A Classic French 75 Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Sometimes you want a cocktail that feels sophisticated and light at the same time and a French 75 checks all of those boxes. The French 75, a delicious and elegant cocktail that has been a staple in bars and parties since the 19th century.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing with you the original recipe for the French 75 as well as some tips and tricks to make the perfect cocktail at home. So grab your champagne flutes and let’s get mixing!
The History of the French 75
The French 75 cocktail was first created during the height of Prohibition in the early 1920s. It was a time when people were looking for more creative ways to consume alcohol, and the French 75 quickly became a popular drink due to its low-proof nature.
The cocktail was first introduced at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris by a bartender named Harry MacElhone. The bar was a popular spot for American expats, and the French 75 was named after the French 75mm field gun used by the French military during World War I.
The original recipe for the French 75 can be found in the famous Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930 by Harry Craddock. It called for equal parts dry gin and dry champagne, with a touch of sugar and lemon. However, over time, the recipe has evolved to include different variations and additional ingredients.
What You’ll Need
To make the classic French 75, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that are easy to find in most liquor stores. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 ounce dry gin
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon twist for garnish
You can also make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using it in your cocktail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect French 75
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make a classic French 75 cocktail.
Step 1: Chill your champagne flute by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
Step 3: Strain the mixture into your chilled champagne flute.
Step 4: Top it off with 3 ounces of Champagne or sparkling wine.
Step 5: Use a paring knife to cut a thin strip of lemon peel for the garnish. Twist it over the drink to release the oils and then drop it into the flute.
Step 6: Give your cocktail a gentle stir to mix all the ingredients together.
Step 7: Enjoy your delicious French 75 cocktail!
Variations of the French 75
While the original recipe calls for dry gin and dry champagne, there are many variations of the French 75 that you can try to suit your taste buds. Here are some popular variations:
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can use a sweeter gin or add a splash of triple sec or Cointreau.
For a more herbaceous flavor, add a sprig of rosemary to the shaker and shake it with the other ingredients before straining it into the flute.
You can also try using a different base spirit like vodka or cognac instead of gin.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a splash of absinthe to your cocktail for a unique twist.
Tips for Making the Perfect French 75
Use a dry champagne or sparkling wine for the best results. A brut champagne is a good choice as it is not too sweet, and the bubbles will add a nice touch to your cocktail.
Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
To make the perfect cocktail, the ratio of gin to champagne should be 1:3. This will give you the perfect balance of flavors.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or a water bottle with a tight lid to shake your ingredients.
If you prefer a less strong cocktail, you can add a splash of soda water to your French 75.
To make it a mocktail, simply replace the gin with additional lemon juice and simple syrup.
The French 75 for Different Occasions
The French 75 is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in different settings and for different occasions. Its low-proof nature makes it a great drink for happy hours, brunches, and other daytime gatherings. It’s also a popular choice for celebratory occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and of course, New Year’s Eve!
If you’re hosting a party, you can make a large batch of French 75s in a pitcher to serve your guests. To make it even more special, use a champagne fountain or a bottle of champagne and let your guests pour their own cocktails for a fun and interactive experience.
In New Orleans, the French 75 is a popular drink during Mardi Gras celebrations. It’s also a must-try cocktail when visiting the city as many bars have their own unique twist on the classic recipe.
In the ABC of Mixing Drinks, published in 1936 by Harry MacElhone, he suggests adding a dash of absinthe to the French 75 to create a “French 76”. This variation is said to have been created at the New York Bar in Paris and is still a favorite in some bars today.
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time and is loved by many for its simplicity and elegance. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
So why not add the French 75 to your list of favorite cocktails and impress your friends and family with this timeless drink? Cheers to great times and great drinks!
A Classic French 75 Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz dry gin
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Chill champagne flute in the freezer.
- In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled flute.
- Top with 3 oz Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist (release oils and drop into the flute).
- Give a gentle stir to mix ingredients.
- Enjoy your Classic French 75!
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