Hey there, I’m Austin, and I love sharing delicious recipes on my blog, “Beyond the Bayou.” Today, I’m excited to share my take on the classic French 75 cocktail. This drink holds a special place for me because it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the memories it brings.
I remember one summer evening, sitting on the porch with friends, sipping French 75s with Crumpet and Egg Quesadilla as the sun dipped below the horizon. The combination of gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne created a refreshing and celebratory vibe that we all enjoyed.
What I love most about the French 75 is its versatility. You can tweak the spirit, and sweetener, and add fresh ingredients to make it your own. It’s a timeless cocktail that never fails to impress.
So join me as we raise a glass to good times and great flavors with this classic French 75 recipe! Cheers!
Overview: How To Make French 75?
This concoction combines the crispness of gin, the tanginess of fresh lemon juice, and the sweetness of simple syrup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Once shaken and strained into a Champagne flute, it’s topped off with bubbly Champagne or sparkling wine, adding a touch of effervescence to every sip.
The garnish of a lemon twist not only adds a visual appeal but also enhances the citrusy notes of the drink. It’s a refreshing and elegant cocktail, perfect for celebrations or simply unwinding after a long day.
With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a sophisticated drink that will impress your guests or elevate your own cocktail hour. Cheers to enjoying this delightful gin fizz with a twist!
French 75 Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker with ice
- Champagne flute
- Lemon twist for garnish
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces Champagne or other sparkling wine
- Garnish: lemon twist
Instructions
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine of choice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Nutrition
Variations that I Love!
- Experiment with Different Spirits: You can use whiskey, rum, tequila, vodka, or any other spirit you like in place of gin.
- Try Different Sweeteners: Instead of simple syrup, try using a different syrup, liqueur, or natural sweetener like honey. Cinnamon syrup is great for holiday cocktails, especially with apple brandy instead of gin. Liqueurs work well too, but adjust to balance sweetness.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Muddle in one fresh ingredient per drink, like strawberries, raspberries, mint, basil, cucumbers, mangos, or other fruits and herbs from your supermarket. Keep it simple, max two ingredients.
- Add a Dash of Bitters: A dash of bitters or a small amount of bitter liqueur like Aperol, Campari, Amaro Nonino, or Cynar adds depth to the cocktail’s bright and crisp qualities. Adjust to taste for a more complex flavor profile.
Tips that Are Worth Considering!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a good-quality gin and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
- Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste preferences. You can make it slightly sweeter or more tart depending on your liking.
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, including the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, are well chilled before mixing. This helps maintain the cocktail’s refreshing quality.
- Shake Vigorously: When shaking the ingredients with ice, shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to properly chill and aerate the cocktail.
- Select the Right Glassware: Use a Champagne flute to serve the French 75, as it enhances the presentation and allows the bubbles to rise elegantly.
- Top with Care: When topping the cocktail with Champagne or sparkling wine, pour slowly and gently to avoid excessive fizzing and spillage.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Garnish with a lemon twist just before serving. Squeeze the twist over the drink to release its aromatic oils, enhancing the cocktail’s fragrance.
What to Serve with French 75?
What if You Need to Serve It as A Punch?
To Make a Punch:
- Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a punch bowl or a large pitcher with one large ice cube.
- When guests arrive, add the Champagne to the punch.
- Garnish with lemon wheels or long lemon peel spirals (you can use a channel knife for this) and fresh berries for a touch of sparkle.
If preparing in advance, mix the ingredients (except for the Champagne) and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, pour the mixture over the ice cube and add the bubbly Champagne.
How Did French 75 Come to Existence?
Since the 19th century, folks have mixed gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne. However, the French 75 cocktail, with this mix, got its name in 1927 from a booklet called “Here’s How, Here’s How” by Judge Jr., a New York publisher. This was during Prohibition, making French 75 a rare American cocktail from that era that remains popular today.
