Introduction
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines the zest of lemon with the robust flavor of gin, topped off by the effervescence of champagne. Its name pays homage to the World War I artillery piece, the 75mm gun, symbolizing its explosive impact on mixology.
Tips for this recipe
- Use a chilled highball glass and fresh ice to maintain the cocktail’s crispness.
- Shake vigorously with the jigger set to ensure proper mixing of ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Strain into the highball glass using a bar spoon for an uninterrupted flow, avoiding any unwanted pulp from lemon juice.
Why you will love this recipe
The French 75 is not just a drink; it’s a refreshing journey through time, encapsulating the elegance of traditional cocktail crafting with its balanced and vibrant flavor profile. The combination of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine creates an unforgettable taste that is as delightful to sip as it is visually appealing.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) gin
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, chilled
Adviced equipments
- Shaker/Jigger Set
- Cocktail Strainer
- Highball Glass
- Cocktail Napkin Coasters
- Mini Ice Tray (optional for ice cubes)
- Bar Spice Rack
- Kitchen Scale (for precise measurement of liquids)
- Bar Spoon Set
- Jigger or Cocktail Measuring Device
History of the recipe
The French 75 was invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during World War I by Dale DeGroff. The cocktail quickly gained fame for its elegance and became a symbol of sophistication. Its name, though debated to be derived from the artillery piece or as an homage to bartender Harry Johnson’s preference for five ingredients in his drink list, remains iconic.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know that the French 75 is often considered the precursor to more complex cocktails? Its simple yet precise combination of ingredients paved the way for bartenders worldwide to experiment and innovate. Interestingly, despite its name, it originally contained gin instead of champagne. Over time, this classic recipe evolved into its modern form, with Champagne as a key component that adds a luxurious fizz to every sip.