FRENCH 75 COCKTAIL RECIPE
Pop open the bubbly and grab a lemon, it's time to make a French 75! This classic cocktail, sometimes known as a 'Soixante Quinze', is a dazzling mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It's fancy, yet simple to make, a perfect choice for your next cocktail party.
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Gin
- ½ Ounce Lemon Juice
- ½ Ounce Simple Syrup
- 3 Ounces Sparkling Wine (Champagne)
- 1 Lemon Twist (garnish)
Method
- Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour the Gin, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup into the shaker.
- Shake for about 15 seconds, or until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Champagne flute.
- Top up the glass with your Champagne.
- Garnish with the Lemon Twist (optional)
- Enjoy!
Tips For Making A French 75
Use a good quality gin, it'll make a difference.
As always, freshly squeezed lemon juice is best.
Chill your champagne flute beforehand for the best cocktail. Since it's served without ice, the chilled glass will help the drink stay cooler, for longer.
For a twist, try replacing gin with cognac.
French 75 Ingredients
A French 75 is a bubbly cocktail with a gin base, enhanced by lemon's tanginess, balanced by sugar's sweetness, and topped with the elegance of champagne.
Best Gin For A French 75
Look for a gin that's smooth and filled with botanicals to add depth to your French 75. Something like Beefeater is a great choice - it's well-balanced, full-bodied, and adds a lovely, subtle hint of juniper to the drink.
Best Sparkling Wine For A French 75
When making a French 75, you're looking for a sparkling wine that complements the cocktail's other ingredients without overpowering them. A Brut Champagne is traditionally used due to its dry profile, which nicely balances the sweet and tart elements of the drink.
However, if you're searching for a more budget-friendly alternative, a dry Prosecco or Cava could work well too. These sparkling wines still provide the necessary bubbles and have a crispness that pairs well with the gin and lemon.
For a particular brand recommendation, Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne is a wonderful choice. Its quality and refined taste, combined with its vibrant, crisp finish, make it an ideal choice for your French 75.
French 75 History
The French 75, or Soixante Quinze as it's known in French, has a fascinating and storied history. The drink's origin dates back to the grueling times of World War I. It's believed that American soldiers stationed in France created this cocktail.
They had a good supply of champagne, and mixed it with the gin they'd brought over from the US. The result was a cocktail with such a kick that it was likened to the powerful French 75mm field gun, and thus the cocktail found its name.
The recipe for the French 75 was first recorded in "Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails," a book by Harry MacElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, a popular spot for American expatriates. Later in the 1930s, the recipe appeared again in the renowned Savoy Cocktail Book.
While initially, the French 75 was served in a Collins glass over ice, it eventually evolved to be served in a champagne flute, giving it the elegant presentation we are familiar with today.
The cocktail's popularity grew during the 1940s and 50s, when it was featured in classic movies, like "Casablanca". It has remained a favorite throughout the years, with its popularity peaking again in recent years as part of the overall resurgence of classic cocktails.
FAQ's
What Does A French 75 Taste Like?
A French 75 offers a beautiful balance of bright, tart lemon, botanical gin, and the sweetness of simple syrup, all topped off with the bubbly effervescence of champagne. It's a sophisticated, crisp, and refreshing cocktail.
Can I make a French 75 without gin?
Yes, a popular variant of the French 75 replaces gin with cognac. This results in a slightly richer and deeper cocktail, but still delicious.