French 75/95 – Cocktail of the Month

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This month, we raise a glass to the effervescent French 75/95, a cocktail that’s as timeless as it is delightful. This bubbly beauty boasts a history that stretches back nearly a century, evolving alongside the ever-changing cocktail landscape.

History of the French 75/95

The French 75’s origins are said to have been forged in the fires of World War I. In 1915, at the legendary New York Bar in Paris (later renamed Harry’s New York Bar), a bartender named Harry MacElhone is credited with crafting this spirited concoction. The name pays homage to the powerful French 75mm field gun, a weapon that played a pivotal role in the war. The potent mix of gin and champagne was likely intended to mirror the gun’s powerful punch.

The French 75 quickly gained popularity among American and French soldiers stationed in France. The refreshing and celebratory nature of the drink fit perfectly with the high spirits of the Allied forces. Imagine the camaraderie and jubilation as soldiers raised a toast to victory with this effervescent cocktail, the sound of clinking glasses echoing through Parisian cafes.

French 75/95 Cocktail - BUCKFISH

Traditional French 75/95 Recipe

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

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 2-3 oz Champagne

To make the cocktail, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

The original French 75 was a simple yet sophisticated blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. Over time, bartenders experimented, leading to variations like the French 95. This updated version incorporated a sugar cube and bitters, adding a touch of complexity to the drink’s profile.

The spirit of experimentation continues today. While the core elements of gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne remain, modern bartenders love to play with different spirits and liqueurs. Cognac or brandy can be substituted for gin, offering a richer flavor profile. A touch of orange liqueur adds a delightful citrus twist. These variations showcase the versatility of the French 75/95, allowing it to adapt to different palates and preferences.

Bonus! Recipe Ideas:

Looking to recreate this iconic cocktail at home? We’ve included some recipe variations to get you started:

  • Classic French 75: Combine 1 oz gin, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
  • French 95: Follow the classic recipe, but muddle a sugar cube in the shaker before adding other ingredients. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters for an extra layer of complexity.
  • Sparkling French 75: Substitute dry sparkling wine for champagne for a slightly less expensive option.

The French 75/95 cocktail is a classic cocktail with a rich history that dates back to World War I. It is a refreshing and effervescent drink that has been enjoyed by many over the years. Whether you prefer the classic version made with gin or the updated version made with cognac, this cocktail is sure to impress. So the next time you are looking for a cocktail to serve at your next party or get-together, consider making a French 75/95 cocktail.

Published by Turtle