The story goes that this drink was invented by an American airman fighting alongside the French in World War I. Quite the playboy, he thought the local champagne he was guzzling didn't have quite enough kick so he dosed it up with a splash of cognac. The resulting beverage was said to hit you like a shell from a French 75mm field gun. These days, it's usually made with gin for a lighter and fresher version that's still just as delicious – and dangerous.