French 95

As previously mentioned, the French 75 was a named after the artillery rounds in World War I.  But what if you want something with a little more firepower?  Enter the French 95, the close cousin of the French 75 that happens to be made with bourbon, instead of gin.  The resulting cocktail is a little more spicy, a lot less dainty, and every bit as refreshing.  To make the French 95, there’s a few tweaks required to get to high caliber:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• Dry Champagne or Cava

Combine Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup in a shaker.  Add ice, shake, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.  Add two ice cubes, and top with Champagne (or Cava).

French 95 Drink Notes

Same basic principles apply from the French 75, to recap:

• Carbonation & Shaking – When making a sparkling cocktail, don’t add the carbonation into the shaker.  This will cause it to go flat.
• Champagne – Champagne is great and all, but it is expensive.  While a French 75 will let you appreciate the champagne, you can just as easily use Cava.  I’d recommend G.H. Mumm if you’d like to splurge on Champagne or Anna De Codorníu Blanc de Blancs for Cava.
• Simple Syrup – Combine sugar and water in even parts (1:1 ratio) and bring to a boil.  Let cool, and refrigerate.  If you add vodka, it will stay good for a month or more.