What is there not to love about a French 75? It combines two of life's great pleasures, gin and Champagne, into a cocktail that is elegant, refreshing and effortlessly celebratory. Few drinks have achieved such enduring popularity while remaining so simple in composition.
The French 75 occupies a special place amongst the world's classic cocktails. Crisp citrus, botanical gin and sparkling wine come together in perfect balance. The result is a drink that feels sophisticated without being complicated. Light enough to enjoy before dinner, yet strong enough to remind you that it contains both gin and Champagne.
The cocktail's name originates from the French 75 field gun used during the First World War. According to popular cocktail lore, the drink's inventor, Harry MacElhone, believed its combination of Champagne and gin delivered a kick comparable to the famous French artillery piece. Whether true or not, the name has endured for over a century.
Today the French 75 remains one of the finest examples of cocktail simplicity. Refined, refreshing and timeless, it proves that sometimes the most memorable drinks are built from just a handful of exceptional ingredients.
Ease of Making: Easy.
Glass Type: Champagne Flute.
Taste: Zingingly freshing.
Original Recipe:
- 50ml Explorer’s Gin.
- 7.5ml Sugar syrup.
- 15ml Lemon Juice.
- Champagne or Prosecco.
Method:
- Place ice into a cocktail shaker.
- Add the lemon juice, sugar syrup and gin.
- Shake your shaker.
- Strain into champagne flutes.
- Top up with Champagne.
- Garnish with either lemon peel or add a fortified cherry to it.
Our Valentines Twist:
Use pink champagne and garnish with either a raspberry or strawberry.
Notes from a Bar Tender:
‘Putting the theory to the test, after your third French 75 it becomes worryingly evident why the drink was named after a 75mm field gun’. Taken from the Curious Bartender’s Gin Palace.
