As the temperatures go up, the need for a lighter refreshing summer cocktail is in full swing. I’m not a gin guy, but lately I’ve been drinking French 75’s made with Tanqueray Malacca and all I can say is “Oh Hell Yes”. The cocktail, which dates to the end of the First World War, and is named for the famed French 75mm canon, meets all my needs. The recipe I am using is slightly different from the traditional with the addition os Grand Marnier, which adds a nice additional aromatic to the overall flavor pallet of the drink. The recipe is below. Enjoy.

2 ounces Tanqueray Malacca gin
1¼ ounces Grand Marnier 150
1½ ounces lemon
2½ ounces Champagne
Lemon twist

Shake gin, Grand Marnier, and lemon over ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a martini glass. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist. Makes two.