Every Friday, the editors of Love& share what they will be imbibing over the weekend. From fancy-schmancy seasonal specialties to the easiest cocktail hacks, we’ve got you covered. Au garde-à-vous, the French 75.

Bubbles, lemon, a whisper of sweetness, and a slug of herbaceous gin? Sounds like spring to us! This très chic cocktail was invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during World War I—hence the name French 75 refers to the kick of the 75-millimeter M1897 gun favored by the the French field artillery. This recipe is adapted from The Cooking to Get Laid Guide To Whisky and Wine by Adrien Sala, all-around bon vivant and our new blogging partner at The Gentleman’s Kitchen.

The French 75

Makes two cocktails:

2 oz gin (substitute Cognac if you prefer)

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz simple syrup*

Champagne Brut (or other dry white sparkling wine)

Lemon twist

Shake the first three ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice. Strain into two chilled coupes or Champagne flutes. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

*Simple syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Simmer equal parts sugar and water in a small sauce pan until sugar is completely dissolved. Store in covered container in the refrigerator for up to a month.