Shake Cognac, sugar, and lemon juice with cracked ice. Strain into a highball glass half full of cracked ice. Top with 3-4 oz of Champagne. Garnish with brandied cherries and a lemon twist.
The French 75 recipe that we use has 2 dashed of absinthe in the shaker, too. I haven't tried that with a French 125 yet. Couldn't hurt?