📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 20%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 5 minutes
Ever dreamt of sipping on the perfect, refreshing cocktail? The Cucumber-Mint French 75 is the answer to your quest for a delightful drink. In this article, we’ll explore its history, taste, interesting facts, ingredients, and more. Ready to dive into the world of this sensational cocktail? ⬇️
History
The Cucumber-Mint French 75 is a modern twist on the classic French 75, which originated during World War I. Named after the French 75mm field gun, the original drink was known for its powerful kick. This refreshing version incorporates cucumber and mint, adding a cool, herbal essence to the traditional recipe.
- The original French 75 cocktail is said to have been created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, which later became Harry’s New York Bar.
- It was named after the French 75mm field gun because of its strong, impactful effect.
- The cucumber and mint variation introduces a fresh, modern twist to the classic cocktail.
The taste of a Cucumber-Mint French 75?
A Cucumber-Mint French 75 tastes light and refreshing, with a blend of crisp cucumber, cool mint, and zesty lemon. The sparkling wine adds a bubbly, effervescent touch that makes each sip delightful.
I personally love drinking Cucumber-Mint French 75s because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Interesting facts about Cucumber-Mint French 75
- It combines the flavors of cucumber and mint with the classic French 75 ingredients.
- It’s known for its refreshing and invigorating taste, perfect for summer.
- The cocktail’s name pays homage to its powerful yet refreshing character.
Ingredients 📃
- Gin: 1 oz (30ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Cucumber slices: 3-4
- Mint leaves: 5-6
- Champagne or sparkling wine: to top
- Ice: as needed
A Cucumber-Mint French 75 is best served in a **champagne flute**. The flute’s narrow shape helps retain the bubbles of the sparkling wine, enhancing the drinking experience. Alternatively, a **coupe glass** can also be used.
Recipe. How to make Cucumber-Mint French 75 🍹
- Muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
Cucumber-Mint French 75s are light and refreshing, but they do contain alcohol and sugar. For a healthier version, use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup and opt for a lower-sugar sparkling wine.
Food Pairings
Some foods complement the flavors of a Cucumber-Mint French 75 perfectly.
Sushi
The fresh, delicate flavors of sushi pair wonderfully with the crisp and refreshing notes of cucumber and mint.
Light Salads
A light, green salad with vinaigrette dressing enhances the herbal and citrus elements of the cocktail.
Seafood
Grilled shrimp or scallops offer a savory contrast that balances the cocktail’s bright and bubbly profile.
I really enjoy the taste of Cucumber-Mint French 75s—the cool mint and zesty lemon make it a perfect drink for relaxing after a long week.
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Bartender Advice
- *Use fresh ingredients* to ensure the best flavor.
- *Chill your glassware* before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
- *Garnish thoughtfully* to add an extra touch of elegance and aroma.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Cucumber-Mint French 75, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Cucumber-Mint French 75
- Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a different base flavor.
- Simple syrup: Swap with agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Champagne: Use prosecco for a slightly sweeter finish.
Cucumber-Mint French 75 Variations
Berry-Mint French 75
- Ingredients: Add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
- Recipe: Muddle berries along with cucumber and mint before shaking.
Herbal French 75
- Ingredients: Add fresh basil or rosemary.
- Recipe: Muddle herbs with cucumber and mint, then follow the original steps.
Spicy French 75
- Ingredients: Add a slice of jalapeño.
- Recipe: Muddle jalapeño with cucumber and mint for a spicy kick.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the gin with soda water or a non-alcoholic spirit, and use a sugar-free sweetener if desired. Enjoy a Virgin Cucumber-Mint French 75 that’s just as refreshing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Cucumber-Mint French 75 taste like?
A Cucumber-Mint French 75 tastes light, refreshing, and bubbly, with crisp cucumber, cool mint, and zesty lemon flavors.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Absolutely! Replace the gin with soda water or a non-alcoholic spirit, and you have a delightful Virgin Cucumber-Mint French 75.
What type of glass should I use?
A champagne flute is ideal as it retains the bubbles of the sparkling wine, but a coupe glass works too.
Is there a healthier way to make this cocktail?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup and opt for a low-sugar sparkling wine.
What foods pair well with a Cucumber-Mint French 75?
Sushi, light salads, and seafood like grilled shrimp or scallops complement the cocktail’s flavors perfectly.
Why is it called a French 75?
The original French 75 was named after the French 75mm field gun because of its powerful kick, and the name has carried over to this refreshing variation.
So there you have it! The Cucumber-Mint French 75 is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a fascinating history. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends at a summer gathering or pairing it with a delicious meal, this cocktail is sure to impress. Cheers!