French 75 Classic co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes with French 75 co*cktail? ›

This co*cktail was created at Harry's Bar in Paris. These days many barmen add a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Food pairing: skewers of griddled prawns, smoked salmon, turmeric roasted cauliflower. Time of day: a reception co*cktail for meetings and celebrations.

London Dry Gin is the classic choice, though should you want to infuse your drink with even more citrusy pep, consider swapping in our Lemon Drizzle Gin. Infused with three different additions of lemon, the gin is perfumed and aromatic, and mingles wonderfully with all the fizz and froth of a French 75.

Recipe: The French 75 co*cktail

You have a choice of glassware when serving this drink. You can use an ice-filled Collins (tall) glass. Or skip the ice and use a champagne flute. The first is traditional, but the latter is much more popular these days.

You'll see most modern variations made with dry gin, as is ours below, but cognac has its fair share of proponents and makes a toastier, richer version of the drink. Others may cut the gin with a bit of absinthe or add a few dashes of bitters to give their French 75 recipe an herbal twist.

The French 75 is known and loved around the world. It's a celebratory drink that can't help but put a smile on the face of its consumer. If you order a French 75 at most bars, it's likely you'll be served a light yellow drink made of lemon, sugar (or simple syrup), gin, and Champagne.

Consisting of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, the drink is a lot friendlier than the name implies. Like many classic drinks, the French 75's origin is mired in mystery and debate.

For those already familiar, the classic French 75 is an elegant, celebratory co*cktail worthy of every fancy toast. Even so, it's also a great alternative to a Mimosa and easy to serve at any time of day — or night. This version benefits from luminescent Tanqueray No.

For the home bartender, either will work fine. Brut Champagne is the traditional choice for the bubbles, but any good and very dry sparkling wine like cava or prosecco will work in a pinch.

Inspiration behind the name

This noble co*cktail is named after the French 75-millimeter light field gun which due to its portability and rate of fire was the mainstay of the French army during the First World War (1914 to 1918).

As the story goes, officers during the war drank a mix of gin, grenadine, applejack, and lemon juice in empty cartridge shells. Apparently the men had plenty of booze but no glasses. Nothing like having your priorities straight, but if any group of people in the 20th century needed a drink, it was World War I soldiers.

Can you use Moscato in French 75? ›

The French 75 is a co*cktail classic using gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar. This tropical twist replaces the champagne with passion fruit moscato and elderflower liqueur to create a whole new rendition that'll have you wanting more.

In case you're not familiar, a French 75 is a Champagne co*cktail made with gin or cognac, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Ever had a Tom Collins? It's like that, but topped with Champagne instead of club soda.

While it's not uncommon for some to misconstrue Grand Marnier as a type of Cognac, this description doesn't entirely capture the essence of this unique liqueur. Grand Marnier is a sophisticated fusion of Cognac and the vibrant essence of Bitter Bigaradia oranges.

And while a legendary co*cktail was born back then, it's a classic restaurant and bar in New Orleans, Arnaud's, that perfected the recipe to make it the popular drink enjoyed in Louisiana today.

Grand Marnier, a premium liqueur, is a common ingredient in co*cktails. It's crafted from a blend of cognac, and bitter orange liqueur. Thanks to its unique blend with Bigaradia bitter oranges, Grand Marnier introduces a distinctive twist to the sophisticated profile of Cognac.

The sweet and savory combination of ripe figs, thinly sliced prosciutto, and creamy goat cheese atop crusty bruschetta perfectly complements the effervescence of the French 75.

I ordered a French 75, one of my favorites — gin, lemon juice topped off with champagne, and garnished with a perfect twist of lemon. If my logic stands that you are what you drink, then my drink says that I'm outgoing, energetic, strong willed, with a twist of sarcasm and a sharp tongue.

The French 75 is one to turn to in times of celebration; to raise your glass and ring in the new year, the new baby, the new job, the new… weekday. Yep that will do. It's also a perfect co*cktail to serve as an aperitif as the bubbles will help lift the mood in no time.