Created by legendary barman Harry MacElhone—who also invented the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar at his storied Harry’s New York Bar in Paris—the French 75 (gin, Champagne, lemon juice, sugar) dates back to WW1 and takes its name from the notion that it had such a kick, drinking one felt like being shelled by the French 75—an anti-aircraft artillery weapon. Opened in 1911, Harry's New York Bar was a favourite of everyone from Chanel and Hemingway to Bogart and the Duke of Windsor. A setting for Ian Fleming's ‘A View to a Kill’, George Gershwin composed ‘An American in Paris’ on the bar's piano—Harry’s New York Bar still open today; run by MacElhone’s descendants.
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