The French 75

—Jack Bettridge

What kind of a drink almost sparks an international incident? In the case of the 1942 classic Casablanca, it’s a French 75. At Rick’s Café Americain in Vichy France, a German officer calls for two of the cocktails while flaunting his new French girlfriend in front of a Vichy soldier. Whether the order is an insult (the drink is named for a World War I artillery gun) or just meant to get saucy Yvonne drunk (the drink, like the cannon, packs a wallop), a punch-up ensues. Owner Rick is obliged to break it up, saying, “Lay off the politics or get out.” Don’t expect such contretemps when you ask for this weaponized Champagne cocktail, but a bit of a border dispute remains in its history. While currently accepted as a sort…

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Cigar Aficionado (Digital) - 1 Issue, November/December 2024

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