French 75

Also known as a 75 Cocktail or a Soixante Quinze (Seventy-Five) in French, the French 75 is a simple but oh-so-elegant gin drink that’s perfect for fancy soirees at home. Gin, lemon and champagne? Now that’s one incredible drink.

“There’s the clean, crisp taste of gin, highlighted by some beautiful champagne, balanced out with some lemon and sugar,” says Rico.

As with many classic cocktails, the origins of the French 75 are a mystery. A common belief is that the drink was first created in 1915 in a Paris bar during the First World War. There is another story that it was created by English soldiers fighting in France during World War I.

The drink, known by its current name and recipe, evolved throughout the 1920s, although similar concoctions date back to the 19th century. It was first recorded as the “75” in a cocktail book in 1922. This recipe was republished with the name “French 75” in a popular cocktail book written by a legendary barman published in 1930, which popularized the drink.

• Release those oils
  Rico recommends peeling a strip of Lemon and then gently squeezing it over the drink to release the oils before discarding the peel. “Keep it classy and keep it fresh on aroma,” says Rico. The aroma of fresh lemon cannot be overstated and really adds to the overall drinking experience.

• Cheapest ingredients first
  One of Rico’s best tips when making a cocktail is to always start with the cheapest ingredient first. In this case, start with the Lemon Juice. Why? If you make a mistake, it’s better to waste the cheaper ingredients than the expensive ingredients.

• The French 76
  “From 1915 to where we are today, the French 75 has gone through very different variations and at some point in the 1990s the French 76 was invented,” explains Rico.This variation of the French 75 follows the exact same recipe as the French 75 but substitutes Gin for Vodka. To add an extra little twist, Rico garnishes The French 76 with a single Maraschino Cherry. Every bit as elegant as the original,

  discover how to make a French 76.

• Tom Collins
  When talking about a French 75, it’s impossible not to mention the Tom Collins. The two drinks are very similar, except the Tom Collins, which came before the French 75, uses Soda Water instead of Champagne.

  It’s also worth noting that the ratios are different. Bright, citrusy and delicious, the Tom Collins is an undisputed classic. Take a look at our Tom Collins recipe.

• Glassware
  Most places serve a French 75 in a Flute Glass or a Coupe Glass. Rico prefers serving his in a Coupe. Why? “I like to get the full aroma in my face as I drink,” he says.

  History lovers, however, take note: according to the original recipe in a cocktail book from 1922, this cocktail should be served in a Highball Glass to resemble the Tom Collins.

• Garnish or no Garnish?
  Squeeze the oils from the Lemon Peel before discarding it. However, many bars commonly garnish the drink with a Lemon Twist on the side of the glass. Your drink, your choice!

The story goes that when the drink was first invented at a Paris bar in 1915, the combination of Gin and Champagne was said to have felt like being hit by a 75mm French field gun.

The main difference is the French 75 uses Champagne, where the Tom Collins uses Soda Water. Also, in a French 75, there is less Gin, Lemon, and Sugar than in a Tom Collins.