Winter-2022

188 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 1923, likened the champagne kick to that of a French 75mm field gun used during the Great War. It is reported to have been a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. The locales offering the French 75 as part of their normal menu include Savvy Bar in Monterey andTerry’s Lounge at the Cypress Inn in Carmel. It is also offered at Brophy’s Tavern in Carmel (they refer to it as the Crosby), the Sardine Factory and the Linda Rose Bar & Grill at the top of Hotel 1110, both in Monterey. The Bees Knees, like the 75, is built upon gin and lemon juice, but interestingly, honey syrup is used. The origin story has been lost with time, but there are three intriguing possibilities.Was it created at the Ritz Café Parisian by Frank Meier, or was it “the unsinkable” Molly Brown of Titanic fame that created it following the disaster, or was it a U.S. Prohibition era recipe developed to mask the taste of horrible bathtub gin? Regardless, the name alone is one that instantly recalls the Roaring ’20s beyond any other. Only three places were found to offer this interesting libation and all three were in Monterey. Not surprisingly, they include Savvy Bar, which almost seems like a given, and Pearl Hour in New Monterey, a place known for mak- ing intriguing cocktails. The last location is a bit surprising, given that it is the Whiskey Club of Monterey. While a gin drink, it was so well received there that it has become part of their normal line up for the foreseeable future. The Southside Fizz is also built upon a combi- nation of gin, lemon juice and simple syrup, before mint leaves and soda water are added. It is credited as having been first made at the The bar at the Sardine Factory has long been a favorite haunt for locals and celebrities alike. Their bartenders are legendary, as are the drinks they serve, and it’s the only place on the peninsula to find the Boulevardier. The French 75 is built upon gin along with lemon juice and simple syrup. However, what really sets it apart is the splash of champagne added on top.