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How to Prepare French 75? Recipe for French 75: A Classic Champagne Cocktail
The French 75 recipe is light, elegant, and beautifully celebratory, making it a timeless champagne cocktail. With crisp gin, bright lemon juice, and sparkling bubbles, it feels refreshing yet refined with every sip. Effortlessly chic, it’s perfect for brunches, celebrations, or special evenings.
History and Origin of French 75
The French 75 has a fascinating past tied to World War I. This classic cocktail got its name from the powerful French 75mm field gun used during the war.
The drink’s exact origins are a bit hazy. Some say it was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris. Others claim it was invented earlier in London.
Harry MacElhone, a famous bartender, is often credited with popularizing the French 75. He included the recipe in his 1919 cocktail book.
During Prohibition in the United States, the French 75 gained popularity as a sophisticated drink. It combined gin and champagne, two sought-after spirits at the time.
The cocktail’s official recipe appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. This helped cement its status as a beloved classic.
Today, you can find the French 75 in bars around the world. It remains a symbol of elegance and wartime ingenuity.
Essential Ingredients for French 75 Recipe
The French 75 cocktail requires a blend of spirits, citrus, sweeteners, and bubbles. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the drink’s signature taste and fizzy texture.
The Spirits
Gin forms the base of a classic French 75. Choose a high-quality London Dry gin for its crisp, juniper-forward flavor. Some recipes use cognac instead, offering a richer, more complex taste. For a twist, try mixing equal parts gin and cognac. Use 1 to 1.5 ounces of spirits per drink.
Citrus and Sweeteners
Fresh lemon juice is key for a bright, zesty flavor. Always use freshly squeezed juice, not bottled. You’ll need about 0.5 to 0.75 ounces per cocktail. For sweetness, simple syrup works best. Make it by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. Add 0.5 to 0.75 ounces of syrup to balance the tartness.
Some bartenders use elderflower liqueur for extra floral notes. It can replace or complement the simple syrup.
The Bubbles
Champagne gives the French 75 its name and signature sparkle. Use 2 to 3 ounces per drink. True Champagne can be pricey, so other sparkling wines work too. Try:
- Prosecco from Italy
- Cava from Spain
- Any dry sparkling wine
Look for “brut” on the label. This means the wine isn’t too sweet, which keeps the cocktail balanced.
Preparation and Technique
Making a French 75 requires careful mixing and precise serving. You’ll need a few key tools and ingredients to create this classic cocktail.
Mixing and Shaking
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour in 1 oz gin, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This chills the mixture and combines the flavors well.
Shaking is crucial for this cocktail. It helps create a frothy texture and ensures all ingredients are well-mixed. The ice also dilutes the drink slightly, which is important for the right balance.
Use a strainer when pouring the mixture into your glass. This keeps ice chunks out of the final drink.
Serving and Presentation
Choose a champagne flute for serving your French 75. The tall, narrow shape helps keep the bubbles lively longer. If you don’t have a flute, a highball glass works too.
Pour the shaken mixture into your chosen glass. Then top it off with about 3 oz of chilled champagne. Pour the champagne slowly to preserve its bubbles.
The drink should be a pale golden color. The champagne will create a nice foam on top.
Garnishing
A lemon twist is the classic garnish for a French 75. To make one, cut a strip of lemon peel about 3-4 inches long. Twist it over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
You can also use a small lemon peel or a thin lemon wheel as a garnish. Place it on the rim of the glass for a pretty look.
The garnish adds a burst of citrus aroma. This enhances the drink’s flavor profile and makes it more appealing.
A well-garnished French 75 is perfect for brunch or as an elegant party drink. The bright lemon and bubbly champagne make it refreshing and festive.
Variations and Twists
You can put a fun spin on the classic French 75 cocktail. Try these tasty twists:
• Swap gin for vodka or cognac
• Use prosecco instead of champagne
• Add a splash of St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• Muddle fresh berries in the shaker
For a mimosa-inspired version, mix equal parts champagne and fresh orange juice. Top with a splash of gin.
Feeling adventurous? Make a “French 76” by using vodka and adding a dash of grenadine. Or try a “French 95” with bourbon instead of gin.
Pair your French 75 variations with light appetizers. Seafood works well – try oysters, shrimp cocktail, or smoked salmon. The bubbly drink cuts through rich foods nicely.
For a non-alcoholic option, mix lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Top with a splash of non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a refreshing mocktail.
Remember to adjust the sugar levels to your taste. Some people prefer a drier cocktail, while others like it sweeter. Play around to find your perfect balance.
Selecting Quality Ingredients
To make a great French 75, you need top-notch ingredients. Start with a good gin. Look for a London Dry style gin with strong juniper notes.
Fresh lemon juice is crucial. Squeeze lemons yourself for the best flavor. Avoid bottled juices, as they lack the bright taste of fresh citrus.
Choose a brut champagne or sparkling wine. “Brut” means dry, which balances the drink’s sweetness. Pick a bottle you’d enjoy on its own.
Use simple syrup for sweetness. You can make it at home by mixing equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.
Quality ice is often overlooked. Use large, clear ice cubes. They melt slower and won’t water down your drink.
Garnish with a lemon twist. Use a vegetable peeler to get a nice strip of lemon peel.
Remember, the French 75 is all about balance. Good ingredients let you taste each component while creating a harmonious blend.
By choosing quality items, you ensure a drink with a crisp, refreshing flavor and lively bubbles. Your French 75 will be a treat for both the eyes and taste buds.
If you enjoy sparkling cocktails like this one, you might also love the Aperol Spritz, which offers a bittersweet, bubbly alternative. The Tom Collins is another great option when you’re in the mood for a citrus-forward drink with a light, refreshing finish. For more classic cocktails, celebratory drinks, and everyday drink ideas, be sure to visit the home page and explore the full recipe collection
