If you don't love me at My Nola, you don't love me

I lived in New Orleans in my early twenties and it has left a huge hole in my heart. Though I couldn't say I wanted to stay forever, I do love that city. It was my first chance at independence and dating and taught me so much. I learned a lot about myself, what I want, and what I can do. The city itself and I first met when I was sixteen with my family. We went for a family trip to Mardi Gras. It was a crazy time and fun. I loved the food. When I went down after university, I was there to study in a graduate program at Tulane. I struggled in the program and in life. I hadn't dated yet and I honestly wasn't prepared for it.

New Orleans is where I learned the love of cocktails and black clothing. I started taking pictures of my outfits and discovered I loved to mix in a little edginess into everything. I didn't dress like other people. I dressed for me. That's something that will always keep me going. Cocktails have also clearly stuck around as well. New Orleans is home to one of my favorite cocktails: French 75.

There are two versions of a French 75: one with gin and one with Cognac/french brandy. I like them both but prefer gin in the summer and brandy in the winter. The cocktail is incredibly simple: brandy or gin, lemon juice, sugar cube, and champagne. The garnish is a lemon twist. What I loved about this cocktail when I was dating was how elegant it was. I liked that I could order it like a pro and no one questioned me. They thought I was classy. What do I like about it now? It still makes me feel classy, it doesn't take a lot of work, and it has bubbles.

Below I have the ingredients and recipes for both versions. I highly recommend trying this cocktail at home when you want to elevate the champagne experience and also next time you are in the mood for feeling fancy. It's fun to order at a bar but know that it is important to know the vibe. Not all bartenders know this cocktail and it won't taste the same if they don't use the right ingredients at the right time.

Brandy version

Ingredients

2 oz Champagne

1 oz French brandy/Cognac

1/2 oz Lemon juice

One Sugar cube

Garnish: lemon peel

Gin Version

Ingredients

2 oz Champagne

1 oz Gin

1/2 oz Lemon juice

One Sugar cube

Garnish: lemon peel

Recipe for both: Place sugar cube in the flute glass. Pour lemon juice then brandy or gin. Then top with champagne and add lemon peel. Enjoy chilled.