After binge-watching Mad Men this spring, I was taken with the mostly suave Don Draper and his ubiquitous Old-Fashioned. Hence this week’s cocktail selection. The Old-Fashioned is a traditional cocktail, originally developed in Kentucky in the late nineteenth century — and therein lies one controversy. Should we make it with Kentucky whiskey or with another liquor?…

Our first drink is a French 75. Originating in WWI, the name refers to the kick of French 75mm field gun. Ingredients 1.5 oz cognac (or gin) 2 dashes simple syrup .75 oz lemon juice 2 oz Champagne or dry sparking wine Combine gin, syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake…