Now, this is one of the old ones… French 75 is a 20th-century cocktail featuring gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup (a.k.a. Simple Syrup), and champagne (or some other sparkling wine). So refreshing and a true classic. The name comes from the 75mm quick-firing field gun (Canon de 75 modèle 1897) that was used by the French in World War One (WW1). It’s said the drink packed such a kick, it was like being shot with the canon, hence the name.

The origin of this cocktail dates back to WW1. French 75 was created at the New York Bar in Paris, or as we now know it, Harry’s New York Bar, in 1915 by bartender Harry MacElhone. The cocktail first appeared as “75” in Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails, from 1922 and in Robert Vermeire’s “Cocktails: How to mix them” from the same year, but the recipes differed from the classic we’re familiar with. The recipe we now know took its form in 1927 in the book “Here’s How” by Judge Jr. and a couple of years later (1930) Harry Craddock immortalized it in The Savoy Cocktail Book. It’s also possible the first French 75 didn’t contain Gin at all. There are some books that call for Cognac instead, but both make for an excellent cocktail, so whichever one you prefer.

On the list of IBA Official Cocktails.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 Ounce (30 ml) of Gin or Cognac.
  2. ½ Ounce (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice.
  3. ½ Ounce (15 ml) of Sugar syrup.
  4.  3 Ounces (90 ml) of Champagne or other sparkling wine.
  5. Lemon twist for garnish.

Preparation:

  1. Add your gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup into a shaker.
  2. Fill with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into a champagne glass and top up with champagne.
  4. Garnish and enjoy.

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