Give Gin a Chance with the Cocktail that's Named After a Gun

"If you don't like Gin, you haven't found the right one yet"

Now, I am a firm believer that everyone can enjoy every spirit - provided they find the brand and application that satisfies their palate. This is especially true with Gin because there are so many variations in this era of artisan distilling.

In fact, about a month ago, I converted a Gin-hating friend by serving her a Gin Sour made with Barr Hill Gin, a gentle spirit flavored with honey. Purists (who insist, with good reason, that true Gin is juniper-forward) wouldn't call it Gin, but then it ain't Whiskey either.

My point here is that opinions are based on experience, and the way to change them is to provide a better experience.

French 75: Gin's "gateway" drink

And when it comes to Gin and swaying someone who flatly dismisses the stuff, I tend to opt for an unconventional Gin wrapped in the layers of a French 75. But, I don't tell them that it's a Gin drink. I'm evil that way.

Named for the French 75 millimeter field gun used in World War I, the French 75 - as we say in the book - "will hit you like cannon fire." It's strong - sugar and alcohol literally do "go to your head" - but subtly so because of the citrus and bubbles.
If you think this sounds suspiciously like a Gin sour - Gin, sugar, citrus - you'd be right. But nothing makes a spirit go down - and be lifted - like a dose of fizz.

For those of you who already accept Gin as "the" spirit, good on you. For those of you who don't - or for your friends who are misguided naysayers - mix up some French 75s and say "oui, oui" to Gin.

And, if you refuse to embrace the juniper spirit, you are forgiven. Simply sub Cognac or Brandy and you'll have yourself a French 125.

French 75 Recipe