French 75
The French 75 is a sophisticated and effervescent cocktail known for its crisp, citrusy flavor profile. It masterfully balances the botanical notes of gin with the bright tartness of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. Topped with Champagne, the drink is lively and celebratory, offering a clean and uplifting drinking experience perfect for any special occasion.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The French 75 is unequivocally classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the "Sparkling Sour" family of drinks, celebrated for its combination of a spirit base, citrus, sugar, and sparkling wine. Its elegance and historical significance cement its place in the cocktail canon.
Serving
This cocktail is served cold in a chilled Champagne flute to maintain its effervescence and temperature. It is a moderately strong drink, with an ABV that varies depending on the Champagne used.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Champagne Flute
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The cocktail's creation is famously linked to World War I. It was reportedly created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, later known as Harry's New York Bar. The drink was named after the French 75mm field gun, an innovative piece of artillery used by the French and American armies, because its potent kick was said to feel like being shelled by the powerful weapon.
Origin
The French 75 originated in Paris, France, around 1915. Its invention is often credited to barman Harry MacElhone. It quickly gained popularity and appeared in print in cocktail books in the 1920s, cementing its status as a timeless classic from the Prohibition era.
French 75
The drink's original French name, "Soixante-Quinze," translates directly to "Seventy-Five." It is also sometimes referred to as the "75 Cocktail" for simplicity. An early, similar recipe was known as the "Diamond Fizz," though the modern French 75 has a distinct identity.
Original name
Soixante-Quinze
Alternative names
- 75 Cocktail
- Diamond Fizz
Characteristics overview
The French 75 delights with a bright, citrusy flavor and the botanical aroma of gin, balanced perfectly between sweet and sour. Its bubbly texture and pale yellow appearance make it a visually appealing and refreshing drink suitable for any season.
Flavor
Citrusy, botanical, crisp, bright, effervescent
Aroma
Lemon, juniper, floral, yeasty
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
Bubbly, sparkling
Color appearance
Pale yellow, clear, effervescent
Texture
Light, crisp, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, celebratory, year-round, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is defined by a pleasant sourness from lemon and noticeable carbonation, with a moderate alcohol presence and light sweetness. It is not bitter, spicy, or creamy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need gin as the base spirit, complemented by fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for a sweet and sour balance. The cocktail is topped with brut Champagne or another dry sparkling wine.
- Gin45 ml / 1.5 ozA London Dry Gin works particularly well.
- Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozUse a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
- Champagne60 ml / 2 oz, to topBrut Champagne is traditional. Other dry sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava can be used.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for shaking
Mixing equipments
A cocktail shaker is essential for combining and chilling the gin, lemon juice, and syrup. You will also need a jigger for precise measurements and a strainer for a clean pour.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the base ingredients
- Jigger for measuring ingredients accurately
- Strainer to pour the chilled mix without ice
Instructions
The method involves shaking gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, straining it into a chilled flute, and then topping it with Champagne. The final touch is a lemon twist garnish.
1. Chill your Champagne flute by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Empty the ice from your chilled Champagne flute.
5. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the flute.
6. Slowly top with chilled Champagne.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the surface of the drink before dropping it in.
Garnishing
A lemon twist is the classic garnish, providing an aromatic citrus essence that enhances the drink's flavor. A maraschino cherry can also be used for a touch of color and sweetness.
- Lemon twist to express oils over the drink and place in the glass
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also caffeine-free and suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, containing around 160 kcal per serving. Most of its sugar content comes from the simple syrup and the residual sugar in the Champagne.
Calories
Averagely 150-180 kcal / 627-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 7-10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 6-9 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
With its festive sparkle, the French 75 is ideal for celebrations like New Year's Eve and weddings. It is also a popular choice for brunch, serving as a sophisticated alternative to a Mimosa. Its refreshing nature makes it an excellent aperitif before a meal.
- Celebrations
- Brunch
- New Year's Eve
- Weddings
- Aperitif
Pairing suggestions
The French 75's crisp and citrusy profile pairs beautifully with light appetizers and seafood such as oysters or shrimp cocktail. It also complements creamy, soft cheeses and is a classic partner for savory brunch dishes. Its acidity cuts through richness, making it a versatile food-friendly cocktail.
- Light appetizers
- Seafood, especially oysters and shrimp
- Soft cheeses like brie
- Brunch foods like eggs benedict
The French 75: A Sparkling Classic with a Potent Kick
The French 75 is a timeless, effervescent cocktail that exudes elegance and celebration. Its simple yet perfect combination of gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne creates a refreshingly crisp and balanced drink. Named after a WWI field gun for its potent kick, this Parisian classic has a rich history and remains a staple in cocktail bars worldwide. It's the perfect choice for a toast, a sophisticated brunch, or as a delightful aperitif.
Variations
Similar Cocktails
Tom Collins
Uses gin, lemon, and sugar, but is topped with soda water instead of Champagne and served in a Collins glass over ice.
Kir Royale
A simpler sparkling cocktail made with crème de cassis and Champagne.
Champagne Cocktail
Made with a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters, topped with Champagne and brandy.
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