According to Ted Haigh (aka Dr. Cocktail), the French 75 is one of two cocktails named after the French 75-mm field gun, which was commonly used in World War I. "One barman in 1947," reports Haigh, "called it a Tom Collins with champagne instead of club soda. Vive la difference!" Here's Haigh's version of the recipe, from his wonderful book, Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails. More
Where does the legendary James Beard come into play with this recipe? Well, Beard was known to favor a glass of Champagne as an aperitif, perhaps the bubbly base for this punch had a little something to to with that. It's a classy, heady mix of Champagne (or more economically, prosecco, cava, or any other dry sparkler), Cognac, Cointreau, and orange and lemon juices—the kind of drink that goes down a little too easy. More
This tart and refreshing cocktail, adapted from Kate Simon's Tiny Bubbles: Fizzy Cocktails for Every Occasion is quite a bit more complex and tasty than the bottle of subpar prosecco you're likely to find in the New Year's Eve party fridge. It's a variation on the South Side cocktail, with the bitter oils of the citrus contributing a refreshing pungent note, and the bubbly adding brightness and light. More
The Champagne Cup is one of six champagne punches featured in Esquire's Handbook for Hosts. Combining the fresh tang of pineapple, cucumber, orange and cherry with the rich flavors of cognac and Benedictine, the Champagne Cup underscores the wine without overwhelming it. More
Gilding the lily is one of my favorite activities, but there was something mildly insane about the thought of putting ice cream in champagne. Were drinkers back in 1888 on to something good? More
A marriage of the Cosmopolitan and the Kir Royale, Champagne gets dressed up with cranberry juice and Triple Sec. Alcoholic, slightly sweet, and slightly tart, and you'll be thankful you took a few sips of this festive cocktail. More
For me, nothing is as naughty as Nutella, which I eat with a spoon, straight from the jar. No need to mess around. This Champagne shooter is a small liquorish tribute to my sweet indulgence: chocolate and hazelnut liqueurs tempered with the bright-eyed, winking sparkle of Champagne. More
his French 75 uses sugar cubes to add a touch of exhibitionism to a New Year's cocktail party. Pass a tray of these lemon and gin and Champagne cocktails around, and as each guest picks one up, drop a sugar cube or two into their flute. More
Sure, you could make mimosas on Mother's Day. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous to make with your bubbly--or, perhaps the idea of spending an afternoon at your mother's place requires a little extra fortification--you can send your greetings via Air Mail. More
The Seelbach rests on a base of bourbon—as if it would be anything but—and dresses up this spirit with a little Cointreau, a healthy dose of bitters and an indulgent splash of Champagne. More
