World Gin Day and a Favorite — Bleu Blonde Rouge

On this world gin day, let’s revisit my favorite.

Behold the Soixante Quinze, otherwise known as the French 75, my very favorite cocktail, after all it has Champagne in it. The cocktail dates back to 1915 when it was first created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during World War I.

Harry’s New York Bar, steps away from the Ritz on “Sank Roo Doe Noo'' was opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1911 by American Jockey Tod Sloan. He took his New York bar apart piece by piece and shipped it to Paris. Sloan hired Scotish barman Harry MacElhone, who would run the bar and come up with many iconic cocktails we know today. Other than the French 75, the Monkey Gland, the Sidecar and the Bucket of Blood, later to be known as the Bloody Mary and many more.

In 1923 Harry would purchase the business, add his name to the marquee and greet everyone from Rita Hayworth to Hemingway. In 1928 George Gershwin composed An American in Paris in the piano room that sits downstairs.Now 119 years later, the walls are still covered with vintage felt pennants from American colleges and you can even get a tasty hot dog.

The French 75, was first created using gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and topped with Champagne was named for the French 75mm gun used in World War I. Harry said it gave just as big of a punch, Other variations are made with brandy, but the gin is prefered. The drink is very simple to make, gather your French gin and Champagne and let's get to it. You can of course use other substandard gin, but it's even better in your heart when it is French gin. Citadelle French gin, the first botanical gin of France was first created in 1996 and filled with 19 aromatics. It’s beautiful blue bottle also looks really nice on your bar.