French 75
French 75
French 75 - two ways (one for me, one for Elise Hooper) | In my latest author interview with Elise Hooper, author of Learning to See, she named the French 75 as her signature drink. I LOVE a good champagne cocktail…so here are two ways to make a French 75, depending on your spirit of choice.
French 75 Variations
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines gin (or sometimes cognac), lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. These variations add a creative twist while maintaining its elegant charm. If you love Gin, you might also love this Tom Collins recipe.
French 75 with Gin -
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice
- 1 oz Gin
- 2 Dashes Simple syrup
- Champagne
- Lemon twist for garnish
French 75 with Cognac -
INGREDIENTS:
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1/2 oz simple syrup - Champagne - Lemon twist for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Choose your spirit of choice (although I prefer gin cocktails, cognac makes a delicious French 75, so don’t be scared to try it!) Combine gin or cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake like you mean it. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist. #ahastycocktail
Flavored French 75 Variations -
1. Berry Bliss French 75
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz berry syrup (made with blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
3 oz Champagne or dry sparkling wine
Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions:
Combine gin, lemon juice, and berry syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with chilled Champagne and garnish with a fresh berry skewer.
2. Elderflower French 75
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and elderflower liqueur with ice. Strain into a Champagne flute, top with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Spiced Pear French 75
Ingredients:
1 oz pear brandy or pear-flavored gin
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz spiced pear syrup (or simple syrup with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg)
3 oz sparkling wine
Thin pear slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Shake the pear brandy, lemon juice, and spiced pear syrup with ice. Strain into a flute, top with sparkling wine, and garnish with a pear slice or cinnamon stick.
4. Lavender French 75
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz lavender syrup
3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
Edible flowers or a sprig of lavender for garnish
Instructions:
Shake gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice. Strain into a Champagne flute, top with Champagne, and garnish with edible flowers or lavender.
5. Blood Orange French 75
Ingredients:
1 oz gin
1/2 oz fresh blood orange juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
Thin blood orange wheel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine gin, blood orange juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Champagne flute, top with sparkling wine, and garnish with a blood orange wheel.
These variations keep the French 75 sophisticated while introducing seasonal and flavorful elements. Which one are you planning to try first?
History of the French 75 -
The French 75 cocktail has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. Here's a look at its origins and evolution:
The Origin of the Name
The cocktail is named after the French 75mm field gun, a piece of artillery used during World War I. Known for its speed and accuracy, the gun became a symbol of strength and innovation. The drink’s name reflects its potent combination of ingredients, which was said to deliver a "kick" akin to the weapon's firepower.
The Early Recipe
The first iteration of a cocktail resembling the French 75 appeared in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris (later known as Harry’s New York Bar), created by bartender Harry MacElhone.
This early version included gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar, making it refreshing yet powerful.
Popularization in the U.S.
The French 75 gained popularity in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920–1933). With limited access to whiskey and other spirits, gin became a common base for cocktails.
The drink was included in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock in 1930, cementing its status as a classic.
Variations in Base Spirits
Early recipes often used cognac instead of gin, as cognac was traditionally more popular in France.
Over time, gin became the more common base, likely due to its widespread availability and compatibility with the cocktail's citrus and sparkling elements.
Cultural Significance
The French 75 became a symbol of sophistication and celebration, often served at high-society events and champagne toasts.
It has appeared in pop culture, most notably in the classic movie Casablanca (1942), further solidifying its glamorous image.
Modern Renaissance
Today, the French 75 remains a beloved cocktail, frequently featured on menus at upscale bars and restaurants. Bartenders have embraced its versatility, creating modern variations with different spirits, syrups, and sparkling wines.
The French 75 continues to embody elegance and effervescence, making it a timeless choice for celebrations and special occasions. Its ties to history and the iconic imagery of World War I give it a unique place in cocktail lore.
