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    Home » Classic Cocktails » The French 75 is Pure Elegance in a Glass

    Published: Dec 29, 2020 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The French 75 is Pure Elegance in a Glass

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    The French 75 Champagne drink is perfect for ringing in a new year with family and friends. But be careful -- as the name implies, it packs the punch of a French howitzer!

    two champagne glasses
    Toast your special occasions with a great French cocktail.

    A Classic Drink from the World War One Era that Still Works Today

    Many of the cocktails we write about don't have a clear history or inventor. The French 75 is an exception. It was created by Harry MacElhone at the New York Bar in Paris in 1915. It was probably inspired by the popular gin and Champagne cocktail of the mid-1860's. This drink was said to have a 'kick' as strong as a French 75 mm field howitzer, and that's how it got its name.

    I always think of the French 75 and the Sidecar as similar era cocktails. They evoke both an elegance and a power that cocktails today don't often have. The French 75 continued to be a popular cocktail long after WWI, and made appearances in classic films such as Casablanca and even a couple of John Wayne movies.

    This cocktail has become an alternative for other champagne-based drinks like the Champagne Cocktail and is often served to ring in the New Year.

    Ingredients for a French 75 Cocktail

    The star of this show is the Champagne but the supporting cast is equally important:

    • Dry gin
    • Lemon juice
    • Simple syrup
    • Dry Champagne

    Tips for a Successful '75

    Here's a few how-to's for making this drink:

    • Chill your glasses and ingredients first.
    • Always mix with a good-quality Champagne. I prefer to mix with a good California sparkling white wine.
    • Use an Extra Dry or Brut Champagne to mix with. Otherwise you may end up with an overly sweet cocktail.

    When do you drink a '75? Anytime? Or New Years Eve?

    two champagne glasses

    The French 75 is pure Elegance in a Glass

    Kevin Mayfield
    This turn of the century cocktail never goes out of style and is a great alternative to a Champagne Cocktail.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Total Time 2 mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine French
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 56 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ounce gin
    • ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 1-2 dashes of simple syrup
    • 2-4 ounces of Champagne

    Instructions
     

    • Add a scoop of ice to a cocktail shaker.
    • Pour in gin, lemon juice and simple syrup and shake for about 20 seconds.
    • Strain into a chilled Champagne flute and fill with Champagne.
    • Add a lemon peel twist for garnish.

    Notes

    Even though you are mixing, use a quality Champagne. The taste of inferior spirits will come through.
    I prefer a dry or brut champagne, as it will pair better with the botanical gin.
    You can substitute Cognac for the gin (but then you are getting close to a Champagne Cocktail)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Champagne drinks, French 75, French cocktails, New Years cocktails
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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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