The French 75 is an easy, classic cocktail recipe that's perfect for sipping away summer afternoons. It's elegant, well balanced, and delightfully refreshing. I made these for some friends at a dinner party last weekend, and it was a total hit. Plus, it's very customizable.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet sophisticated: Easy to make but feels fancy.
- Balanced flavors: The gin, lemon, and bubbly create a perfect mix.
- Versatile: Great for brunch, parties, or a quiet evening.
- Elegant presentation: I love drinking anything out of a champagne flute.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness and bubbles to your taste.
- Refreshing: The citrus and sparkling wine make it light and crisp.
- Classic cocktail: A timeless choice that never goes out of style.
What is a French 75? Where'd it Come From?
A French 75 is a classic cocktail that dates back to World War I. It's known for its refreshing and sophisticated flavor. Here's a bit more about it:
- Ingredients: Gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and bubbly (champagne or prosecco).
- Origin: Named after a French 75mm field gun, reflecting its powerful kick.
- Profile: Crisp, citrusy, and bubbly, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Serving: Traditionally served in a champagne flute, often garnished with a lemon twist.
The French 75 cocktail has a fascinating history. It was named after the powerful French 75-millimeter field gun used during World War I. The drink's name reflects its potent kick, likened to the artillery piece's impact.
The cocktail first appeared in print in 1922 as the "75" but in a different form than today's version. The recipe we know now—with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne—was popularized in 1927 by Judge Jr.'s book "Here’s How" and later cemented in Harry Craddock's 1930 "Savoy Cocktail Book".
The drink's original version was a mix of gin, apple brandy, grenadine, and lemon juice. It evolved into its classic form over the years, transitioning to the sparkling, citrusy drink that's still enjoyed today.
Ingredients
Gin: This base spirit, usually a London dry gin, brings a strong botanical flavor with juniper and herbal notes. It forms the foundation of the drink.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy tang that cuts through the gin's intensity, providing a refreshing zest.
Simple Syrup: Acting as a sweetener, simple syrup balances the tartness of the lemon juice, ensuring the cocktail isn’t overly sour. It also smooths out the drink’s texture.
Champagne: The effervescence of champagne (or prosecco) adds a celebratory sparkle and lightness. Its dry and fruity characteristics elevate the cocktail, making it crisp and refreshing.
How to Make It
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather your ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 2-3 oz champagne (or prosecco)
- Optional: lemon twist for garnish
- Prep your shaker:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to ensure your ingredients are well-chilled when mixed.
- Combine the ingredients:
- Pour 1 oz of gin into the shaker.
- Add 0.5 oz of simple syrup to balance the tartness.
- Squeeze in 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
- Shake it up:
- Secure the shaker lid and give it a good shake for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain into a glass:
- Using a strainer, pour the mixture into a champagne flute to maintain the elegance of the cocktail.
- Add the bubbles:
- Top off your cocktail with 2-3 oz of champagne (or prosecco), adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
- Garnish (optional):
- For a finishing touch, add a lemon twist to the rim of the glass.
- Enjoy:
- Sip and savor the sophisticated, refreshing flavors of your French 75!
Flavor Variations
French 75 is such a classic cocktail, but it's also versatile, allowing for creative flavor variations. If you're looking to spice things up, consider experimenting with different ingredients to give it a unique twist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Raspberry: Add a splash of raspberry liqueur (like Chambord!) or muddled fresh raspberries to infuse the cocktail with a burst of fruity flavor. It adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pink hue, perfect for elevating your drink.
- Lavender: Infuse your simple syrup with dried lavender buds for a subtle floral note that complements the gin and lemon juice beautifully. It's a sophisticated twist that adds a delicate aroma to the cocktail.
- Elderflower: Swap out the simple syrup for elderflower liqueur to give your French 75 a floral and slightly sweet flavor profile. It's a refreshing variation that pairs wonderfully with the citrusy notes of the lemon juice.
- You can also use different types of alcohol for a twist, like vodka for a French 76.
More Amazing Cocktails
📖 Recipe
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 2-3 oz sparkling wine
Instructions
- Combine: Pour the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake: Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top: Add 2-3 oz of champagne or prosecco to the glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Variations: Experiment with different garnishes like citrus twists or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation.
- Make it Mocktail: Simply omit the gin and replace it with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the simple syrup and squeeze the lemon juice in advance to save time when mixing cocktails for guests.
- Serve Chilled: Make sure to chill your champagne or sparkling wine beforehand for a crisp and refreshing drink.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this elegant cocktail with light appetizers like cheese and charcuterie for a sophisticated soirée.
- Share the Joy: Tag us on social media @thegourmetbonviviant to show off your creations and inspire others to get adventurous in the kitchen!
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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