What Is A French 75 Cocktail
Youve probably sipped a French 75 before but do you know the French 75 history?
Although versions of the bubbly cocktail date back to the 19th century, the numeric name doesnt emanate from a year like 1875 as you may guess. Instead, the drinks unlikely namesake is the French 75 field gun used during World War I a weapon equally as powerful as the gin and champagne cocktail. Kapow!
In simple terms, a French 75 is a champagne martini. You can order one in France by asking for a Soixante Quinze though most bartenders will understand the English translation.
For many years, the French 75s popularity was specific to France where barflies drink the French cocktail in champagne flutes and coupe glasses. The sophisticated sipper jumped the pond decades later, achieving popularity in New York City before spreading its wings to lounges and hotel bars across the US.
Buy The Cocktail Companion. You can explore cocktail history with this book or online. Its interesting stuff.
What Gin To Use
For this Honey Ginger French 75, I used Uncle Vals Zested Gin, which was gifted to me. Its a wonderful citrus-forward gin with notes of bergamot, juniper, and white pepper.
Other great gin options are classic, junipery London dry gins like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire.
Other citrusy gins to try include Malfy con Limone or Citadelle.
How To Make A French 75 Cocktail
Making a French 75 is easy. You dont need to take an expensive mixology class to craft this tasty tipple. However, you will need a cocktail shaker, jigger and strainer for best results.
Once you have the right tools as well as the necessary ingredients, youll be ready to shake your way to France without leaving your home kitchen.
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Watch How To Make Classic French 75 Cocktails
Please let me know how your French 75 cocktails turn out in the comments! I hope theyre perfectly delightful.
Want to change it up? For a similar lemony gin flavor profile, try the Bees Knees cocktail or Tom Collins. If youre looking to branch out a bit further, dont miss my fizzy classic mimosas or Moscow mules. Cheers!
Which Gin Should I Use
You don’t need to spring for a very expensive gin for this drink any mid-range gin will do nicely.
That said, I am a particular fan of a French 75 made with Nolet’s Silver, a really beautiful gin with notes of rose and peach. And while I don’t usually recommend Hendrick’s gin for cocktail mixing , that gin is actually quite refreshing in this drink.
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Bridgerton Series On Netflix
If you have no idea what I am talking about, thats fine, you can still enjoy the gin and champagne cocktail at the bottom of this post! But if you do know what I am talking about, welcome to the obsession that is Bridgerton! I think I started reading the series a while back , I think I started the series in 2003, I read the series out of order, but loved it then, never thinking it would be made into a fun and relevant to 2020 series 20 years later.
So when I heard that the series was coming out, I was all about it! Which made me think about my love of all things Regency. I have always loved books set in that time and my love of romance novels set in the same era made it a perfect fit. I started researching what they ate and drank in those times, lets be real though we are talking here about what the nobility and rich people ate, not commoners and servants. But, it is fun to see what the hoity toity of those partook in.
The drama of Bridgerton takes place amidst a backdrop of lavish dinners, dances and events. In London, in the 1810s, dinner parties were the height of socializing, and were often a long affair with many dishes. According to the , attendees could expect to be offered soup, meat, game, pickles, jellies, vegetables, custards, puddings- anywhere from five to twenty-five dishes depending on the grandeur of the occasion. Whew. I am tired just thinking about it.
So, here is a little history lesson of what they ate and drank in the Regency times!
Honey Ginger French 75
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This honey and ginger-laced variation on the classic French 75 is the perfect festive cocktail for the holidays and other winter celebrations.
If youre looking for a unique and elegant drink to serve on New Years Eve, this fancy bubbly cocktail is a great choice thats also easy to batch for guests.
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How To Make It
Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to make a gorgeous Soixante Quinze . You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.
Other Types Of Bubbly You Can Use
All champagne is sparkling wine, however, not all sparkling wine is champagne. Why? Champagne has to come from the champagne region in France to get that designation. However, that doesnt mean you have to use French champagne in this gin and champagne cocktail. And to be honest, I dont.
This is a personal preference, but to me, using really good French champagne is kind of a waste when youre mixing a cocktail. The Veuve Clicquot on the left can run between $40 and $50/bottle. Consequently, when I DO pop a cork on a good bottle, I want to enjoy it for all the things its special for, not blend it with other ingredients. The Kirkland Prosecco is a very good sparkling wine for under $10. You can also use a Spanish Cava, Cremant De Bourgogne or any other type of good drinkable bubbly. Just look for Brut on the label for the driest sparkler.
