French 75 Cocktail

A French 75 looks fancy but is actually quite easy to make. Take a gin sour (gin, lemon and simple syrup), add champagne and voila! You have a French 75.

Why is it called French 75?

First appearing in print in 1927, the French 75 was named after a field gun that was popular during World War I, ostensibly because it had similar hitting power.

The French 75 isn’t a particularly strong drink, but it’s so light and refreshing—with the herbal flavors of the gin and the grape flavors of the champagne complementing each other so beautifully—that you might be tempted to finish yours very fast. (Try this Blood Orange French 75 too!)

Which champagne should I use?

The champagne takes this gin drink to the next level and explains its brunch-friendliness. Although many recipes specifically call for champagne, any type of sparkling wine, prosecco, or cava will do.

Mixing it with the gin and lemon knocks out many of the nuances of a more expensive wine, so an inexpensive sparkling wine is a good choice here.

Which gin should I use?

You don’t have to buy a very expensive gin for this drink; any medium-sized gin (like Broker’s or Boodles) will do well.

However, I’m a particular fan of a French 75 made from Nolet’s Silver, a really nice gin with notes of rose and peach. And while I don’t typically recommend Hendrick’s Gin for mixing cocktails (its cucumber flavor can distract things), the gin in this drink is actually quite refreshing.

What kind of glass should I use?

This drink is the perfect size for a 7 to 8 ounce champagne flute. Mine are the Natties from Crate & Barrel, which are really stylish and only $4 each so you never have to worry if someone breaks one.

If your glass falls within this volume range, you can simply drop in the gin and lemon mixture and then top up with the champagne. Otherwise, measure the champagne to ensure you get the correct proportions.

You can also serve the French 75 in a wine glass or coupé glass if you prefer.

Make-ahead and batch statements

This drink is a great candidate to get ahead. Mix the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to drink, just add champagne and go.

If you want to make a large batch of this before a party, just convert the ounce measurements to cups. (One cup is eight ounces, so each cup equals eight drinks.) Mix 1 cup of gin and 1/2 cup each of simple syrup and lemon juice in a pitcher with a handful of ice. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to mix with the champagne.

More fun and fancy cocktails to enjoy!

• Blood Orange French 75 Cocktail
• Bee Knee Cocktail
• Aviation Cocktail
• Locust Cocktail
• Blueberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan