Proof 75

Gin’s one of our favorite spirits, but we get that it’s not for everyone. “Weird, like sucking on pine needles and grapefruit peel,” is how one of our drinking buddies puts it. Sure, we can sort of see that.

But in a French 75, named for a rapid-firing 75mm WWI field gun, the sweetness and fizz of champagne take the edge off that bitterness while the lemon complements the herbal flavors. (Think how well lemon works with rosemary — similar idea.) In our Proof 75, Traditional Proof Syrup takes the place of the original recipe’s simple syrup.

In any formulation, the 75 is a strongish cocktail that’s neither sweet nor especially spirit-forward, and equally delicious with brunch or before dinner. Even if gin’s not your fave right now, a good 75 might change your mind (or at least help you get through that bottle at the back of your liquor cabinet).