Classic French 75 Recipe
Serve with Gin Chin's Classic Dry Artisan GinMake the classic French 75
Learn how to make the perfect classic French 75 with Gin Chin artisan gin, a small-batch craft gin from Hampshire. Step-by-step recipe, history, and tips for a refreshing serve.
Origins of the French 75
The French 75 was first created in Paris around 1915, most famously at Harry’s New York Bar, a gathering spot for expatriates, soldiers, and journalists during World War I. The cocktail combined gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne — and its kick was said to be as powerful as the French 75mm field gun, giving the drink its now-iconic name.
More than just a cocktail, the French 75 became a symbol of resilience, sophistication, and the vibrancy of Parisian nightlife. By the Roaring Twenties, it was embraced by artists, writers, and musicians, becoming part of the glamorous café and bar culture that defined the Jazz Age.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) Gin Chin Classic Dry Gin
- ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (to taste)
- 3 oz (90 ml) Champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Lemon twist or peel (for garnish)
Method
- Chill the glass – Fill a Champagne flute or coupe with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- Mix the base – In a shaker, combine Gin Chin artisan gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice.
- Shake – Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain & serve – Discard the ice water, strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
- Top with bubbles – Gently pour Champagne or sparkling wine over the mixture.
- Garnish – Finish with a lemon twist or peel for a fresh citrus aroma.
The result is a cocktail that’s refreshing, sparkling, and perfectly balanced — a true celebration in a glass.
The Cocktail’s Impact in Europe
Following World War I, the French 75 quickly became a staple of Parisian nightlife, embodying the glamour of the 1920s. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald were known to frequent bars serving it, cementing its place in both literary and cocktail history.
From Paris, the French 75 spread across Europe — to London, Berlin, and Vienna — where it was embraced by high society, artists, and theatre-goers. By the 1930s, it was synonymous with sophistication and refinement, often appearing in literature and becoming a symbol of modern European cocktail culture.
The French 75 Today
More than a century later, the French 75 remains a favourite in bars and restaurants worldwide. It’s still associated with celebration, elegance, and fine spirits, making it a popular choice at weddings, New Year’s Eve parties, and other special occasions.
Craft cocktail enthusiasts have rediscovered it in recent years, often using small-batch artisan gins like Gin Chin for a more distinctive and contemporary take on the classic. Our Hampshire gin, with its balanced botanicals and smooth finish, is the perfect match for the citrus and sparkling notes of the French 75.
Conclusion
The French 75 cocktail is more than just a drink — it’s a piece of history. From its wartime origins in Paris to its role in the Jazz Age, it has always been a symbol of sophistication, resilience, and celebration.
With Gin Chin artisan gin, you can enjoy this timeless cocktail at home, crafted with the care and flavour of a true Hampshire craft gin. Raise a glass to tradition, elegance, and the enduring power of a well-made cocktail.
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