MENU DORSET issue 08 65 pages | Page 63

In conjunction with Cocktail of the Month! The Cocktail Menu French 'Soixante Quinze' By Hotel du Vin, Poole If you get caught at the bar with a military enthusiast (it can happen) and the conversation is in danger of grinding to an awkward silence, the French 45, or Soixante-Quinze, is a great secret weapon to have in your conversational arsenal. A combination of bubbly, floral gin, and sharp citrus, this tipple takes its name from a groundbreaking 19th century French 75 mm field gun. Created in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, which also lays claim to the Bloody Mary, the French 75 was so called because drinkers likened its kick to being on the wrong end of a shelling from the 75's cannon. An OTT summary, perhaps, but it's worth ordering a French 75 just so you can share the story and impress anyone in earshot with your knowledge of artillery-inspired drinks. If you're going to break the ice, you may as well do it with a bang. Recipe Ser ves 1 Chill a champagne flute. Pour a single 25ml measure of gin into the flute. We recommend Bombay Sapphire as it pairs well with lemon. Add a half measure (12.5ml) of fresh lemon juice into the f ]K