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This French 75 cocktails recipe is smooth, citrusy, balanced, and refreshing. The combination of lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and champagne is genius.
Wondering what to serve with a French 75? Try these finger foods. Johnny Cakes with Citrus Grilled Chicken, Grilled Shrimp with Chimichurri, Black-eyed Pea Fritters, or Fried Apple Pies.
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In 1915, MacElhone created the French 75 at the New York bar in Paris, France. MacElhone's original cocktail recipe contained gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and champagne. It can be served in an old-fashioned glass or flute.
The story behind the name of this cocktail is that it was supposedly named after the French 75mm artillery guns used by the French and American regiments during World War I. The drink was said to have a strong kick like the 75mm field gun.
Key Ingredients:
To make this refreshing French 75 cocktail, you will need the following key ingredients:
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice gives the French 75 its bright flavor.
Gin
Gin was initially used in the classic, so that's what we're going to use. Use a top-shelf gin for best results. Middle-tier can be used for a large brunch party.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup brings a balance to the French 75. The sweetness pairs well with the lemon juice, gin, and champagne.
Champagne
Since MacElhone created the French 75 in France, and it's only correct to use the French staple champagne. If the sparkling wine is not made in France, it cannot be labeled as champagne. The drink was originally served in a champagne flute.
Ingredients for French 75:
Here are all the ingredients needed to make this fantastic cocktail.
- Simple syrup
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dry gin
- Ice
- Champagne
- Lemon
Common One to One Substitutions:
Feel free to swap the simple syrup for honey or agave. You can use cognac in place of gin. Feel free to swap the champagne for sparkling wine or prosecco.
How To Make French 75 Cocktail
In a shaker with ice, add simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Strain the drink into Tom Collins glass or champagne flute, top with champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.
How To Make Lemon Twist Garnish
How To Store French 75
French 75 cocktail: Is best when fresh to enjoy the refreshing flavors.
However, you can mix everything except the champagne in a pitcher. Cover and keep in the fridge for 24 hours. Stir before serving and top of each glass with champagne.
Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks:
Here are some of my top tips and tricks to help you make this classic cocktail:
- To make your simple syrup: In a small pot, combine ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water over medium heat, cook until sugar is dissolved.
- Get creative with your lemon twist garnish. The easiest way to remove lemon peel is with a vegetable peeler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about French 75 cocktails.
A French 75 is a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and sugar. It originated in France during World War I in the town of Cambrai when a French bartender at the New York bar in Paris needed to make use of what little ingredients he had left after Germany took over the city's resources.
Traditionally, gin is used when making a French 75. In recent years bartenders have begun using cognac to add a modern twist to this cocktail classic.
Cognac is distilled from wine and aged in French oak barrels. It has a fruitier, smoother flavor profile than gin which tastes more herbal and earthy.
Gin tends to have more of an alcoholic taste, whereas cognac's milder flavors make it easier to drink straight up or on the rocks. For those who haven't tried either, I recommend you try both and see which you prefer.
I know everybody doesn't have a cocktail shaker to use to make this recipe. So, here's a few ideas to make a homemade cocktail shaker.
1) Place one smaller inside a larger cup. It should be a tight fit. I know everybody doesn't have a cocktail shaker to use to make this recipe. So, here's how a few ideas to make a homemade cocktail shaker.
2) Use your favorite protein shaker. I know everybody doesn't have a cocktail shaker to use to make this recipe. So, here's how a few ideas to make a homemade cocktail shaker.
3) Use a mason jar and lid.
These are three of the easiest ways to create a homemade shaker. All you need is a top to keep the liquid from spilling out. If you don't have a strainer, use a small fine-mesh strainer.
More Cocktail Ideas
If you're looking for some other cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks to serve; try these.
- Sloe Gin Fizz
- Strawberry Ginger Lemonade
- Blackberry Mint Sangria
- Meyer Lemon Sweet Tea
- Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
If you've never heard of a French 75 cocktail before, it's time to get excited. This recipe is easy and tastes great at any point in the day. So, what are you waiting for? Get out your shaker and start mixing! Don't forget to tag me on Instagram to see how yours turned out by following this link here. And don't forget to leave a comment below-I'd love to know if you enjoyed my post or have some feedback about what needs improvement!
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📖 Recipe
French 75
Ingredients
- 1 oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. lemon juice
- 4 oz. gin
- Ice
- 1 bottle chilled champagne
- 4 lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker add simple syrup, lemon juice, gin and ice. Shake for 8-10 seconds vigorously. Strain into Tom Collins glass or champagne flute, top off with champagne and garnish with lemon twist.
Notes
- To make your own simple syrup: In a small pot combine ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water, over medium heat, cook until sugar is dissolved. Keep in an airtight container for 30 days.
- To make lemon twist cut a peel or cut off a strip of lemon skin, then cut into thin strips. Wrap each around a chop stick or something similar.
- Storage
French 75 cocktail: A French 75 is best when fresh to enjoy the refreshing flavors. However, you can mix everything except the champagne in a pitcher. Cover and keep in the fridge for 24 hours. Stir before serving and top of each glass with champagne.
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