The French 75
The Bar at Bohanan's
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With the upcoming French 75 contest at The Esquire, it seems a good time to explore that drink’s history, which is hinted at by the question a bartender who knows her stuff will ask you when you order one: “Cognac or gin?”

The origin of the drink is unclear and disputed. One story suggests that it was created in World War I by French infantrymen. According to this particular story, French officers were allotted an unlimited quantity of Champagne, while the infantry’s share was rationed. To stretch their stock, it is said that the infantrymen would drink Cognac — of which they were allotted an unlimited quantity — with a float of Champagne before going “over the top” to attack the enemy. Continue reading →