Origins
The history of the French 75 cocktail Is closely tied to both the First World War and the social and cultural scene of Paris in the early 20th century.
The French 75 cocktail is widely believed to have been created in Paris around 1915 at Harry’s New York Bar, a well-known American bar in the city. This bar was frequented by a diverse mix of American expatriates, journalists, and soldiers during World War I. The exact origin of the cocktail is somewhat debated, but one popular story is that a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar invented the drink, combining gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. The drink was named after the French 75mm field gun, a powerful and fast-firing artillery piece used by the French army during the war. According to the story, the cocktail had such a kick that it reminded people of the gun’s formidable impact.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 oz (30 ml) Gin Chin classic dry
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or to taste)
- 3 oz (90 ml) Champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Lemon twist or peel for garnish
Instructions:
- Chill Your Glass
Start by chilling a champagne flute or coupe glass by filling it with ice water and letting it sit while you prepare the cocktail. - Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine the Gin Chin classic dry gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice. - Shake the Cocktail
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled. - Prepare the Glass
Discard the ice water from your glass and strain the cocktail mixture into the chilled flute or coupe. - Top with Champagne
Carefully top the cocktail with Champagne or sparkling wine. Pour slowly to prevent too much foam. - Garnish
Garnish with a lemon twist or peel for a fresh, citrusy touch.
The Cocktail’s Impact:
In the context of the war, the French 75 represented both a connection to the conflict and a symbol of the resilience and vibrancy of French culture. Paris, as the hub of European art, literature, and culture, was not only a base for soldiers but also a destination for artists, writers, and musicians. The French 75 became emblematic of the vibrant nightlife of Paris during the Roaring Twenties, a period marked by creativity, freedom, and the jazz age. The drink became popular among both locals and visiting Americans, symbolising the energetic and somewhat rebellious spirit of the time.
The French 75 in Europe After World War I:
After the end of World War I, the French 75 gained further prominence in Paris and other European cities, particularly among the expatriate community and in the social circles of the 1920s. During this time, American tourists flocked to Paris, attracted by its open-minded culture and the thriving café society. The French 75 became associated with the celebratory and glamorous lifestyle of the Jazz Age. It was often served in stylish Parisian cafés and bars, continuing to be a favourite for those celebrating the post-war freedom and excesses of the time.
The Role of Parisian Bars:
The key to the French 75’s lasting legacy in Europe is the bar culture in Paris and other European cities, where cocktails like the French 75 were seen as symbols of sophistication. The Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, in particular, played a central role in the drink’s popularity, becoming a meeting place for expatriates, writers, and artists such as Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the bar. The bar and others like it in Paris helped establish the city as a hub for cocktail culture, especially for Americans who were keen to experience a more liberated drinking scene than back home during Prohibition.
Continued Popularity:
While the French 75 originated in Paris, its fame quickly spread across Europe, especially to other cosmopolitan cities like London, Berlin, and Vienna. During the 1920s and 1930s, the cocktail was often associated with European high society, the arts, and the theatre, where cocktails became a way to signal both modernity and refinement. The French 75 also made appearances in literature, as in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1934 novel Tender Is the Night, further cementing its place in the European cultural lexicon.
Modern-Day European Connection:
Today, the French 75 remains a popular cocktail in Europe, especially in high-end bars and restaurants that focus on classic cocktails and fine spirits. It has retained its association with celebration, elegance, and festivity, often served at New Year’s Eve parties, weddings, and other special occasions. In cities like Paris, London, and Rome, it continues to be a symbol of the refined cocktail culture that emerged in Europe in the early 20th century.
Conclusion:
The French 75’s European history is closely intertwined with Parisian nightlife and post-war cultural movements. It’s creation during World War I in Paris, followed by its rise to prominence in the 1920s, reflects a broader European fascination with glamour, sophistication, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Jazz Age. Over the years, it has evolved into a timeless cocktail, beloved for its blend of elegance, effervescence, and a nod to the past, continuing to be a symbol of French chic and European cocktail culture.