Happy World Gin Day!!

So . . . for those of you who do not know June 15th is World Gin Day, which I figured was the perfect opportunity to use one of my cocktail recipes.

Originally used in the Middle Ages as a herbal medicine, Gin, which happens to be my favorite alcoholic spirit, is now a popular component of many classic and contemporary cocktails.  The main flavor of gin is derived from juniper berries, but the products will vary in origins, styles, and flavor profiles. You will find varieties that are more fruity like Tanqueray No. 10 ,which is distilled with grapefruit and other citrus, or more herbaceous, like Hendricks, which goes perfectly with tonic and cucumber garnish.

The French 75 is a simple classic gin cocktail made from gin, champagne, lemon, and sugar. The cocktail was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris by barman Harry MacElhone, and was named French 75 after the French 75mm Field Gun, because it had such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful gun.

This drink was first made for me by mixologist Tim Etherington-Judge of The Dash of Ginger Bitters cocktail blog. It quickly became a favorite, but one I had never gotten around to trying to make myself. Well . . . there has to be a first time for everything, and that is what my 100 Days Project is all about, so World Gin Day seemed the perfect opportunity to give this one a try.

French 75

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) dry gin
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons superfine sugar
• Chilled champagne or other dry sparkling wine
• Cracked ice
• Garnish: lemon slice
• Equipment: a cocktail shaker and strainer; a 16-ounce highball glass o champagne flute

Half fill the cocktail shaker with cracked ice, then add gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake the mixture vigorously, then strain it into a highball glass packed with cracked ice. Fill the glass slowly with champagne and give it a stir.

ENJOY!!