A few weeks ago I attended the closing gala for San Francisco's Cocktail Week. The event was a casual happy hour spotted with lovely specialty drinks by the talented Absinthe Bar bartenders. The party served as closure to the week, as well as a release party for Art of the Bar, a cocktail book by the Absinthe bartenders. So naturally, they were showing off some of their specialty drinks.

I was lucky enough to experience several different selections, but the one I was gaga for was called French 75 - a champagne cocktail made with gin and citrus juice. If you've never had one, treat yourself tonight. It's simple, it's classy, it's tasty. Get the recipe, just read more

French 75
Adapted from Drinks Mixer

1 1/2 oz gin
2 tsp superfine sugar
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz lime juice
4 oz chilled Champagne
1 lemon peel twist
2 brandied cherries

In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, sugar, lime juice and lemon juice. Shake well. Pour into tall glass (ie: pilsner). Top with champagne. Stir well and garnish with lemon peel and brandied cherries.

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