French 75

The French 75 is a champagne cocktail with real teeth. Gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup are shaken together and strained into a flute, then topped with champagne. The gin brings botanical complexity, the lemon cuts clean, and the champagne lifts the whole drink into something dry, fizzy, and elegant. It hits the palate sharp and bright, tart without being harsh, and the bubbles keep it lively to the last sip. It's one of the few drinks that works as both an aperitif and a party glass. 12.6% ABV (1.1 US standard drinks).