Ingredients: 

  • 1 oz (30 ml) London dry gin
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
  • 3 oz (90 ml) Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist or slice, for garnish

 Directions: 

  1. Prepare the glass: Chill a coupe glass or champagne flute by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water for a few minutes.
  2. Mix the cocktail: In a shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
  3. Strain into the glass: Discard the ice from the chilled glass, then strain the gin mixture into the glass.
  4. Top with Champagne: Carefully top the drink with Champagne or sparkling wine.
  5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a lemon twist or slice, and serve immediately.

The French 75 is a cocktail that blends the elegance of Champagne with the botanicals of gin, creating a drink that is as sparkling and vibrant as the occasions for which it is often served. With its delicate yet bold flavor profile, the French 75 has secured its place in cocktail history as one of the most sophisticated and enduring drinks. Its origins, preparation, variations, and timeless appeal make it a cocktail worth understanding and appreciating in greater detail.

 A History of the French 75: From the Battlefield to the Bar

The French 75 cocktail has a fascinating history that begins in the early 20th century. According to most accounts, the cocktail was first created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the 1910s, although there are some variations on the story. The most widely accepted version is that bartender Harry MacElhone, who was working at Harry’s New York Bar, invented the drink. The French 75 cocktail was named after the French 75mm field gun, a weapon used during World War I. The gun itself was known for its power and speed, and the drink, which combines gin and Champagne, was said to deliver a similar punch.

The French 75 cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), when Americans flocked to Paris for legal drinking. The French 75 became a symbol of Parisian sophistication, glamour, and the lively, free-spirited attitude of the time. Its inclusion in the 1930s Savoy Cocktail Book, a definitive guide to classic cocktails, helped cement its place in cocktail culture. The drink’s unique combination of gin and Champagne caught the attention of the public, who were used to cocktails that centered on spirits like whiskey or rum. The French 75, with its effervescent and aromatic qualities, stood apart and earned a loyal following.

Today, the French 75 remains a staple in bars and restaurants across the world, a favorite choice for celebrations, holidays, and special events. Its status as a glamorous, elegant cocktail that is both light and potent ensures that it continues to captivate the palates of cocktail enthusiasts.

The Ingredients of the French 75: A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The French 75 is a simple cocktail in terms of ingredients, but the harmony between them is what makes it so memorable. Below are the key ingredients typically used in a classic French 75:

  1. Gin: The base spirit of the French 75 is gin. While you can experiment with different types of gin, a London dry gin is the traditional choice. London dry gin is known for its dry, crisp character, with dominant flavors of juniper berries, citrus, and botanicals. These flavors form the backbone of the French 75, providing depth and complexity to the cocktail. The gin's herbal notes balance perfectly with the sharp acidity of the lemon juice and the effervescence of the Champagne. Some variations of the French 75 may use other types of gin, such as Old Tom gin, which is slightly sweeter, or an aromatic gin with more pronounced spice flavors.

  2. Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential in a French 75. It brings a tart, citrusy sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the simple syrup and complements the dry gin. The acidity of lemon juice is critical to the balance of the drink, as it helps to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Champagne. It’s important to use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled, as the freshness adds brightness and complexity to the cocktail.

  3. Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is the sweetener used in the French 75. It is typically made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, creating a smooth, neutral sweetness that helps to round out the acidity of the lemon juice. The amount of simple syrup can be adjusted depending on personal taste, but the goal is to achieve a balanced sweetness that does not overpower the drink's other flavors. The sweetness of the simple syrup complements the dry gin and adds a touch of smoothness to the overall profile of the cocktail.

  4. Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The final ingredient in a French 75 is Champagne or another type of sparkling wine. While Champagne is the traditional choice, you can use any high-quality sparkling wine, such as Prosecco, Cava, or even an American sparkling wine, as long as it has a crisp and refreshing profile. The effervescence of the sparkling wine elevates the drink, adding bubbles that make the French 75 light, refreshing, and festive. The Champagne’s natural acidity also helps to balance the gin and lemon, making the cocktail even more refreshing. The choice of sparkling wine can have a subtle impact on the flavor, with Champagne offering a more complex, yeasty character, while Prosecco may contribute a fruitier note.

  5. Garnish: A lemon twist or lemon slice is the traditional garnish for a French 75. The bright, citrusy garnish complements the lemon juice in the drink and adds a visual touch of elegance. Some variations of the French 75 may also use a sprig of fresh mint or a cherry, but the lemon twist remains the most iconic and fitting garnish for this sparkling cocktail.

The Preparation of the French 75: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a French 75 is relatively straightforward, but the steps must be followed carefully to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the cocktail:

  1. Chill the Glass: Start by chilling your glass of choice, usually a coupe glass or champagne flute, by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water.

  2. Combine the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 ounce (30 ml) of gin, 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of simple syrup.

  3. Shake the Cocktail: Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 seconds. The goal is to chill and dilute the mixture while mixing the ingredients together.

  4. Strain into the Glass: Discard the ice from your chilled glass and strain the shaken cocktail mixture into the glass.

  5. Top with Sparkling Wine: Carefully top the drink with 3 ounces (90 ml) of Champagne or sparkling wine. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the bubbles too much.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist or lemon slice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

The process is simple, but attention to detail is key. The balance of gin, lemon, and Champagne should create a harmonious drink with a refreshing and sophisticated flavor profile.

Variations of the French 75: Exploring Different Twists

While the classic French 75 is made with gin and Champagne, there are a few variations on the cocktail that use different base spirits or add additional flavor elements. Here are a few popular twists on the classic French 75:

  1. French 75 with Vodka: For a slightly different version, some bars and cocktail enthusiasts use vodka in place of gin. This variation removes the herbal, juniper flavors of gin, resulting in a smoother, more neutral base spirit. While this version lacks the botanical complexity of the original French 75, it still retains the refreshing citrus and sparkling qualities that make the cocktail so appealing.

  2. French 75 with Bourbon: Another variation of the French 75 swaps gin for bourbon, creating a richer, fuller drink. The bourbon adds depth and warmth to the cocktail, while the Champagne still provides a bubbly finish. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy whiskey-based cocktails but want the effervescence of a sparkling drink.

  3. French 75 with Elderflower Liqueur: Adding elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, to the French 75 can give the cocktail a fragrant floral note. The sweet and aromatic elderflower liqueur complements the gin and Champagne, offering a unique twist on the classic recipe. This variation adds complexity and sweetness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy floral-flavored cocktails.

  4. French 75 with Fruit Infusions: For a seasonal or fruity twist, you can infuse the French 75 with different fruit flavors, such as raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry. This can be done by muddling the fruit in the shaker before adding the gin and lemon juice or by adding fruit purée to the cocktail. The result is a visually stunning, fruity version of the French 75 that still retains its effervescent charm.

The French 75 in Modern Culture

The French 75 is more than just a cocktail—it is a symbol of sophistication and celebration. It has become a staple at upscale events, New Year’s Eve parties, weddings, and brunches, often serving as the perfect accompaniment to moments of joy and festivity. Its crisp, refreshing nature makes it a favorite choice for summer gatherings, while its champagne base ties it to moments of luxury and indulgence.

Moreover, the French 75 continues to be a beloved drink among mixologists, with many creative bartenders experimenting with various ingredients and techniques to put their own spin on the classic. Whether served in its traditional form or with a modern twist, the French 75 remains a drink that is both timeless and versatile.