagne. Then you are really pushing this drink into a super deluxe category of cocktails. It might easily be possible to order a Remy Martin Louis XIII French '75' with a very rare vintage champagne and pay somewhere around $700 dollars for it. But Remy Martin Louis XV and cava will do just fine for me.

• 2 oz. of cognac
• 1 tbsp. sugar syrup
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• champagne or sparkling wine
• lemon twist

Combine cognac, lemon juice and sugar in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a highball glass full of fresh ice. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.