The French 75 is a classic cocktail that was created in the early 1900s by Harry MacElhone at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France. The original is made with gin, sugar, lemon, and sparkling wine and is said to have been named for the 75mm French artillery gun used in World War I. It was popularized in the United States by the Stork Club in New York City, New York when American soldiers brought the recipe home from Europe, and although traditionally made with gin, David A. Embury insisted that it be made with brandy instead in 1948, so this variation calls for Armagnac as the base.
Add brandy or gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
Fill shaker with cubed ice.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Using a Hawthorne strainer, strain into a champagne glass.
Top with sparkling wine.
Garnish with lemon twist.