French 75
Ingredients:
45 ml Gin
15 ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
7.5 ml Simple syrup
90 ml Champagne
Lemon twist for garnish
Procedure:
Begin by combining the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice to the shaker and give it a good shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
Strain the concoction into a champagne flute, ensuring a smooth, chilled mixture.
Top it up with Champagne, pouring it gently to maintain the effervescence.
Garnish with a twist of lemon for that finishing touch of elegance.
Sip your French 75 and allow the crisp, refreshing flavours to tingle your taste buds. The blend of gin's botanicals, the zesty hit of fresh lemon, the balanced sweetness of simple syrup, and the effervescent Champagne combine to create a beverage that's as delightful to taste as it is to behold.
As for the tale of the French 75, it is one of wartime origins and evolving tastes. Named after the French 75mm field gun, a primary piece of artillery used by French forces during World War I, the cocktail was said to have a kick as strong as the gun's firepower. Its early iterations during the Great War were a mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. It wasn't until the 1920s and 1930s, when the cocktail made its way to the fashionable circles of Paris and New York, that Champagne was introduced in place of soda water, elevating the French 75 to the ranks of high society.
Notably, the French 75 graced the pages of "The Savoy Cocktail Book" by Harry Craddock in 1930, further establishing its place in cocktail lore. In the glittering world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby", too, one could easily envision Jay Gatsby raising a glass of the effervescent French 75 to the rhythm of the Roaring Twenties.
Interestingly, the French 75 has seen variations in its base spirit. While gin is most commonly used today, several recipes, particularly in the United States, have replaced it with cognac. Despite these variations, the elegance and effervescence of the French 75 have remained constant, making it a classic fixture on cocktail menus worldwide.
Whether you're raising a toast on a special occasion or indulging in a casual drink with friends, the French 75 serves as an elegant choice. A sip of this classic cocktail is not just an exploration of harmonious flavours, but also a journey through a rich, layered history, connecting us to the grandeur of Parisian salons and the exuberance of Jazz Age New York. Such is the charm of the French 75 – a timeless tribute to the art of cocktail making.