The story goes that this drink was invented by an American airman fighting alongside the French in World War I. Quite the playboy, he thought the local champagne he was guzzling didn't have quite enough kick so he dosed it up with a splash of cognac. The resulting beverage was said to hit you like a shell from a French 75mm field gun. These days, it's usually made with gin for a lighter and fresher version that's still just as delicious – and dangerous.
45ml gin
25ml fresh lemon juice
20ml sugar syrup
sparkling wine to top
preserved cherry and lemon peel to garnish
Add gin, lemon and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker full of ice and shake hard for 10 seconds.
Strain into a highball glass, fill with fresh ice and top with sparkling wine.
Garnish with a preserved cherry and a twist of lemon peel.
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