The Classic French 75 Cocktail

The French 75 cocktail is a fascinating and historic drink, with its origins dating all the way back to World War I. Discovering the history of this delightful concoction adds an interesting twist to the whole experience of drinking them.

The French 75 is named after a powerful World War I artillery piece, the 75mm Howitzer field gun used by the French and the Americans in World War I. It was known for its force and kick and just like this classic cocktail, the French 75 packs a flavorful punch that is sure to delight any taste buds.

This cocktail consists of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and a splash of sparkling wine for that extra touch. It's the perfect blend of sharpness from the gin, tanginess from the lemon juice, and just the right amount of sweetness from the sugar. And let's not forget about that effervescent kick from the sparkling wine! So, gather your ingredients, shake things up, and pour yourself a glass of this delicious cocktail. Trust me, you'll be transported to a different era with every sip.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the magic of this drink. First and foremost, the gin brings a sophisticated and intriguing twist with its botanical notes. Next, the zesty and tangy lemon juice adds a burst of sunshine and brightness, perfectly complementing the gin. To balance out the flavors, simple syrup is added, providing just the right amount of sweetness. Topping it off with sparkling wine adds some bubbles and elegance.

French 75

Yield: 1 drink

Active time: 5 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes

1 1/2 oz gin 

3/4 oz simple syrup

3/4 oz lemon juice

2 oz champagne or sparkling wine of your choice

1 lemon

For the simple syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

To make the simple syrup:

1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.

To make the cocktail:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake until well chilled. Strain the liquid into the glass of your choice and top with the champagne or sparkling wine.

2. Garnish with the lemon twist and enjoy!

This drink is best served cold! 

The French 75 became a fixture in upscale bars and speakeasies during the Prohibition era in the United States. Raise a glass to it in our brand new cocktail and wine class called Chicago Mobsters and Prohibition: How It Changed the Way We Drink being offered on Saturday, September 9 at 6pm at Lincoln Square. Our Spirits Expert and Historian Christophe Bakunas will weave stories and tales of the Chicago mobster era under prohibition as you drink your way through the 18th Amendment with a classic Gin Daisy cocktail and tastings of two domestic wines and one beer.