French 75

The French 75 cocktail is a very famous cocktail invented in France. A barman named Scot Harry MacElhone invented the drink in a cocktail bar in Paris. The French 75 cocktail recipe is simple and quick to prepare. Its taste is harmonious and pleasantly refreshing. Discover our simple recipe and prepare the cocktail at home. Discover and enjoy now!

French 75 Cocktail Recipe

5 cl gin (or cognac)
2 cl lemon juice
2 cl sugar syrup
Champagne (or sparkling wine)

Step by Step Guide

Mix all ingredients except the champagne in a cocktail shaker.
Pour the mixture into a champagne glass and top up with the sparkling wine.
Garnish with a lemon zest and serve or enjoy by itself.

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Detailed preparation

Measure out the gin (or cognac), lemon juice and sugar syrup with a jigger. Pour the ingredients one after the other into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake the barware well and strain the drink through a bar strainer into a champagne glass. Now fill the glass to the brim with champagne (or sparkling wine). Only then can you grit the drink with a lemon zest and then serve or enjoy it yourself!

Bar accessories:

Cocktail Shaker
Champagne glass
Jigger

The special taste

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The French 75 is a special cocktail. The interplay of sweet, sour and alcohol can only be depicted like this in a few drinks. The closest comparison is with a whisky sour or a long drink like the Tom Collins or Gin Fizz. However, these cocktails do not use aromatic, multi-layered champagne as a filler. Other drinks, such as the Bellini or the Mimosa have a similar flavour profile and even with sparkling wine or champagne.

The unique taste in the French 75 is very positively influenced by the champagne. You can also prepare the drink with sparkling wine. However, we recommend champagne for an original, complex taste. The drink is refreshing and therefore perfect for summer. It can be served as an aperitif, digestif or as an accompanying drink with food. You also have the option of enjoying the French 75 in the blustery autumn or the medium-warm spring.

The history of the famous champagne cocktail - French 75

Ancestors of the gin cocktail are said to have been invented as early as the 1860s. At that time, however, gin was simply mixed with champagne. No sugar syrup and no lemon juice. The drink was particularly popular at high-class occasions and as an aperitif. It was often compared to the Prince of Wales (a champagne cocktail), Mimosa or Bellini. It was considered the drink of gentlemen and businessmen.

The French 75 in its present form was first mentioned in cocktail books in 1930. The bartender Scot Harry MacElhone is considered the inventor. This man prepared the first French 75 in his bar in Paris. However, MacElhone never called himself the inventor. The name of the drink is said to have been derived from a weapon of war: The Howitzer 75mm was a very popular weapon at the time, used in the First World War. It was known for its speed and precision. Exactly these characteristics are also associated with the Cocktail. It is also said to have a very precise and fast effect. In this case, the alcoholic effect is probably meant.

Over the years, the drink has sometimes been more popular and sometimes less popular. Due to its rather high price because of the champagne used, the French 75 can only be ordered in high-class bars. The “gin hype” since the beginning of the 2000s is partly responsible for the drink’s popularity today. Experience this drink anew and convince yourself of its pleasantly fruity-sweet aromatic taste!

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French 75 - FAQ

What is a French 75?

A French 75 is a very well-known gin cocktail made from gin, champagne, sugar syrup and lemon juice. Its taste is particularly mild and aromatic. Therefore, the drink can be served perfectly as an aperitif.

How do you prepare the drink?

Put the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup together with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and mix well. Strain the drink into a champagne glass and grain it with a lemon zest. Then strain and serve.

How does the French 75 taste?

The taste is characterised by the interplay of sweet and sour. In addition, the pleasantly harmonious sparkling character of the sparkling wine supports the taste.

What makes it special?

Unlike many other mixed drinks, this cocktail comes from France. It is also made with champagne, a high-priced sparkling wine. The drink is unique in taste and easy to prepare!

Who invented the drink?

Bartender Scot Harry MacElhone is considered the inventor of the French 75. He first prepared the drink in a Paris cocktail bar in 1926. However, mixed drinks in which gin and champagne were mixed existed much earlier.

On what occasions can you drink it?

The cocktail is very high-class and expensive. It is particularly suitable for noble occasions such as weddings, anniversaries or farewell parties. The French 75 cuts a fine figure in cocktails, long drinks, aperitifs and digestifs.