Classic French Cocktails

A few of my favorite cocktails have french origins. Simple, refreshing, and elegant. 

The Sidecar

1 1/2 oz cognac
2/3 oz triple sec
1/2 oz lemon juice

Optional sugar rim: slice of orange, white sugar

To add optional sugar rim: Place sugar on a small plate at least the width of the mouth of your martini glass. Slide a wedge of orange around the rim of your glass and then gently set rim of glass onto sugar plate, gently agitate or roll rim around, until rim of glass is completely lined with sugar.

Combine cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until combined and well chilled. Strain into a martini glass.

French 75

2 oz gin
½  oz simple syrup
1 oz lemon juice
3-4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine

Combine gin, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well combined and chilled. Pour into a coupe or flute. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.