The French 75 cocktail has stood the test of time as a beloved classic. This effervescent blend of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup has been a favorite since its creation during World War I. However, the world of mixology is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of creativity. As a result, new variations of the French 75 have emerged, offering exciting twists on the original recipe.
Legend has it that the French 75 cocktail was born in the trenches of World War I, where soldiers sought respite from the harsh realities of war. Named after the French 75mm field gun, this delightful libation became a means of escape. The credit for its creation is often given to Harry MacElhone, a bartender at the New York Bar in Paris, which is now known as Harry’s New York Bar. In 1915, MacElhone first concocted the French 75, and over the years, it has become a symbol of sophistication and celebration.
Before exploring the variations of the French 75, it’s important to understand the foundational elements of the classic recipe. These include:
Gin
Gin is the heart of the French 75 and provides the cocktail with its signature botanical notes. To ensure a well-rounded drink, it’s recommended to use a quality gin with a balanced flavor profile.
Champagne
When it comes to champagne for the French 75, sparkling wine won’t cut it. The cocktail demands the ferocious bubbles of French champagne to elevate its effervescence.
Lemon Juice
Freshly-squeezed lemon juice is a crucial element in achieving the right balance for the French 75. It cuts through the richness of the gin and lifts the champagne, adding a refreshing citrusy touch.
Simple Syrup
Although not deemed essential by some mixologists, a touch of simple syrup can round out more acidic and botanical notes. However, with the right gin and champagne, the sweetness from the simple syrup may be unnecessary.
Now, let’s explore some exciting variations of the classic French 75:
The Peach 75
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz peach liqueur
– 0.75 oz fresh peach juice
– Champagne
Method:
1. Shake the gin, peach liqueur, and peach juice with ice.
2. Strain the mixture into a flute glass and top it with champagne.
3. Garnish with a peach slice and edible flowers.
The Berry Lavender 75
Ingredients:
– 2 oz berry-infused gin
– 0.75 oz lavender-infused simple syrup
– 0.75 oz lemon juice
– Champagne
– Edible lavender for garnish
Method:
1. Combine the berry-infused gin, lavender-infused simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain the mixture into a flute glass.
3. Top it off with champagne.
4. Garnish with edible lavender.
The Tropical 75
Ingredients:
– 2 oz coconut-infused rum
– 0.75 oz pineapple juice
– 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
– 0.5 oz simple syrup
– Champagne
– Pineapple wedge for garnish
Method:
1. Shake the coconut-infused rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Strain the mixture into a flute glass and top it with champagne.
3. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
The Smoky 75
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 0.75 oz agave syrup
– 0.75 oz lime juice
– Champagne
– Lime wheel for garnish
Method:
1. Shake the mezcal, agave syrup, and lime juice with ice.
2. Strain the mixture into a flute glass and top it with champagne.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.
The Citrus Honey 75
Ingredients:
– 2 oz grapefruit-infused gin
– 0.75 oz runny honey
– 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
– Champagne
– Orange twist for garnish
Method:
1. Shake the grapefruit-infused gin, runny honey, and orange juice vigorously with ice.
2. Strain the mixture into a flute glass and top it off with champagne.
3. Garnish with a twist of orange.
The French 75 cocktail continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts around the world. While the classic recipe remains a timeless favorite, the emergence of new variations adds a touch of excitement and innovation to this beloved cocktail. Whether you prefer the fruity notes of the Peach 75 or the smoky undertones of the Smoky 75, these variations offer delightful alternatives to the traditional French 75. With endless possibilities for experimentation, mixologists can continue to explore and create their own repertoire-worthy Sort-of 75s.
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