As midnight hits on New Year’s Eve, champagne corks pop, and cheers fill the air. It’s in these moments that the French 75 cocktail truly comes alive. This drink, made with gin, lemon, and sparkling wine, is perfect for celebrations.
Whether it’s New Year’s, a birthday, or a midweek treat, the French 75 always impresses. We’ll dive into its history, share the classic recipe, and explore six tasty twists for your next celebration.
Key Takeaways
- The classic French 75 cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine.
- The French 75 has a rich history dating back to World War I, when it was named after a French artillery gun.
- Variations of the French 75 can be made by substituting the gin, using different types of sparkling wine, or experimenting with alternative sweeteners.
- The French 75 is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed for a variety of occasions, from holiday parties to special brunches.
- Serving the French 75 in a champagne flute and garnishing with a lemon twist adds an elegant touch to the presentation.
What is a French 75 Cocktail?
The History and Origins of the French 75
The French 75 is a champagne cocktail loved since World War I. It got its name from the French 75mm field gun, known for its strong impact. It was first listed in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock in 1930. The recipe includes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne.
It’s a favorite for celebrations and special events. The original recipe is still popular, but some like to try different spirits like cognac or rum. The French 75 is a classic and elegant drink.
“The French 75 cocktail is also known as a “Soixante Quinze” in French, which translates to Seventy-Five.”
Over time, the French 75 has seen many variations. From the “Soixante-Quinze” in 1915 to the “French 75” in the late 1980s and 1990s. The way it’s served has changed too, from a coupe glass to a flute.
Whether you like the classic gin version or a creative twist, the French 75 is a timeless favorite. It has a rich history and remains popular today.
Classic French 75 Recipe
Ready to celebrate in style? The classic French 75 cocktail is a timeless and elegant drink. It’s perfect for any special occasion. This champagne-based cocktail mixes gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a balanced and festive sip.
To make the classic French 75 recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces gin (such as Hendrick’s or Koval Dry Gin)
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2-3 ounces chilled champagne or sparkling wine
Here’s how to make the perfect champagne cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture evenly into two chilled coupe or champagne glasses.
- Top each glass with 2-3 ounces of chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon twist.
The classic French 75 is a perfectly balanced and refreshing cocktail. It’s sure to impress your guests. With its crisp, citrusy flavors and effervescent finish, it’s a celebratory drink for any occasion.
“The French 75 is a timeless and delicious cocktail that’s perfect for any festive celebration.” – Cocktail Enthusiast
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, ringing in the new year, or simply want to enjoy a sophisticated sipper, the classic French 75 recipe is a must-try. Cheers to making memories and celebrating in style!
Ingredients for a Classic French 75
Making a French 75 cocktail is simple yet elegant. It needs just a few key ingredients. These are french 75 ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine or champagne.
The gin gives the drink its base flavor. The lemon juice and simple syrup add a sweet and tangy taste. Finally, the sparkling wine or champagne adds a celebratory fizz.
Essential Components for Making a French 75
- Gin – Choose a good gin to start with.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the citrus flavor.
- Simple Syrup – Add a bit of simple syrup for sweetness.
- Chilled Sparkling Wine or Champagne – Top it off with bubbly for the fizz.
While some might swap gin for cognac or rum, these four essential french 75 components are the core. Having them ready lets you make a French 75 whenever you want.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gin | 1 1/2 oz. |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 3/4 oz. |
| Simple Syrup | 3/4 oz. |
| Champagne or Sparkling Wine | 3 to 4 oz. |
| Lemon Peel (for garnish) | 1 |
“The French 75 cocktail is typically served as an apéritif before dinner in France.”
French 75 Variations and Twists
The classic French 75 is loved by many, but there are also many french 75 variations and french 75 cocktail twists to try. These creative french 75 recipes can make your cocktail-making skills better. They also add a special touch to this classic drink.
Try the French 76 for a change, using vodka instead of gin. Adding a dash of bitters gives it an herbal flavor. You can also use lavender or elderflower syrups for a more complex taste.
