Ah, the French art of living – a delicate balance of sophistication and indulgence, where every moment is an opportunity to savor life’s pleasures. And what better way to celebrate this joie de vivre than with a timeless drink like this French 75 co*cktail recipe? The French 75 will bring a touch of class and a burst of flavor to your soirées.
French 75: A Classic with a Twist
The French 75, named after a powerful World War I artillery piece, packs a punch of its own with its simple yet sophisticated combination of cognac or gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
A French 75 with cognac is really the same thing as one with gin, but obviously it’s up to your personal preference of libation that you enjoy.
Why is it called a French 75?
The French 75 co*cktail is believed to have been named after the French 75mm field gun used by the French military during World War I. The co*cktail’s combination of gin and champagne is said to have a kick as powerful as the artillery piece.
What does a French 75 taste like?
A French 75 co*cktail has a refreshing and balanced flavor profile. The gin provides a botanical depth, the champagne adds effervescence and lightness, while the lemon juice offers acidity and brightness.
Overall, it’s a crisp and sophisticated co*cktail with citrusy undertones.
Can I make a French 75 without champagne?
While champagne is a key ingredient in the traditional French 75 co*cktail, you can substitute it with other sparkling wines or prosecco for a similar effervescent quality.
The idea is to make sure you have a fizzy wine. In fact, it’s probably no wonder why I love the French 75 so much when my other favorite co*cktail is a Tom Collins, which is essentially the same thing but instead of champagne or prosecco, you use club soda.
French 75 Variations
Perhaps a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral touch, or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an herbal aroma – the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
After all, the art of mixology is about experimentation and personalization, much like crafting the perfect apéro spread.
My favorite variation of this drink has been one that I tried at the posh 34 Mayfair bar in London, England. The bartender was actually French, and when I asked him to make me a French 75, he recommend an orange-flavored variation they had on their menu.
It was absolutely lovely, and a variation I have since made at home many times too.
What food pairs well with a French 75 co*cktail?
The light and refreshing nature of a French 75 co*cktail pairs well with a variety of appetizers and light dishes.
My favorite pairings tend to be salty whenever I have a fizzy co*cktail in hand. Picture this: a flute of effervescent champagne, dancing with bubbles and promise, paired with the crisp bite of our beloved cheddar crackers.
It’s a match made in culinary heaven, where the salty crunch of the crackers accentuates the delicate notes of the champagne and citrus notes.
Whatever you decide to pair the co*cktail with, just remember it’s all about enjoying yourself – Cheers to the good life!
French 75 co*cktail Recipe
Yield: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
A crisp and sophisticated co*cktail made with gin or cognac, champagne, and fresh citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. gin or cognac
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup (see note)
- 3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 oz. of sparkling wine or champagne
- ice
- 2 inch lemon peel
Instructions
- To a co*cktail shaker, add the cognac or gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Add enough ice to fill up half of the co*cktail shaker. Put the lid on and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Open the top of the co*cktail shaker and strain the liquid out into a chilled champagne glass or martini glass. Add the 3 oz. of sparkling wine or champagne, or just add enough until it reaches the rim of the glass.
- Use a vegetable peeler to remove a 2 inch piece of peel from your lemon, then slightly twist the peel to express the lemon oils into the drink. Rub the inside of the lemon peel along the rim of the glass before dropping it into your glass as a garnish.
Notes
To make your own simple syrup, simply add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow the mixture to warm up until the sugar completely dissolves. Pour the syrup into a jar that has a lid so you can store the excess syrup for another time.
