French 75
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.
French 95 Cocktail Recipe
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French 95 Nutrition Facts
Calories:215
Fat:0 g
Protein:0.1 g
Carbohydrates:9 g
Alcohol:17%
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
Contents
History
The French 95 cocktail is a variation of the classic French 75, which was created during World War I at the New York Bar in Paris. The French 95 swaps out gin for bourbon, giving it a richer, more robust flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sophistication and elegance in their drinks.
How French 95 Tastes?
The French 95 has a smooth, rich taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup and a touch of tartness from the lemon juice. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, while the champagne brings a light, effervescent finish.
Interesting facts about French 95
- The French 95 is named after the French 75, which was named after a 75mm artillery gun used by the French army during World War I.
- The French 95 is sometimes called a Bourbon 95, highlighting the use of bourbon instead of gin.
- The French 95 is a popular choice for celebratory occasions, thanks to its champagne component.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Champagne: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon twist: 1
Bourbon
Bourbon adds a rich, warm, and slightly sweet base with notes of vanilla and oak. The 2 oz is just enough to let it assert its presence without overpowering. Less would make it too subtle; more might overshadow the Champagne's fizz.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
The Lemon Juice brings a fresh zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the bourbon and syrup. Using fresh juice makes all the difference. Too little and the drink lacks bright notes; too much makes it overly tart.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
Simple Syrup is the sweet counterpart to the lemon juice, providing body and smoothness to the drink. Altering the amount affects the delicate balance. Less and you might pucker up; more and you veer into cloying territory.
Mary Mitkina
Champagne
Fizz from the Champagne lightens things up and adds elegance, making the drink celebratory. Using good quality bubbly ensures the best experience. Too little, and the cocktail falls flat; too much, and you risk diluting the bourbon's charm.
Emma Rose
Lemon Twist
This Lemon Twist is more than a pretty garnish; it's essential for the bright aroma that greets you with each sip. Without it, you miss an aromatic prelude to the flavors. Plus, it's all about the zest—literally!
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make French 95 Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with 2 oz of champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- Bourbon: Use a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- Champagne: Make sure the champagne is well chilled before using.
- Shaking: Shake the ingredients vigorously to ensure they're well mixed.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
Especially those with a buttery or lemony profile, like shrimp scampi or grilled salmon.
Poultry Dishes
Roasted or grilled chicken with herbs pairs nicely, providing a balance to the acidity of the cocktail.
Canapés
Think of pairing with mini quiches or bruschetta.
Cheese
A cheese board with Brie, Camembert, or mild blues complements the bubbly aspect of the cocktail.
Desserts
Opt for light and not overly sweet desserts like lemon tarts or sorbet.
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What you could change in French 95
- Bourbon: You can substitute bourbon with rye whiskey or cognac.
- Champagne: If you don't have champagne, you can use any other sparkling wine.
- Lemon Juice: If fresh lemons aren't available, you can use bottled lemon juice.
Explore all drinks starting with F here
And of course - twists🍹
French 95 - Berry Twist
- Substitute 0.5 oz of raspberry puree for lemon juice
- Add 1 oz of Chambord Combine bourbon, raspberry puree, and Chambord in a shaker. Proceed as with the original. The result is fruitier and smoother, with the Chambord bringing a luxurious depth.
French 95 - Spicy Sparkle
- Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker Give the mixture a spicy kick by infusing it with jalapeño for a few minutes before shaking. This adds an exciting heat to contrast the drink's bubbly personality, a perfect fire-and-ice kind of vibe.
French 95 - Winter Wonderland
- Use spiced bourbon
- Top with sparkling apple cider instead of Champagne Opting for spiced bourbon and apple cider gives the French 95 a cozy winter feel, with warming spices mingling with apple's tart-sweetness, a holiday in a glass.
In case you forgot basics how to make French 95
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 syrupAdd 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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on French 95
What type of bourbon is best for a French 95 cocktail?
A smooth, full-bodied bourbon that is not too smoky or overpowering is typically recommended for a French 95 cocktail. There are many brands out there that would make an excellent choice, including Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.
How should I serve the cocktail?
It is best served chilled, immediately after preparation to maintain the effervescence of the champagne. It is usually served in a champagne flute to accentuate the bubbling effect of the champagne.
What food pairings would go well with a French 95?
The French 95 cocktail pairs well with a wide range of appetizers and finger foods, such as cheese platters, light salads, shellfish, or even sushi. Its bubbly character and zesty flavor contrasts and complements rich, flavorful food very well.
Can I make a French 95 cocktail without alcohol?
You can create a non-alcoholic version of the French 95 by substituting the bourbon for a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative and the champagne for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Remember to adjust the measurements according to taste.
What's the best way to twist a lemon for garnish?
For the best lemon twist, start by washing the lemon thoroughly. Use a zester or a small, sharp knife to cut a thin strip of the lemon peel, trying not to cut too much of the bitter white pith. Wrap the strip around a spoon handle or straw to achieve a spiral shape before garnishing the cocktail.
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