French 75
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RCI-BV.001.0083

French 75

Origin: UnknownPeriod: Traditional

The French 75 is a celebrated classic cocktail traditionally composed of gin (or cognac), fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling Champagne, resulting in a bright, effervescent, and elegantly balanced drink with a potent character belying its refined appearance. The cocktail takes its name from the French 75mm field gun used during World War I, a reference to the drink's reportedly powerful kick. Though its precise origins remain a subject of debate, it is widely attributed to Harry's New York Bar in Paris during the early twentieth century, with some accounts crediting bartender Harry MacElhone. It is classified within the tiki and tropical cocktail canon for its festive, celebratory spirit and its influence on a broader culture of sophisticated mixed drinks.

Cultural Significance

The French 75 holds considerable historical resonance as a cocktail born from the cultural exchange between American expatriates and Parisian café society during and after World War I, symbolizing a spirit of transatlantic camaraderie and sophistication. It was immortalized in popular culture through its appearance in the 1942 film Casablanca, further cementing its status as an emblem of glamour and wartime nostalgia. The drink's enduring popularity across more than a century speaks to its versatility and its role as a touchstone in the evolution of classic cocktail culture.

Recipe

RCI-BV.001.0083.001 — French 75
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Servings4
Difficultybeginner

Ingredients

  • one part chilled london dry gin
    1 unit
  • two dashes of sweet gomme syrup
    1 unit
  • chilled dry champagne
    1 unit
  • twist of lemon
    1 unit

Method

1
Chill a Champagne flute by filling it with ice water and setting it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
2 minutes
2
If you do not have simple syrup on hand, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, then let it cool completely.
5 minutes
3
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to about three-quarters full.
4
Add 1.5 oz of gin (or cognac for a more traditional French version), 0.75 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of simple syrup to the shaker.
1 minutes
5
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and combined.
1 minutes
6
Discard the ice water from the chilled Champagne flute and strain the shaken mixture into the flute.
7
Top the cocktail with approximately 2 oz of well-chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
1 minutes
8
Garnish with a long, thin lemon twist by expressing it over the drink to release its oils, then draping it elegantly over the rim of the glass before serving immediately.
1 minutes

What Makes This Variant Distinct

  • Original variant

Cuisines

Defining Characteristics

  • Original variant

Also Known As

  • Soixante Quinze
  • 75
  • French Seventy-Five

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