How to Make the Famous French 75 Cocktail (Recipe)
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that has been popular since the early 20th century. Its exact origin is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the late 1910s at the New York Bar in Paris, which was later renamed Harry’s New York Bar.
The cocktail is named after the French 75mm field gun, which was used during World War I. The drink is said to have been created to celebrate the French army’s successful use of the gun during the war.
The original recipe for the French 75 called for gin, lemon juice, and sugar, topped with champagne. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include simple syrup instead of sugar.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe Step by Step
This French 75 cocktail recipe serves 2 drinks.
Ingredients
- 30 ml gin
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- 60 ml chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
Here is how to make a French 75 cocktail at home!
Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
Top with the chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Enjoy your delicious French 75 cocktail!
French 75 Variations
The basic ratios of the French 75 can be tweaked by using different spirits, liqueurs, juices, and mixers to provide some variation on the classic. Here are some popular variations on the classic French 75 cocktail:
- Classic French 75 – The original version made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Elderflower French 75 – Uses St. Germain elderflower liqueur instead of simple syrup. Provides a floral flavor.
- Rose French 75 – Substitutes rosé wine for the Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Southern French 75 – Uses bourbon instead of gin. A nice twist on the classic.
- Raspberry French 75 – Muddles fresh raspberries into the drink for a fruitier flavor.
- Cognac French 75 – Swaps out gin for cognac as the spirit base. Adds richness.
- Ginger French 75 – Adds ginger syrup or ginger beer to the cocktail. Provides some spiciness.
- Citrus French 75 – Uses lemon and grapefruit juices rather than just lemon. Makes it more citrusy.
- Fall French 75 – Mix of apple cider, bourbon, lemon juice and ginger beer for an autumnal version.
- Tropical French 75 – Includes light rum, pineapple juice and passion fruit syrup.
Santé!
