Master A French Classic – A French 75 Cocktail

As a rule, I like to enjoy my champagne without embellishment. It has a very refined taste, and I consider champagne to be perfectly drinkable on its own. As a result, I’m generally not a fan of the well known champagne cocktails – a Bellini has never cut it for me, and I’d never consider ordering a Kir Royale.

However, there is one champagne cocktail I am happy to sip on during cocktail hour and that is a French 75. Sharp but refreshing, it makes for a perfect start to an evening out.

As is the case with many cocktail recipes, there is conjecture over the origin of the French 75. That said, it is commonly believed that it was originally created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris way back in 1915. The cocktail was reportedly named after the French 75 field gun – apparently the combination of gin, lemon juice and champagne packed a punch similar to that of the gun!!

Here’s how to make this classic French cocktail.

• Combine 30ml of gin, 20ml of lemon juice and 10ml of sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake (obviously) to combine.
• Pour the mix into a champagne flute and top up with champagne.
• Garnish with lemon if desired.

All that’s left to do is enjoy!

Do you have a favourite champagne cocktail? If so, please share in the comments below.

Until next time – au revoir.

A big thank you to Tammy White for allowing me to publish her excellent photo of the fabulous French 75’s we enjoyed not too long ago.