The French 75 is a classic cocktail that dates back to World War I. It was created by Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris and named after the French 75mm field gun, due to its powerful kick. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, bubbly drink with a touch of elegance.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Seafood
A classic match for the French 75 is seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters or shrimp. The crispness of the champagne cuts through the richness of the seafood, while the citrus notes complement the briny flavors.
Canapés
Elegant and bite-sized canapés, especially those with a hint of citrus or herby flavors, would go hand in hand with this cocktail. Think smoked salmon on blinis with a touch of crème fraîche.
Brunch
French 75s are fantastic for brunch. Pair them with eggs Benedict, French toast, or a fruit salad to elevate your mid-morning dining experience.
Cheese
A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, will pair beautifully with the French 75. The acidity and bubbles can cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
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ROSÉ 75
Swap out regular champagne for a brut rosé. The result? A pinkish hue and a flirty twist on the classic. It's like the French 75 went on a summer holiday in the Riviera.
Ingredients: Replace champagne with rosé champagne.
Recipe: Follow the original recipe, changing only the type of champagne.
CUCUMBER 75
For a spa-like refreshment, include thinly sliced cucumber during the shaking process. This green twist features an earthier tone, like a garden party in a glass.
Ingredients: Add several thin slices of cucumber to the shake.
Recipe: Muddle cucumber slices with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup before shaking.
HONEY 75
Substitute simple syrup with honey syrup for an autumnal touch. It will give the cocktail a richer, deeper sweetness that pairs well with the botanicals of the gin.
Ingredients: Replace simple syrup with equal amount of honey syrup.
Recipe: Follow the original recipe, swapping syrups.
Where does the name 'French 75' come from?
The drink was named 'French 75' after the 75mm Howitzer field gun that was used by the French during World War I. The cocktail was said to have such a kick that drinking it felt like being shelled with the powerful gun.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the French 75?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version can be made using non-alcoholic champagne or sparkling cider, non-alcoholic gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
What kind of gin works best for a French 75?
A classic London dry gin is often used in French 75, but you can experiment with different kinds of gin to see which flavor profile you prefer.
What other cocktails can I make with these ingredients?
Many other cocktails use similar ingredients. For instance, if you replace champagne with club soda and omit the lemon twist, you can make a Tom Collins. If you just use gin, lemon juice and simple syrup without the champagne, you get a Gin Sour.