French 75 Classic co*cktail Recipe (2024)

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The bubbly yet deceptively strong French 75 is the perfect choice from brunch to wedding receptions.

History of the French 75

Like many classic concoctions, the exact history of the French 75 remains a subject of debate among co*cktail historians. Some accounts credit soldiers in France during the first world war who, unable to find club soda for their Tom Collins co*cktails, substituted champagne. Similarly, other tales claim it evolved from the Champagne Cup, which shares all the same ingredients except gin.

Whatever its origin, the French 75 was certainly named after the deadly French 75mm field gun used during World War I—most likely by someone who accidentally got hammered drinking them. An elegant champagne presentation fortified with gin makes this classic an iron fist inside a velvet glove.

Tasting Notes

The gin-based French 75 is crisp, vibrant, and effervescent, with sweetness softly counterbalancing citrus and herbs.

French 75 Classic co*cktail Recipe (5)

Ingredients
  • 1 ½ oz Gin: Bombay Sapphire is our gin of choice.
  • ½ oz Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best. Pro tip: when choosing lemons or limes, heavier fruits with thinner skins that give a little when squeezed will yield more juice.
  • ½ oz Simple syrup: This is simply equal parts sugar and water mixed until forming a sweet syrup. Get it? Simple syrup?
  • 2 oz Champagne: Preferably chilled.
  • Lemon twist: A sliver of lemon peel or zest.

Steps
  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
  2. Pour 1 ½ oz Gin
  3. Pour ½ oz Lemon juice
  4. Pour ½ oz Simple syrup
  5. Shake for 10 – 15 seconds
  6. Strain into a champagne flute (for best results chill the flute beforehand)
  7. Top with 2 oz Champagne
  8. Garnish with a lemon twist

French 75 Variations

Revered for its balance and versatility, craft co*cktail programs across the world are forever developing exciting riffs on the French 75. Below are a few basic variations.

  • As individual tastes may vary, consider changing the ratio of champagne to gin. More gin means a drier, more botanical co*cktail while more champagne promotes more fruit and effervescence. Be careful not to go too heavy on the gin—the French 75 is already pretty strong!
  • A splash of fresh blood orange juice adds both fruity freshness and a beautiful pink hue. Remember to use just a splash—more than that and you’ll end up with a boozy mimosa.
  • For a sweeter experience and dramatic presentation, serve in a sugar-rimmed champagne coupe glass.
  • Different brands of gin bring their own distinct flavor profiles, ranging from dry and crisp to sweet and floral.
  • Flavored bitters provide a whole new and wonderful variety of aromatics. Available types include peach, pear, grapefruit, orange, rhubarb, and even lavender.
  • Using vodka instead of gin is referred to as a French 76.
  • Using whiskey instead of gin is referred to as a French 95.

French 75 Substitutions

  • Other sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava (which is used in the video) may be used, especially since true champagne can get a little pricey.
  • Cognac used instead of (or in addition to) gin adds a richer, darker feel. Many argue a proper French 75 must be made with cognac.
  • Replace champagne with club soda, though technically this becomes a Tom Collins, the older brother of the French 75.
  • If squeezing lemons is impractical for your purposes, consider using high-quality juices from co*cktail Artist.

When to Serve

The ever-chic French 75 is appropriate for any occasion calling for champagne.

  • Formal events: Wedding receptions, New Year’s Eve parties, or any formal events.
  • Brunch: The French 75 joins the Mimosa and Bloody Mary among the best relaxing Sunday brunch co*cktails.
  • Dinner parties: Add a touch of sophistication to your next dinner party.

What to Serve

The French 75 pairs with many of the same foods as champagne. The added gin and citrus consequently fortify it to complement spicy and more full-flavored dishes.

  • Seafood, such as light to medium-bodied fish, oysters, calamari, even sushi.
  • Spicy foods,
  • Brunch foods, such as eggs benedict and bacon.

Like its namesake, the French 75 is powerful and should be treated with respect. Please enjoy responsibly.

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French 75 Classic co*cktail Recipe (12)

French 75 co*cktail Recipe

  • Author: Thirsty Bartenders
  • Total Time: 1
  • Yield: 1 1x
Print Recipe

Description

The gin-based French 75 is crisp, vibrant, and effervescent, with sweetness softly counterbalancing citrus and herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice
  2. Pour 1 ½ oz Gin
  3. Pour ½ oz Lemon juice
  4. Pour ½ oz Simple syrup
  5. Shake for 10 – 15 seconds
  6. Strain into a champagne flute (for best results chill the flute beforehand)
  7. Top with 2 oz Champagne

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 187
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g

samantha warren2020-04-29T22:39:51+00:00March 21st, 2020|co*cktail Recipes|0 Comments

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French 75 Classic co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes with French 75 co*cktail? ›

This co*cktail was created at Harry's Bar in Paris. These days many barmen add a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Food pairing: skewers of griddled prawns, smoked salmon, turmeric roasted cauliflower. Time of day: a reception co*cktail for meetings and celebrations.

