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Pictured: The French 75 made with brandy at State Street.

Take a sweet sip of roaring history as you inhale the champagne fizzies floating atop the classic French 75 cocktail, made two ways. Dating back to World War I, the drink is named after the French 75mm field gun—the classic iteration made with gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar said to have such a powerful kick that it felt as if you had been shot with the gun. While a lively debate exists as to the spirit found in the original elixir, the pretty potation is delicious whether you choose gin or brandy—and yet quite different; the gin version full of citrus and juniper, the brandy syrupy and toasty. At State Street, they'll make it for you either way, both garnished with a spindly lemon peel. But be careful, this drink is a sly fox—drinking too many of the deceptively tangy libation very well may get you into trouble.

Pictured: The French 75 made with brandy at State Street.

State Street Cocktails, 1533 State St., Sarasota, 941-951-1533.

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