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French 75
The French 75, also known as the “75 Cocktail,” is a cocktail with a rich history dating back to World War I. An elegant combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and champagne, this cocktail was first made in Paris in the 1920s and is named after the French 75mm field gun used during World War I.
The original recipe for the French 75 was first published in “The Savoy Cocktail Book” by Harry MacElhone in 1930, but the cocktail itself was probably created a decade earlier by a French bartender, probably Henry Tépé of Henry’s Bar in Paris, who named the cocktail “Soixante-Quinze” (Seventy-Five). The drink quickly became popular with the jet set of the time, in part because of the effervescent touch of champagne that gave it a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Interestingly, the French 75 was originally made with cognac instead of gin. The shift to gin as the primary distilled ingredient is likely due to the availability of ingredients during and after World War I. Because gin was easier to find and cheaper than cognac, it quickly became the spirit of choice for this classic cocktail.
The name “French 75” is presumably a reference to the powerful punch the cocktail delivers, similar to the impact of the French 75mm cannon. With the addition of champagne, this cocktail definitely delivers a powerful punch, but in a sophisticated and classy way.
Today, the French 75 remains a popular cocktail choice, often served at festive occasions and special events. A symbol of sophistication and elegance, it offers a unique blend of history and flavor that has maintained its appeal over the years.
Ingredients for the French 75 Cocktail
- 45 ml of gin
- 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 90 ml of champagne
- 1 lemon peel for garnish
Preparation
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with the lemon peel.
Serving tips
Serve the French 75 immediately after preparing it while it is still cold and bubbly. The cocktail is perfect for festive occasions or as an aperitif before a dinner party. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers or entrees such as oysters, shrimp, or soft cheese.
For an extra festive touch, try decorating the rim of the glass with sugar before pouring the cocktail into it. This not only adds a sweet touch to each sip, but also makes the presentation of the cocktail extra special.
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