How to make a perfect French 75, the gin cocktail with the welcome effervescence of sparkling wine

In her book "How to Read a Poem and Start a Poetry Circle," poet and friend of the Oracle Molly Peacock writes, "I first fell in love with the word 'joy' because it had a circle inside." A bartender once told a friend of mine that the French 75 is "the quintessential girl drink," and while I have good reason to believe this particular man meant it for it to land as a neg, I will suggest that if you have avoided this drink because some mixologist got his misogyny on it, you might consider rejecting his imposed narrative and embracing its feminine energy instead. Tart but never cloying, the French 75 mixes the medicinal clarity of a London Dry gin with the welcome effervescence of sparkling wine and lemonade — like that dear friend who has a knack for telling you exactly what it is you need right now. Simple syrup Chilled champagne Cracked ice Gear: You don't need any specialty equipment to mix a simple cocktail. But here's what I keep at hand: Highball, fizz or other tall thin glass Cocktail shaker Strainer Jigger or measuring device Handheld citrus press Hand-crank countertop ice crusher Champagne bottle stopper Instructions: Fill a highball or other tall and skinny glass with cracked ice.