What glass do you use for French 75? ›

Originally, the French 75 was served in a highball glass, but the French 75s of today are more likely served in a flute. Different riffs within the recipe have been popular throughout the co*cktail's history: Cognac for gin, for example, or a dash of absinthe.

What gin is best for French 75? ›

London Dry Gin is the classic choice, though should you want to infuse your drink with even more citrusy pep, consider swapping in our Lemon Drizzle Gin. Infused with three different additions of lemon, the gin is perfumed and aromatic, and mingles wonderfully with all the fizz and froth of a French 75.

Is a French 75 better with cognac or gin? ›

This classic recipe offers both options. Pour what you like, or, if you're on the fence, let season or mood determine your choice. Gin tends toward a cleaner, more botanical, refreshing drink, ideal for warmer weather drinking; cognac lends heft and weight, especially great in cooler weather.

Can you order a French 75 at a bar? ›

The French 75 is known and loved around the world. It's a celebratory drink that can't help but put a smile on the face of its consumer. If you order a French 75 at most bars, it's likely you'll be served a light yellow drink made of lemon, sugar (or simple syrup), gin, and Champagne.

What alcohol is in a French 75? ›

Consisting of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, the drink is a lot friendlier than the name implies. Like many classic drinks, the French 75's origin is mired in mystery and debate.

What is the original French 75? ›

The French 75 co*cktail celebrates the firepower of the WWI French 75-millimetre field gun. In recent decades, this has become a potent gin-based champagne co*cktail with lemon juice and sugar served in a flute, but it originally consisted of gin, apple brandy, grenadine and lemon juice served in a co*cktail glass.

Can you use Moscato in French 75? ›

The French 75 is a co*cktail classic using gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar. This tropical twist replaces the champagne with passion fruit moscato and elderflower liqueur to create a whole new rendition that'll have you wanting more.

Can you serve a French 75 in a coupe glass? ›

You can also serve the French 75 in a wine glass or coupe glass if you prefer, being sure to measure the ingredients when building the drink.

Is Tanqueray good for a French 75? ›

For those already familiar, the classic French 75 is an elegant, celebratory co*cktail worthy of every fancy toast. Even so, it's also a great alternative to a Mimosa and easy to serve at any time of day — or night. This version benefits from luminescent Tanqueray No.

Is prosecco better than Champagne for French 75? ›

For the home bartender, either will work fine. Brut Champagne is the traditional choice for the bubbles, but any good and very dry sparkling wine like cava or prosecco will work in a pinch.

Why do they call it a French 75? ›

The drink dates to World War I, and an early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris—later Harry's New York Bar—by barman Harry MacElhone. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.

What was the most popular co*cktail in the 1930s? ›

1930s Most Popular co*cktail: The Bloody Mary

It grew in popularity among 1930s co*cktails during the Great Depression. As years passed, the Bloody Mary maintained its popularity.

Are cognac and Grand Marnier the same? ›

While it's not uncommon for some to misconstrue Grand Marnier as a type of Cognac, this description doesn't entirely capture the essence of this unique liqueur. Grand Marnier is a sophisticated fusion of Cognac and the vibrant essence of Bitter Bigaradia oranges.

Is Grand Marnier like cognac? ›

Grand Marnier, a premium liqueur, is a common ingredient in co*cktails. It's crafted from a blend of cognac, and bitter orange liqueur. Thanks to its unique blend with Bigaradia bitter oranges, Grand Marnier introduces a distinctive twist to the sophisticated profile of Cognac.

What appetizers go with French 75? ›

The sweet and savory combination of ripe figs, thinly sliced prosciutto, and creamy goat cheese atop crusty bruschetta perfectly complements the effervescence of the French 75.

What does your drink say about you French 75? ›

I ordered a French 75, one of my favorites — gin, lemon juice topped off with champagne, and garnished with a perfect twist of lemon. If my logic stands that you are what you drink, then my drink says that I'm outgoing, energetic, strong willed, with a twist of sarcasm and a sharp tongue.

Is the French 75 often served as an aperitif? ›

The French 75 is one to turn to in times of celebration; to raise your glass and ring in the new year, the new baby, the new job, the new… weekday. Yep that will do. It's also a perfect co*cktail to serve as an aperitif as the bubbles will help lift the mood in no time.

Is French 75 a New Orleans drink? ›

And while a legendary co*cktail was born back then, it's a classic restaurant and bar in New Orleans, Arnaud's, that perfected the recipe to make it the popular drink enjoyed in Louisiana today.

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