The Perfect French 75 Cocktail Recipe

“There’s always time for a cocktail.” – Ernest Hemingway. This quote resonates with many who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail. The French75 is a classic recipe that embodies elegance and simplicity, making it perfect for various occasions, from celebrations to casual gatherings.

This refreshing drink combines the botanical notes of gin with the brightness of fresh lemon and the effervescence of champagne, creating a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a French 75 at home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to create this timeless recipe.

What is a French 75?

For a celebratory drink that’s sure to impress, consider making a French75. This classic cocktail is a refreshing blend of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne, making it perfect for special occasions.

A Classic Champagne Cocktail

The French75 is a timeless cocktail that is traditionally served in a glass that showcases its elegance, such as a champagne flute or coupe. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and champagne creates a unique flavor profile that is both bubbly and botanical.

Why It’s Perfect for Celebrations

The French75 is particularly well-suited for celebrations due to its festive bubbles, bright flavor, and sophisticated appearance. Unlike other drinks, the French75 has a certain elegance that makes it special. While it may look fancy, it’s actually quite simple to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining. The use of sparkling wine or wine adds to its celebratory feel.

The History Behind the French 75

The French75 cocktail has a rich history that dates back to the tumultuous times of World War I. It’s a story that intertwines the art of mixology with the brutality of war, resulting in a drink that is both elegant and potent.

World War I Origins

The first known version of the cocktail was called the Soixante-Quinze, created around 1915 by a Parisian bartender. As Chris Hannah, head bartender at Arnaud’s French75 Bar in New Orleans, notes, the drink’s name comes from the 75-millimeter field guns used in World War I. The Lafayette Escadrille, an allied fighter pilot outfit, would drink cognac and Champagne after successful air raids and toast to the French75 cannon for their safety.

How the Cocktail Got Its Name

The French75 got its name from the Canon de 75 modèle 1897, a powerful field artillery gun used during World War I. The gun became a symbol of hope for French and American soldiers, and the cocktail was said to have a “kick” similar to the artillery. Over time, the cocktail evolved, and by 1927, it had gained its contemporary name and signature addition of Champagne, as documented in the cocktail book “Here’s How” by Judge Jr.

The evolution of the French75 from its wartime origins to a refined celebration drink is a testament to the dynamic nature of cocktails. Today, it stands as a sophisticated drink, often served at special occasions, yet its name remains a nod to its historical roots.

Ingredients for the Perfect French 75

Crafting the perfect French 75 cocktail begins with understanding its essential ingredients. The beauty of this classic drink lies in its simplicity, with just a few high-quality components needed to create a refreshing and balanced cocktail.

Gin (or Cognac)

The base spirit of the French 75 is typically gin, with Hendrick’s gin being a popular choice due to its notes of cucumber and rose. Another excellent option is St. George Botanivore Gin, known for its fresh and herbaceous flavor profile. For a different twist, some prefer using cognac instead of gin, offering a richer and more traditional taste.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for a bright and authentic flavor. Unlike bottled juice, fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant touch to the cocktail. The acidity of the lemon is balanced by other ingredients, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup, made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, adds sweetness to the cocktail. This homemade syrup is easy to prepare and plays a key role in balancing the acidity of the lemon juice.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine

The effervescence of the French 75 comes from champagne or sparkling wine. While traditional recipes call for brut champagne, other dry sparkling wines like prosecco or cava can serve as budget-friendly alternatives without compromising the drink’s elegance.

Garnish Options

A classic lemon twist garnish not only adds visual appeal but also releases aromatic oils into the drink, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Ingredient	Description	Recommended Choice
Gin (or Cognac)	Base spirit	Hendrick’s or St. George Botanivore Gin
Fresh Lemon Juice	Adds brightness and acidity	Freshly squeezed
Simple Syrup	Provides sweetness	Equal parts sugar and water
Champagne or Sparkling Wine	Adds effervescence	Brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine
Garnish	Enhances aroma and appearance	Lemon twist

Each ingredient plays a vital role in the French75, with the botanical gin, bright lemon juice, sweet simple syrup, and effervescent champagne coming together to create a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Step-by-Step French 75 Recipe

Crafting the perfect French 75 is an art that requires precision and a bit of flair. To make this elegant cocktail, follow these detailed steps.

Preparing Your Cocktail Shaker

Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This will chill the ingredients and ensure a refreshing drink.

Mixing the Base Ingredients

Add 1 ounce of dry gin, ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ½ ounce of simple syrup to the shaker ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled. The combination of gin, lemon, and simple syrup creates a balanced flavor profile.

Adding the Champagne

Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass, ensuring no ice chips make it into the final drink. Top with approximately 3 ounces of brut champagne or sparkling wine, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.

Garnishing Your Drink

Create a proper lemon twist garnish by cutting a strip of lemon peel, twisting it to express the oils over the drink, and placing it on the rim. This adds a touch of elegance and a burst of citrus flavor.

• Use a dry gin for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste.
• Always add champagne last and never shake it with the other ingredients.

Serving Tips and Variations

The French75 is more than just a cocktail; it’s an experience that combines elegance and flavor. To enhance this experience, serve it in a properly chilled champagne flute or coupe glass to maintain the temperature and showcase the bubbles.

For a twist, consider substituting gin with cognac for a richer flavor profile. You can also experiment with different sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava for a more affordable option. To streamline your cocktail-making process, prepare ingredients like lemon juice and simple syrup ahead of time.

Whether you enjoy the French75 in a traditional champagne flute, a coupe, or a tall glass, it’s a timeless cocktail that brings joy to any occasion. Pair it with oysters or light appetizers for a delightful experience.

FAQ

What type of gin is best for a French 75 cocktail?

For an authentic taste, use a dry gin, as it’s the traditional choice for this classic cocktail. The crisp, clean flavor complements the lemon juice and champagne perfectly.

Can I substitute the champagne with another type of sparkling wine?

Yes, you can use other types of sparkling wine if you prefer. However, brut champagne is recommended for its dryness and fine bubbles, which enhance the overall taste and elegance of the cocktail.

How do I make simple syrup for my French 75?

To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. This syrup is a crucial ingredient for balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.

What is the traditional garnish for a French 75?

The classic garnish for a French 75 is a lemon twist. It adds a touch of citrus aroma and visual appeal to the cocktail, making it perfect for serving in a champagne flute.

Can I make a French 75 without a cocktail shaker?

While a cocktail shaker is typically used to mix and chill the base ingredients, you can still make a French 75 without one. Simply mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a glass filled with ice, then top with champagne. However, using a shaker ensures a smoother, more evenly chilled drink.