The French 75 is said to have been invented by Harry MacElhone, the bartender at the Hotel Ritz in Paris. MacElhone was known for his innovative cocktails, and the French 75 was one of his most popular creations. It is said to have been named after the 75mm Howitzer field gun used by the French and the Americans in World War I.
The French 75 has been enjoyed by many famous people over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, and Charlie Chaplin. It is a cocktail that is sure to make an impression, whether you are sipping it at a sidewalk cafe in Paris or at a cocktail party in New York City.
The French 75 is a delicate drink, with the bubbles of the champagne bursting against the tongue like the shells of the Howitzer. The gin adds a subtle bitterness, while the lemon juice and sugar syrup provide sweetness and acidity.
But beware, the French 75 can be deceptively dangerous. The champagne can go straight to your head, and the gin can make you forget your troubles. So drink it with caution, and be prepared for anything.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce London dry gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces sparkling wine
- A Champagne flute
- Garnish: lemon twist
I don’t have champagne flutes so I just use a plain old wine glass. It’s not as pretty, but it does the job.
I haven’t tried it, but I think this cocktail would make a great impression and taste lovely if made with this fancy Canadian gin if you can get your hands on it.
Directions:
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with the sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Here’s an alternate version from the 1920s era Savoy Cocktail Book:
- 2/3 Gin
- 1/3 Lemon Juice
- 1 Spoonful Powdered Sugar
- Pour into tall glass containing cracked ice and fill up with Champagne.
Hits with remarkable precision.
- From The Savoy Cocktail Book. Copyright 1930 by Constable & Co.
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