The French 75 is a sophisticated and effervescent cocktail that seamlessly blends the botanical notes of gin with the crispness of Champagne. A timeless classic, its history is as intriguing as its taste, with roots deeply embedded in the tumultuous era of World War I.

A Toast to the "Soixante-Quinze"

The cocktail's name is a direct homage to the French 75mm field gun, a piece of artillery that played a significant role for the French and their allies during the First World War. The gun was known for its accuracy, speed, and power—qualities that bartenders of the time felt were mirrored in this potent potable. It was said that a sip of the cocktail had a kick comparable to being shelled by the formidable "Soixante-Quinze," as it was called in French.

The exact origin story, like many classic cocktails, is a subject of debate. The most widely accepted narrative places its creation in Paris around 1915 at the New York Bar, later known as Harry's New York Bar, a legendary haunt for expatriates and literary figures. It was here that barman Harry MacElhone is often credited with first concocting the drink.

Early recipes varied, with some calling for cognac instead of gin. The use of gin, however, became the standard, solidifying its place as a classic gin cocktail. The drink's popularity soared, and it was soon immortalized in print in cocktail books of the 1920s and 30s, cementing its status as a staple in the world of mixology.

Classic French 75 Recipe

This recipe adheres to the most common and celebrated version of the French 75.

Yields: 1 cocktail

Prep time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) Gin
• ¾ ounce (22 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
• ¾ ounce (22 ml) Simple Syrup
• 3 to 4 ounces (90-120 ml) Brut Champagne or other dry sparkling wine, well-chilled
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Equipment:

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Champagne flute or coupe glass

Instructions:

1. Chill your glass: Place a Champagne flute or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
2. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
5. Top with Champagne: Gently top with the chilled Champagne. The effervescence will naturally mix the drink.
6. Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by twisting it over the glass, then drop it in as a garnish.

Tips for the Perfect French 75:

• Fresh is Best: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• Quality Matters: A good quality gin will make a noticeable difference. A London Dry gin is a classic choice.
• Brut is Better: Use a Brut (dry) Champagne or sparkling wine. A sweeter variety can make the cocktail overly saccharine.
• Don't Over-Shake: A quick, hard shake is all that's needed to chill and slightly dilute the ingredients before adding the Champagne.

Variations:

• French 76: Swap the gin for vodka for a smoother, more neutral spirit base.
• French 95: For a warmer, richer flavor profile, use bourbon instead of gin.
• Elderflower French 75: Add a splash of elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, for a floral twist.
• Cognac French 75: Pay homage to the earlier versions by using a quality VS or VSOP cognac in place of gin.