The Scarlet Letter Cocktail

It’s been said the classic French 75 cocktail was popularized during World War II when returning fighter pilots were looking for a libation featuring, much like an artillery gun, a powerful kick. However, combining crisp gin with potent brandy could have easily originated in the ‘20s, an era where bartenders were forced to mask the taste of illegal alcohol, all while making it delectable for their growing clientele. The Scarlet Letter, created by Jackson Cannon at The Hawthorne in Boston, is a twist on the French 75, using cranberry purée to modernize the deliciously bubbly drink.