France was on the brink of winning the World Cup in 1998. The streets were lined with fans, cheers echoing throughout the country, along with the blares of Ricky Martin’s, “La Copa de la Vida.” I was crammed into a bar with my mom in Angers, a city not too far from Paris. While she has never been and still isn’t a cocktail drinker, she immediately ordered us two screwdrivers as the waiter came around. I felt scandalous because I was only 17 and about to drink a cocktail in a bar, something I could never do back home. As the drink was placed in front of me, I looked to my mom and took a sip. It was the first time that fiery feeling filled my chest as I sipped on the bitterness that coated my palate. I assumed all cocktails ensued that taste and burn, but it wasn’t until many years later, I learned to enjoy the occasional apéritif. And to this day, often times when I’m mixing up libations, I’m reminded of that memorable moment with my mom. Food and drinks are truly beautiful in the way they can trigger nostalgia.

There are only a handful of cocktails that I enjoy and one of them is a French 75. When out with friends or at work events and I ask for this beverage, it often sparks intrigue and others follow suit with their order, and are always happy they did. It’s only a few ingredients, topped with my favorite, Prosecco or Champagne and makes for a wonderful apéritif. Cheers, or as the French say, Santé!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin
• 1 Tablespoon simple syrup (can be store bought or on the stove top, stir equal parts water and sugar until the sugar dissolves, then let cool.)
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Champagne or Prosecco
• Lemon twist
• Ice

Fill ¼ of a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake until well mixed. Pour into glass of choice, such as a champagne flute or coupe. Top with Champagne or Prosecco and garnish with a lemon twist.