Classic French 75

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The Classic French 75 cocktail is named after the World War I artillery gun for two reasons… both are long and powerful.

This past summer, my brother and I attended Gatherall, a yearly event put on by James Bond fans for James Bond fans. Folks came from all over the world to meet other like-minded individuals, meet a Bond Girl, show off their watches and of course, imbibe any number of cocktails. The night before, at the hotel we were all staying at, a casual beer call was held, and the bar in the lobby served up mixed drinks as well.

My brother had recently fallen in love with tonight’s drink, the French 75, and excitedly ordered himself one. The guy behind the bar didn’t know what he was talking about, and to be fair, he was the overnight front desk attendant who got stuck playing Barliman Butterbur until the wee hours for a bunch of Bond nerds, so he wasn’t a bartender by any stretch of the imagination. I could see fear and confusion creeping into his expression as my sibling tried to explain how to make the cocktail, probably wishing he had called in sick. I swooped in and asked for a few Negronis, noticing a bottle of Campari behind the bar. He breathed a sigh of relief, then realizing he didn’t know how to make one of those either, slowly turned his back to us as he clandestinely googled the recipe on his smartphone. The Negronis were pretty good, by the way.

The French 75 has a somewhat murky history, but there are a few theories surrounding its invention that hold quite a bit of water… or champagne, rather. The first story takes us to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France around 1915, where owner Harry MacElhone is said to have created the cocktail, despite the fact that he never claimed ownership of it. Another tale surrounds a bar in London called Buck’s Club, where a bartender named MacGarry is said to have swapped out the club soda in a Tom Collins for champagne.

Wherever and whoever is responsible for this cocktail’s existence, we do know that it is named after the long-range artillery gun used in World War I called the French 75. A 75mm field gun, the weapon is said to have hit its targets fast and accurately. The same could be said when describing the effects of this potent and bubbly beverage.

What Is The Best Champagne & Gin To Use In A French 75?

When speaking of the “best” champagne, we might immediately think of brands like Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Bollinger, Veuve Clicquot along with many, many others. But if you find these a little hard on your pocketbook, a nice, dry and cost-effective sparkling wine, cava or prosecco is a worthy substitute. As far as gin goes, a London Dry is a steadfast spirit, but I’ve come to love using Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret in my French 75. Infused with stone fruit, this particular liquor elevates the cocktail with a mysterious mix of sweet and full-bodied flavor.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

A long champagne flute with a lemon twist for garnish is the classic way to dress this drink up. If you don’t have any handy, a slender and tall Collins glass works too.

IS THIS COCKTAIL IN THE 1942 MOVIE “CASABLANCA”?

Yes! When Rick’s jilted former lover Yvonne shows up to his bar one night with a Nazi on her arm, her new man orders a French 75.

Similar Cocktails To The Classic French 75

A drink like the French 75 has quite a few off-shoots inspired by it. If those and other tipples that favor the 75 are your speed and style, then definitely give these recipes below a look. Then as you’re sipping, explore the site for even more stories and drink ideas.

• French 76 – Vodka is used as the base spirit in this crisp and bubbly tipple.
• French 77 – St. Germain brings a floral and fresh sweetness to the effervescent cocktail.
• Kir Royale – Blackcurrant liqueur and champagne combine for a fruity and bubbly treat.
• Bellini – Sparkling wine and peach purée come together for a juicy, fizzy concoction.