Be bold and swap the lemon for grapefruit or lime. The Sloe 75 uses sloe gin for a different taste. The Elderflower Rosé 75 adds elderflower liqueur and rosé wine for a floral, bubbly twist.
| Variation | Base Spirit | Citrus Juice | Sweetener | Sparkling Wine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic French 75 | Gin | Lemon | Simple Syrup | Brut Champagne |
| French 76 | Vodka | Lemon | Simple Syrup | Brut Champagne |
| Sloe 75 | Sloe Gin | Lime | Simple Syrup | Brut Champagne |
| Elderflower Rosé 75 | Gin | Lemon | Elderflower Syrup | Rosé Wine |
Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, the french 75 cocktail is always a hit. Mix and match spirits, citrus, and sweeteners to create your favorite french 75 variation.
Tips for Serving the Perfect French 75
To make your French 75 perfect, remember these tips. First, chill your glassware and sparkling wine or Champagne before mixing. This keeps the drink bubbly.
When mixing, shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup well with ice. Then, strain the mix into chilled glasses and top with the bubbly.
For a fun touch, garnish with a lemon twist. Serve it very cold. Enjoy the mix of gin, lemon, and sparkling wine. Remember, use top-notch Champagne or sparkling wine for the best taste.
Optimal Glassware and Ingredients
Use a Champagne flute for serving the French 75. It’s elegant and strong. Sommelier Jordan Salcito recommends a 100% Pinot Noir Champagne for its boldness. London Dry Gin is the classic choice, but you can also use brandy or calvados.
Serving Variations
- In New Orleans, the French 75 can be made with Cognac instead of gin.
- Muddling in fresh ingredients like strawberries, raspberries, and herbs such as mint, basil, and cucumber can enhance the French 75.
- The recipe can be adapted to serve as a punch for a crowd, with instructions for a batch that makes 16-20 servings.
By following these tips, you can make your French 75 experience better. Serve a cocktail that celebrates the classic flavors of this beloved drink.
“The French 75 is a versatile cocktail template that lends itself well to a variety of variations and adaptations.”
Conclusion
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for celebrating with on special occasions. It’s also great for romantic evenings or any time you want a sophisticated drink. This champagne cocktail will impress your guests and make your taste buds happy.
It has gin (or cognac), zesty lemon, and bubbly champagne. The French 75 captures the spirit of celebration. Use the tips and recipes in this summary of the French 75 to make it at your next gathering or quiet evening.
The French 75 has a rich history and still charms cocktail lovers today. It’s a versatile drink that you can enjoy in many ways. So, raise a glass and celebrate with the French 75 – a drink that makes every moment special.
FAQ
What is a French 75 cocktail?
The French 75 is a champagne cocktail loved by many. It mixes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine. This drink is elegant and has a mild yet sophisticated taste.
Where does the French 75 come from?
The French 75 cocktail has its roots in World War I. It’s named after the French 75mm field gun, known for its strong punch. It first appeared in Harry Craddock’s 1930 book, “The Savoy Cocktail Book.”
What are the key ingredients in a classic French 75?
A classic French 75 includes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and chilled sparkling wine or champagne.
Can I make variations of the French 75?
Yes, you can try many variations of the French 75. You can use cognac or rum instead of gin. You can also add bitters or try different sparkling wines.
What tips can I use to make the perfect French 75?
To make a perfect French 75, chill your glassware and sparkling wine before starting. Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup well with ice. Then, strain them into your chilled glasses and top with the bubbly.
Source Links
- How to Make a Classic French 75
- French 75 Cocktail – Food with Feeling
- How to Make a French 75
- French 75 (cocktail)
- French 75 Cocktail
- French 75 cocktail history
- Classic French 75 Cocktail
- French 75
- French 75 Cocktail – Love and Lemons
- The French 75 Is The Fanciest Cocktail—Period
- French 75 Cocktail (Original Recipe from Paris)
- French 75 Variations
- 5 variations of the classic French 75 champagne cocktail you must try this summer
- French 75 Cocktail | Social Hour
- How to Make the Perfect French 75
- The French 75
- The French 75
- French 75 – Jeffrey Morgenthaler
