| Drink | French 75 |
| Champagne | 10 cl Deutz Champagne |
| Gin | 4 cl Boodles Dry Gin |
| Lemon juice | 1.5 cl, freshly squeezed |
| Syrup | 8 cl 1883 Lemon/Citrus syrup |
| Glass | Champagne glass |
| Garnish | Lemon zest |
Procedure
Pour all the ingredients except the champagne into a shaker and shake. Then
strain into a Riedel Champagne Glass Fill with Deutz champagne, garnish with a slice of lemon on the rim of the glass and serve immediately. Garnish - Lemon zest. (Use the traditional lemon peel twisted over the glass to release the peel's bitter citrus oils)
Remember the right equipment makes the difference - see our Cocktail Kit hereFind other cocktails with gin here The history of the French 75: The first time you could read about the famous cocktail was in the book: The Savoy
Cocktail Book from 1930 - but the truth is that many years before that it was already known to mix champagne with juice. In 1925, Harry MacElhone, owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, had the idea to call the cocktail by the name we know today. The inspiration came from France and their 75 mm Howitzer artillery gun, which was used extensively during World War 1. It works quickly and accurately - a bit like too many tastings of French 75.
French 75 history: what do we know?
According to Wikipedia Harry MacElhone's 1922 book is the first where the drink is listed, as the "75". His version used calvados, gin, grenadine and absinthe. Judge Jr.'s book Here's How from 1927 gave the drink its modern recipe and the name French 75, with gin, sugar, lemon juice and champagne, and The Savoy Cocktail Book from 1930 helped make it known.
Wikipedia also mentions that a brandy-based version was popular during the First World War, and that the drink became popular at the Stork Club in New York. The years at Wikipedia differ a little from those in the text above, so there are several accounts of when the drink got its name.
Our French 75 and the classic
| | Our recipe and Wikipedia |
| Gin | 4 cl (ours) / 30 ml (Wikipedia) |
| Lemon juice | 1.5 cl (ours) / 15 ml (Wikipedia) |
| Sweetness | 8 cl 1883 Lemon/Citrus syrup (ours) / 15 ml simple syrup (Wikipedia) |
| Champagne | 10 cl (ours) / 60 ml (Wikipedia) |
| Glass | Champagne glass (ours) / Champagne flute (Wikipedia) |
We use a little more of everything than Wikipedia's recipe, and the sweetness comes from a lemon syrup instead of plain sugar syrup. That gives a rounder and more lemony drink.
About the ingredients in your French 75
The recipe uses Deutz Champagne and Boodles Dry Gin. See our whole range of Deutz Champagne. Serve it in a champagne glass, for example from Riedel. We do not have 1883 Lemon/Citrus syrup online. If you want something from our range, try Monin Glasco Citron, or see our 1883 syrups.
Tips for your French 75
Use freshly squeezed lemon and a lemon squeezer. Cold champagne and a cold glass make the drink sharper. See our cocktail equipment for the home bar for the rest of the bar.
Our verdict on the French 75
It is a drink for parties and for weekdays when you want something a bit finer. Gin and lemon keep it fresh, and the champagne lifts it. Do not overdo the sweetness, so taste it before you top up.
Frequently asked questions about the French 75 recipe
What is a French 75?
A champagne cocktail with gin, lemon and sweetness, topped up with champagne. Our French 75 recipe uses Deutz Champagne and Boodles Dry Gin.
What goes in a French 75 recipe?
10 cl Deutz Champagne, 4 cl Boodles Dry Gin, 1.5 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice and 8 cl 1883 Lemon/Citrus syrup. Garnish is lemon zest.
How do I make a French 75?
Shake all ingredients except the champagne in a shaker, strain into a champagne glass and top up with champagne. Serve immediately.
Why is it called French 75?
According to Wikipedia the bartender Harry MacElhone said it was named after the French 75 mm field gun.
When was the French 75 invented?
Nobody knows exactly. Wikipedia mentions that Harry MacElhone's 1922 book has a drink called "75", but with other ingredients. The modern recipe and the name French 75 appear in Judge Jr.'s 1927 book, and The Savoy Cocktail Book from 1930 helped make it known.
Should a French 75 be made with gin or cognac?
Modern recipes use gin. According to Wikipedia some books use cognac instead, and a French 125 is made with cognac.
Which champagne suits a French 75?
We use Deutz Champagne, and the recipe is made with it. You can find them in our Deutz category.
What can I use instead of 1883 Lemon syrup?
We do not have 1883 Lemon/Citrus online. You can try Monin Glasco Citron syrup. The taste will be a little different.
Which glass should a French 75 be served in?
A champagne glass. Our recipe uses a Riedel champagne glass.
How do I garnish a French 75?
With lemon zest. Twist the peel over the glass to release the bitter citrus oils.
Read more about cocktails
Find more cocktails with gin and all our drink recipes here at Whisky.dk. You can also read Wikipedia about the French 75.
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