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French 75 Cocktail

French 75 Cocktail
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🥂A🍾Sparkly Tipple

Here’s another classic cocktail recipe for your next brunch or any fabulous get-together that calls for 🌞”day-drinking”.  This is probably one of my first memories of a special cocktail made by my dad.  He famously made his version of the classic, French 75 Cocktail for all our special occasions for as long as I can remember.  I may have enjoyed a sip or two before I was 21, but only for very special celebrations 😉.  If you’re hosting a Sunday Brunch this Easter, try serving this festive cocktail.  It’s bubbly, but better!

Although my version of this classic cocktail uses cognac, the original French 75 Cocktail is made from gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar.  It is also called a 75 Cocktail, or in French simply a Soixante Quinze(Seventy Five).

French 75 Cocktail
French 75 Cocktail

The drink dates to World War I.  An early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, later (Harry’s New York Bar) by barman Harry MacElhone. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine 🍾🥂

As the name implies, this is a French cocktail.  So, it would go to reason that you should only use Champagne for a proper French 75 Cocktail.  However, there are so many delicious and affordable sparkling wines, use the one you prefer.  

Do you know that Champagne is a region where only sparkling wine may be called Champagne.  All other sparkling wines made elsewhere are made in the “method” of Champagne.  Here’s a link to a history of Champagne and how it originated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne

The French 75 Cocktail 🥂🍾

Into a champagne flute, add 1 cube of sugar.  Add 2 dashes orange bitters, then squeeze the juice of a quarter of a lemon into the glass.  Add 1 ounce of cognac (or, if you like, you can substitute with gin).  Top with chilled champagne (or sparking wine).  Garnish with a orange peel.

à votre santé (Cheers!)

French 75 Cocktail
French 75 Cocktail made with Cognac

 

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