French 75 (cocktail)

French 75 (Cocktail)

The French 75 is a classic cocktail that originated in France during World War I. It is a refreshing and elegant drink that combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. The cocktail is named after the French 75mm field gun, which was known for its powerful kick.

Ingredients

To make a French 75 cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces of gin
• 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce of simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water)
• 2 ounces of champagne

Preparation

To prepare a French 75 cocktail, follow these steps:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
4. Top the cocktail with champagne.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry, if desired.

History

The French 75 cocktail was first created in the early 20th century at the New York Bar in Paris, which is now known as Harry's New York Bar. The drink gained popularity among the American expatriate community and later became a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

Variations

There are several variations of the French 75 cocktail, including:

• French 76: This variation replaces the gin with vodka.
• French 77: This variation replaces the gin with elderflower liqueur.
• French 85: This variation replaces the gin with Cognac.

Cultural References

The French 75 cocktail has been featured in various films, literature, and popular culture. It is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and celebration.

See Also

• Gin
• Champagne
• Cocktail
• Mixology