Blackberry-Thyme French 75 Cocktail Recipe

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Blackberry-Thyme French 75 Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The French 75 is a cocktail held in high regard by many cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail's origins are somewhat disputed, but it is widely believed to have been created in the early 20th century, around the time of World War I. The Blackberry-Thyme variation adds a fruity and herbal twist to this classic. It's a perfect cocktail for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of herbal complexity.

How Blackberry-Thyme French 75 Tastes?

The Blackberry-Thyme French 75 is a delightfully balanced cocktail. The sweet, tart flavor of blackberries is complemented by the earthy, aromatic thyme. The gin adds a juniper-forward botanical flavor, and the champagne gives it a bubbly, crisp finish.

Interesting facts about Blackberry-Thyme French 75

  • The French 75 is named after the 75mm field gun used by the French military during World War I.
  • The original French 75 was made with cognac, not gin.
  • The Blackberry-Thyme variation is a modern twist on the classic cocktail.

Ingredients

A few good options for Blackberry-Thyme French 75 are:

  • Bombay Sapphire Gin
  • Elephant Gin
  • Hendrick's Lunar Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Blackberries

By muddling 10 blackberries, we're creating a sweet and tart base for our cocktail. If you skip these, you're going to miss out on the fruity fireworks, and your drink will taste more like a traditional French 75. Using more can make it too sweet, fewer and you won’t taste the berries!

Mary Mitkina

Gin

2 oz of gin gives our cocktail that herbal kick, masculine edge, and juniper-flavored backbone. Without it, it'd be like going to a party and forgetting to invite the guest of honor. Use a good quality gin; cheap alternatives can leave a harsh taste.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

1 oz of lemon juice provides that citrus zing, freshness, and acidity which is vital for balancing the sweetness of the berries. No lemon juice? You might as well just call it a sad, non-zesty blackberry toast.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

1 oz of simple syrup sweetens the deal, smoothing over any tart edges from the lemon and berries. Too much syrup and you might feel like you're drinking blackberry lemonade; too little, and your taste buds could go on strike from the tartness.

Mary Mitkina

Thyme

2 sprigs of thyme offer a subtle earthiness and a whisper of savory to our concoction, which, if omitted, would leave the cocktail feeling a bit 'naked'. Imagine a French 75 without a bow tie—indecent!

Mary Mitkina

Champagne

Finally, 2 oz of Champagne brings the celebration, adding bubbles and dryness that lift the heavy notes and make the cocktail dance on your palate. Flat or no champagne? You'd have a blackberry-gin lemonade with a dash of pretentiousness.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Blackberry-Thyme French 75 Drink

  1. Muddle the blackberries and thyme in a shaker.
  2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
  4. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and a blackberry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor.
  • Muddle the blackberries and thyme gently to release their flavors without crushing them too much.
  • Chill your champagne flute before serving for the best experience.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platters: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese complement the fruity tones of the blackberry.
  • Seafood: Oysters or shrimp cocktail offer a briny contrast that pairs well with the crispness of Champagne.

Main Courses

  • Poultry: A roasted chicken with herb garnishings works well with the thyme notes and the refreshment of the bubbly.
  • Pasta: Light pasta dishes with a lemon or cream base can balance against the cocktail's flavors without overpowering them.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: Lemon or mixed berry tarts accentuate the blackberry and lemon in the drink.
  • Sorbet: A lemon or berry sorbet can cleanse the palate while mirroring flavors in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Blackberry-Thyme French 75

  • Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
  • Champagne: Can be substituted with any dry sparkling wine.
  • Blackberries: Can be substituted with raspberries or blueberries.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Blackberry-Thyme French 75 - Rosé Edition

  • Substitute Champagne with Rosé Sparkling Wine
  • Add a splash of Crème de Cassis for a deeper berry color and flavor

The rosé and Crème de Cassis add a lush, romantic twist to the original, perfect for a summer evening under the stars. The berry notes will be richer, with a flirtatious pink hue that screams 'love at first sip'.

Elderflower-Thyme French 75

  • Replace simple syrup with Elderflower Liqueur

Bright, floral, and sophisticated, the elderflower adds an enchanting fragrance. This version whispers secrets of blooming gardens in spring, and your taste buds might just fall in love all over again.

Citrus Rush French 75

  • Use a combination of lemon, lime, and orange juice
  • Add a hint of ginger for a spicy kick

This twist is a citrus lover's daydream, with a gingery zing that'll make your palate do backflips. Think of it as the original recipe's outgoing cousin who knows how to party.

In case you forgot basics how to make Blackberry-Thyme French 75

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Blackberry-Thyme French 75

Why is this cocktail called French 75?

The cocktail is named the French 75 in tribute to the 75mm field gun used by French soldiers in WWI. The cocktail is said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful gun.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail by replacing the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative, and the champagne with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Why are the blackberries muddled rather than blended?

Muddling the blackberries helps to release their flavor into the drink without making the cocktail too cloudy or pulpy, which blending might do.

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries however fresh blackberries typically give a more fresh and potent flavor.

Are there any other herbs that could be used in place of thyme?

Other herbs like rosemary or basil could also work in this cocktail, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor profile.

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