FRENCH 75 cocktail RECIPE

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The French 75 is a classic cocktail made with Gin, Champagne, Lemon Juice, and Sugar. Also known as a 75 Cocktail or a Soixante Quinze (Seventy-Five) in French, it’s a simple and elegant drink that’s perfect for fancy soirees at home.

What does a French 75 taste like? Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador – shares that there’s the “Clean, crisp taste of Gin, highlighted by some beautiful Champagne, balanced out with some Lemon and Sugar.”

Ladies and gentleman, here is the French 75.

How To Make a French 75

What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife (for the Lemon)
• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Glass Jug
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Cocktail Shaker
• Bar Spoon
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Strainer
• Coupe Glass

How to Mix

Before you get started, you’ll need to prepare some Simple Syrup. Not sure how? Check out this article on how to make Simple Syrup.

1. Cut a Lemon in half and use a Citrus Elbow to juice it directly into a Glass Jug.
2. Grab your Cocktail Shaker and Jigger and pour the Lemon Juice directly in the Cocktail Shaker.
3. Use a Bar Spoon to pour the Simple Syrup into the Cocktail Shaker, then give it a little stir.
4. Add Gin followed by Ice Cubes, then shake vigorously.
5. Place a Hawthorne Strainer over the Cocktail Shaker and double strain through a Fine Strainer, pouring directly into a Coupe Glass.
6. Top up with Champagne.
7. Take a Peeler and peel a Lemon strip, then press it over your drink to release the oils before discarding.
8. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The French 75

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.

Tips for Making The Perfect French 75

• 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 for 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. 

Variations of a French 75

• French 76
  “From 1915 to where we are today, the French 75 has gone through very different variations and in 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.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for The French 75

• 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?
  You’ll see in the video above that Rico squeezes 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!