Nectar of the Gods? I'm pretty sure it's gin

To all you gin aficionados out there, we share a special bond. There is nothing more appealing to me than a cocktail made with a good aromatic, dry gin. Bombay Sapphire is my go-to, but as of late, Hendricks has become my new favorite, although not always as readily available.

Now what better way to ring in the new year, than with a fantabulous gin cocktail? My friend David recently introduced me to one (or two, or three...). It's called a French 75, and it's so deliciously potent that it was named after a piece of WWI French artillery...

Wait! And just how much gin does this thing hold?!

Cheers to a Healthy and Happy 2011! 

French 75
Adapted from The Washington Post, August 12, 2009

• 2 oz. gin
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• Brut Champagne or other dry sparkling wine
• Lemon twist for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds, then strain into a champagne flute. Top with the champagne as needed, and garnish with the twist of lemon peel.

NOTE: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a slow rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof container and let cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and refrigerate until chilled through; store indefinitely.