French 75

The French 75 is the perfect cocktail to ring in the New Year. Its light, lemony flavor makes it great for sipping during the summertime too. Enjoy it any time of the year!

Did you know that the French 75 is one of the most popular Champagne cocktails? This classic drink combines gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. These three ingredients are shaken until cold in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strained into a Champagne flute and topped with Champagne or sparkling wine. Add a lemon slice or twist for an elegant finish. It takes only about 5 minutes to make but with just one sip, you’ll see why it has been a favorite for over 100 years!

History of the French 75

Sometime around World War I, a bartender named Henry Tépé invented this classic drink. He named it after the popular French 75mm rapid fire gun that was built and used during the war. It is said that the French 75 was so powerful and impressive, more than 200 million shells were sold. In addition, this field gun became a symbol of strength and hope during WWI. After the war, American soldiers brought this recipe back to America. Shortly after, it became a regular cocktail served at the Stork Club, a famous restaurant in New York City, where it gained popularity among many.

How to serve the French 75

Although many different glasses can be used, I serve my French 75 in a tall Champagne flute. Champagne glasses are designed to display the bubbles that rise up the drink, thus creating a festive feeling.

This drink is best served cold. In order to keep it from warming prematurely, hold the stem of the glass when drinking. In addition, you can also refrigerate your Champagne flutes for at least an hour before serving this drink.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

If you are expecting a large crowd prepare it ahead of time. Simply mix the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup together and place it in a container in the refrigerator. Add about 3/4 of the mixture to each glass and right before serving it to your guests, pop the Champagne or sparkling wine and top off each glass. That way it’s nice and bubbly when drinking.

How do I make simple syrup?

If you don’t have any simple syrup on hand you can make your own in about 10-15 minutes. All you need is a small sauce pan, sugar and some water. It will last for several months if stored properly. Use it in countless drinks and cocktails!

What Champagne should I use?

While you can use any Champagne for the French 75, I prefer demi-sec champagnes that tend to be on the sweeter side.

According to gayot.com the best demi-sec Champagnes are:

• Champagne A. Margaine Cuvée, from Villers-Marmery, France, runs about $45 for 750 ml
• Billecart-Salmon’s Demi-Sec, from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France, runs about $55 for 750ml
• Champagne Collet, from Aÿ, France runs about  $53 for 750ml

However, there is no need to break the bank and use Champagnes from France. There are many budget-friendly alternatives. For example:

• Italian Prosecco (that I used for this recipe) that runs about $13-20 for 750ml
• Spanish Cava which runs about $15-25 for 750 ml
• Gruet Demi-Sec, from America that runs about $17 for 750 ml

French 75-Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• .5 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• .5 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
• lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously until very cold.
• Strain into a Champagne flute.
• Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.
• Cheers!

For other great Champagne/sparkling wine drinks try:

Aperol Spritz

Apple Cider Mimosas

Easy Prosecco Punch

Poinsettia Cocktail