How to Make the Perfect French 75: A Sophisticated Cocktail

The French 75 cocktail draws its name from the rapid-firing 75-millimeter field gun used by the French during World War One. Despite its intimidating name, the drink is a delightful mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne, offering a much friendlier experience than one might expect.

As with many classic cocktails, the origins of the French 75 are shrouded in mystery and subject to debate. According to drinks historian David Wondrich, the recipe first surfaced in 1927, during the Prohibition era, within the pages of a book titled "Here's How," published by a New York humor magazine. However, it was in 1930 that the cocktail gained enduring fame when it was included in Harry Craddock's "The Savoy Cocktail Book." This inclusion solidified the French 75's popularity, making it a beloved choice in bars and households worldwide. In this blog post, we will be sharing a recipe for making French 75, along with some bottle recommendations available in our bottle shop to help you choose the perfect gin and champagne for your cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Sparkling Wine
• Ice
• Garnish: lemon twist

Directions:

• In a shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
• Top off the glass with champagne.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.
• Enjoy your delicious French 75!

Bottle Recommendations for the French 75 Available in our Bottle Shop

1. Tanqueray No. Ten Gin

Tanqueray No. 10, named after the stills of its origin, is a small batch gin crafted using fresh citrus fruits. It has exquisite aromas of juniper, lime, grapefruit, licorice, and angelica. Flavor notes include juniper, bitter orange, lemon, angelica, and pink grapefruit, along with hints of licorice root and peppercorn. The gin finishes long with medium warmth and juniper, citrus, and earthy flavors.

Region: US | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Coriander, Angelica | ABV: 47.3%

2. Hendrick's Gin

Hendrick’s is an unusual gin created from 11 fine botanicals: chamomile, elderflower, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root, and orris root. The gin is made in double batches, one using an old-fashioned pot still that creates a rich spirit, the other on a long-necked Carter Head that results in a more delicate, refined gin ideal for sipping. They’re then both combined with rose and cucumber infusions that uniquely balance the flavor and floral aroma, which creates a refreshing, smooth, light, complex, and distinct gin.

Region: Scotland | Tasting Notes: Coriander, Juniper, Citrus | ABV: 41.4%

3. Plymouth Gin

The rich and smooth taste of England’s Plymouth Gin is the result of a balanced blend of seven hand-selected botanicals. You’ll get aromas and flavors of earth, juniper, angelica, coriander, and cardamom, along with citrus tasting notes, before a similar, medium-length finish.

Region: England | Tasting Notes: Earth, Angelica, Coriander, Juniper, Citrus | ABV: 41.2%

4. Roku Gin

A Japanese gin that is distilled with six Japanese botanicals, including sakura flower and yuzu peel, giving it a delicate and floral flavor with a hint of citrus.

Region: Japan | Tasting Notes: Cherry Blossom, Green Tea, Bergamot, Pepper | ABV: 43%

5. Aviation American Gin

This American gin is distilled with a unique blend of botanicals, including lavender and cardamom, giving it a floral and spicy taste.

Region: US | Tasting Notes: Cardamom, Smoke, Citrus, Pepper | ABV: 42%

French 75 is a classic and sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and the right gin and champagne from our bottle shop, you can create a drink that is sure to impress. We hope this recipe and bottle recommendations have inspired you to try making French 75 at home. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your cocktail!