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What Is The French 75 Made Of
Lets be clear that this is a cocktail that packs a punch. It contains one measure of gin and champagne so it is not for the faint of heart.
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
You can use sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava if champagne isnt in the budget.
However, you dont need too much champagne for one glass of this cocktail so it is great for a crowd if you want to serve up something a bit special.
Bridgerton Cocktail Gin And Champagne Cocktail
So now that we had a bit of a history lesson, on to the Bridgerton gin and champagne cocktail! We wanted to bring the flavors of London and England all in one drink, and because its almost Valentines Day, we chose to make it a light and pink drink that is perfect for sharing with your beau and plus, it just looks fabulous!
We loved the combo in this one of London Dry Gin, Earl Gray Tea syrup, lemon juice and lemon bitters, all topped with some beautiful rosé champagne!
Its a bit of London, a bit of England, and you will feel classy AF if you have one of these while watching Bridgerton! A perfect champagne gin affair to celebrate Daphne and Simon!
Cheers to this gin and champagne cocktail! Try our pink Strawberry Mimosa, too!
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Classic French 75 Cocktail
Are you acquainted with the French 75? The French 75 is a refreshing and citrusy, sparkling gin cocktail that packs a punch. Its perfect for the holidays and other celebratory occasions. The French 75 is the answer any time a bubbly cocktail is in order!
French 75s are made with a standard pour of gin and topped with Champagne, so its a strong drink in a sparkling dress. In fact, its named after the French 75-mm field gun, which was commonly used in World War I.
Heres my only spin on this classic cocktail: I used honey instead of sugar in the simple syrup. The light honey flavor plays beautifully with fresh lemon and herbal gin. That said, you can absolutely keep the the original recipe and use sugar if youd prefer. My recipe works either way!
French 75 Recipe With Cointreau
Are you craving a sophisticated cocktail made with gin and champagne? If so, try our classic French 75 recipe with Cointreau added for balance and an extra punch. You can make it at home with just five ingredients plus ice.
Maybe you love gin and maybe you dont. It doesnt matter when it comes to the French 75, a cocktail that features both gin and champagne. Adding fresh lemon juice and simple syrup transforms the potent potables into an effervescent sipper thats fun to drink regardless of your affinity for gin.
Simultaneously sweet and sour, the French 75 is a lush cocktail that you can quickly make at home for a quiet night with a special someone. Its also a classy cocktail that you can prepare in advance for a party, splashing on the bubbly as you serve each glass to your guests.
As for us, it was love at first sip when we drank our first French 75 cocktails at Luke in New Orleans back in 2013. Little did we know that wed eventually savor classic French 75 drink in Paris where they were invented and later make them in our adopted city of Lisbon.
Based on research, both online and in the kitchen, weve adapted a recipe for French 75 cocktails thats as easy to follow as it is to drink. We craft our version of the sophisticated sipper to our personal taste by adding Cointreau to deepen the flavor. The result is a classic cocktail that youll want to drink again and again.
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Pineapple Dole Whip Mimosa
The one thing that most champagne cocktails are not is creamy, but this delightful pineapple dole whip mimosa is the exception that proves the rule.
Its thick, creamy, and full of pineapple yumminess thatll have you dreaming of the beach and the waves crashing over your toes.
Despite its fleshy pink appearance, the strawberry mimosa tastes remarkably similar to the traditional orange mimosa.
The only difference is a bright burst of berry deliciousness underneath all the tangy orange flavor.
The drink requires only three ingredients and takes 5 minutes or less to make.
These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or lazy summer days beside the pool.
How Strong Is The Champagne Cocktail
The alcohol content of wine varies, though 12 percent ABV is average and can be used to estimate the cocktail’s strength. Assuming you pour 4 ounces of Champagne, your drink would weigh in around 17 percent ABV . Even with an 80-proof brandy, it’s a relatively light drink in the cocktail world. The wine scene is another matter and in that context, it’s pretty hefty.
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Tips To Make This Bubbly Cocktail Even Better
To make the best French 75 possible, be sure to chill all of your ingredients in advance. You should also chill your champagne flutes if at all possible.
