french 75.

Hello again, friends! Another treat for you today--this one from Jessica at The Love List. Her eye never ceases to amaze me! Enjoy this very European cocktail while we enjoy our last full day in Europe. Thanks again, Jessica! xoxo {av}
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I had my first French 75 at a Prohibition-style bar in Austin, Texas... and two more after the first. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Palm Beach, Florida into a hotel directly across from the Breaker's Sushi Restaurant, Echo. I was introduced to a bartender there whom, under assumption I was making an obscure request, I cautiously asked to make me one. He didn't even blink. He proceeded to whip me up a French 75 even better than that first one that got me hooked. I spent many nights paying him a visit at Echo's bar after that.

Recently, in New York, I was visiting the incredible home of renowned book and object collector Tom Cary, and he showed me one of his most recent acquisitions, an incredibly rare version of the original Savoy Cocktail Book, the very one where the drink recipe first appeared! 

Though there is an argument about whether it was originally made with cognac or gin. I learned then that the Savoy instructs gin use, and I agree. I think a clear liquor makes it much more refreshing -- perfect for hot summers in my current home of Atlanta, Georgia. Lucky for me, I live in Buckhead near Bistro Niko, which makes an on-par version of the drink with lemonade. I still contend that it's the perfect drink, and I can't wait to over-serve myself many more in the future.