📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 12%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0.1g
Carbohydrates 6.7g
Prep time 2 minutes
Imagine you want to whip up the perfect French 75, a cocktail that’s both sparkly and zesty. It’s like a fancy lemonade for grown-ups, with a splash of gin, some lemon, a bit of sugar, and topped off with bubbly champagne. Let’s dive into the world of this delightful drink, exploring its history, taste, and how to make it just right. Ready to become a French 75 expert? Let’s go! ⬇️
History
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that’s been around for over a hundred years. It was created during World War I and named after a powerful French cannon. The drink became famous in Paris and then spread all over the world.
- The French 75 was named for the 75mm M1897, a quick-firing French artillery gun.
- It first gained popularity in Paris’ famed bar, Harry’s New York Bar.
- The cocktail made its way to America and was printed in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930.
The taste of a French 75?
A French 75 tastes like a fizzy lemonade with a grown-up twist. It’s a mix of sour and sweet, with a gin kick and a champagne sparkle.
I personally love drinking French 75s because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Interesting facts about French 75
- The French 75 was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled by the rapid-firing 75mm cannon.
- This cocktail has been featured in classic movies, like “Casablanca”.
- Many people drink it to celebrate, making it a popular choice at weddings and New Year’s Eve parties.
Ingredients
- Gin: 1 oz (30ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Champagne: 3 oz (90ml)
- Lemon twist: for garnish
A French 75 is best served in a champagne flute to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aroma. An alternative could be a coupe glass, which offers a vintage feel and broad surface area to appreciate the fizz.
Recipe. How to make French 75
- Combine gin, 1 oz (30ml), with fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz (15ml), and simple syrup, 0.5 oz (15ml), in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well, then strain into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with champagne, 3 oz (90ml), and garnish with a lemon twist.
While the French 75 is a delight, it’s wise to remember it’s not a light drink—champagne and gin pack a punch, and the sugar adds calories. For a healthier twist, swap the syrup for a natural sweetener and opt for a lower-alcohol sparkling wine.
Food Pairings
Some foods match perfectly with the French 75, enhancing its crisp and tangy flavor. Let’s explore a few pairings that could elevate your cocktail experience.
Brunch Classics
The bright citrus notes in a French 75 make it a fantastic companion for brunch dishes like eggs Benedict or a spinach quiche. The effervescence cuts through rich flavors, refreshing the palate.
Charcuterie
Sipping a French 75 alongside a plate of cured meats and cheeses balances the saltiness with its sweet and sour profile. The bubbly texture also complements the variety of textures in a charcuterie selection.
Fruit Desserts
End your meal with a French 75 and a fruit tart or lemon sorbet. The cocktail’s lemony zest ties in beautifully with sweet, fruity desserts, making for a harmonious finish.
I simply adore the taste of French 75—the balance of tart and sweet with an effervescent finish makes every sip a celebration.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill your champagne flute before pouring to keep the drink extra cold.
- Be gentle when stirring in the champagne to preserve the bubbles.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic 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 French 75
- Gin: Switch it up with vodka for a smoother taste.
- Champagne: Try a sparkling rosé for a blush twist.
- Sweetener: Honey or agave can replace simple syrup for a natural touch.
French 75 Variations
Winter 75
- Ingredients: Replace gin with brandy and add a dash of orange liqueur.
- Recipe: Follow the standard French 75 recipe, adding the liqueur before topping with champagne.
Rosemary 75
- Ingredients: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the original ingredients.
- Recipe: Muddle the rosemary with lemon and syrup, then shake with gin and proceed as usual.
Elderflower 75
- Ingredients: Substitute simple syrup with elderflower cordial.
- Recipe: Mix gin, lemon, and elderflower cordial, then top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
For those preferring a non-alcoholic version, mix lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar in a flute, then top with sparkling water and a lemon twist. It’s a simple and refreshing mocktail that captures the essence of the classic.
Q&A
Can I use Prosecco instead of champagne in a French 75?
Absolutely! Prosecco will give a slightly sweeter taste, but it’s a great substitute for champagne.
Is the French 75 a strong cocktail?
Yes, it can be quite potent due to the gin and champagne. It’s elegant but packs a punch, much like its namesake.
What’s the best gin to use for a French 75?
A dry gin with a clean flavor profile is ideal, allowing the lemon and champagne to shine through.
Can I make a French 75 in advance?
It’s best made fresh, but you can premix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup, then add the champagne when ready to serve.
How can I make my French 75 less sweet?
Reduce the simple syrup or replace it with a sugar-free alternative to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
What’s the origin of the cocktail’s name?
The French 75 is named after the French army’s 75mm field gun, famous for its speed and precision, much like the cocktail’s swift kick.
