The Classic French 75 Cocktail Recipe
June 14, 2023If there is one cocktail I doubt I could live without, it would be the classic French 75. I pretty much realized this after I was describing exactly how to make this delicious libation to a friend of mine on the phone not too long ago… and during the call I was giddy with anticipation to immediately hop off and craft one up for myself. Yep. I have a unhealthy love. Though, truthfully, it probably should have been most apparent when my husband began using it as leverage… “will you make those cookies I like…I’ll take you for French 75’s this weekend”, or “I’m not going to be able to help you with the housecleaning this week, but I’ll take you for French 75’s on Friday”. In my defense, they are that delicious! And you know what? Totally easy to make. Just a few simple ingredients, a cocktail shaker and you’ve got yourself one delicious little number. It is also known as a 75 Cocktail, or in French simply a Soixante Quinze (75), so today, I’m sharing my Classic French 75 Cocktail recipe. Cheers!
WHAT DOES THE 75 IN FRENCH 75 MEAN?
Dating back to World War I, it’s earliest form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar (later known as Harry’s New York Bar) in Paris, France by barman Harry MacElhone. The original recipe was said to have such a kick it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun, hence the origination of the name “French 75”. The drink and recipe continued to develop over the 1920s, though very similar libations could be found in the 19th century, when something very similar known as the Champagne cup was a popular cocktail, consisting of champagne, lemon juice, sugar, and ice. Gin was sometimes added, yielding a drink most similar to the French 75. Traditionally, this cocktail is supposed to be served in a highball glass, but let’s be honest. It just tastes so much better in a champagne flute!
A Classic French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Sipsmith Gin
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 oz Sparkling Wine I love this sparkling wine as it's also lovely to drink on it's own.
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
- 1 bourbon cocktail cherry (I love this brand)
Instructions
- First combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker (this is my favorite!).
- Next, fill your shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously about 20 seconds. You'll want the outside of the shaker to become incredibly cold.
- Next strain your cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer directly into your champagne flute.
- Last, top with Champagne and garnish with a twist of lemon. I always add a little bourbon cocktail cherry to my French 75, they are sweet and delicious and make the best added garnish! Just pre-warning: do not eat too many of these alone! They are boozy!
If you’re looking for another cocktail recipe, consider serving up the classic Daiquiri!
XO!
M
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