Another way to get your ingredients ice cold and to make the drink taste even better is to shake the gin, lemon, and syrup with ice. Strain the chilled liquids into the flute, then top with chilled champagne or other dry sparkling wine.
Express a lemon twist over the drink and run the peel along the rim of the flute. This will add bright, fresh citrus oils that enhance the crisp and refreshing flavor of the drink.
Can You Make A Non
Yes! Making mocktails or 0 proof cocktails are great for including people who dont drink alcohol, pregnant women, or kids. You can make a non-alcoholic version of this St Germain champagne cocktail with a few simple substitutes. Here they are:
- Champagne substitute: Use non-alcoholic sparkling cider, grape juice, or wine for the champagne .
- St Germain substitute: You can use elderflower juice from IKEA to substitute for this elderflower liqueur. Use this trick to make mocktail versions of all your favorite St Germain cocktails!
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When To Serve A French 75
The perfect time for a French 75? Whenever youd like one! But for me, I particularly love serving these at brunch
Its a perfect change-up from the traditional mimosa or bellini cocktails when youre brunching. The drink is light and refreshing, very smooth, and packs a punch .
Its also a perfect cocktail recipe to serve for special occasions! Birthday parties, anniversaries, Valentines Day, showers, weddings and more would all be great times to serve a French 75.
It feels special and a little elevated because of the fact that its a champagne cocktail, but its incredibly easy and quick to make. You can serve plenty of them very quickly, which makes it a good idea for parties or large events as well.
Who Invented The French 75
Cocktail history has long said that the French 75 was created by Harry MacElhone. The Scottish owner of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris and author of numerous 1920s bartending guides is known for creating many great drinks. While he took credit for the sidecar, old pal, Boulevardier, and even the bloody mary, in his book, “The ABC of Mixing Drinks,” MacElhone wrote that the French 75 was first created at Buck’s Club in London.
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The History Of Gin And Fizz: How Gin And Champagne Cocktails Came To Be
Gin and Champagne cocktails are the perfect way to make an occasion specialand they have quite the history, too. Read on to learn more about how these two first got together.
Purists may scoff at the idea, but Champagne really is an excellent cocktail ingredient. Exquisite on its own, Champagne also adds balance and elegance to most servesnot to mention a festive dose of fizz.
But while many drinkers might assume Champagne cocktails are a more recent innovation, in fact their history dates back to the very beginnings of modern cocktail culture. Or, as drinks historian David Wondrich puts it, Champagne cocktails are from the Iron Age of American mixologythat final prehistoric period between the invention of the cocktail, whenever that was, and 1862, when the first cocktail book was published.
Some of the earliest written records of cocktails featuring Champagne date to 1855, though they were likely enjoyed even earliercontemporary sippers might be surprised to learn that, in those days, they were frequently served in tumblers over crushed ice. One of the earliest sparkling serves was the creatively named Champagne Cocktail, which was made with a sugar cube soaked with bitters, mixed with Cognac, and finally topped up with Champagne.
Before they came to be served in flutes, Champagne cocktails were served in tumblers, over crushed ice.
Fizzy Gin Cocktail Recipes
Looking to make your own celebratory, fizz-forward serves? Below, find two easy gin cocktails that are perfect for when youre after something bubbly, whether youve got some Champagne stashed away or a bottle of Prosecco handy.
The French 75
The French 75 is the ultimate gin and Champagne cocktailand still a treat today.
Is the French 75 the best gin cocktail for Champagne lovers? Its certainly one of the most classicand well worth making at home.
25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
15ml simple cane or gomme syrup
Champagne
Lemon twist, to garnish
Combine the first three ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a chilled flute or coupe and top up with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
The Hedgerow Fizz
As far as gin and Prosecco cocktails go, its hard to stir up a more delicious number than this Hedgerow Fizz. Sloe gin lends it a rosy hue and a rich berry flavour.
25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
15ml elderflower cordial
Prosecco
Berries, to garnish
Add the first three ingredients to a chilled flute and gently stir. Top up with Prosecco and garnish with your preferred berries.
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French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Now that you know all about it Im sure your mouth is watering for a French 75! Its incredibly easy and quick to make.
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- optional: lemon rind for garnish
