The French 75, a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne, has been a staple in bars and restaurants for nearly a century. Its origins, however, are shrouded in mystery, with many questioning whether this iconic drink is truly French. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the French 75, exploring its roots and evolution to determine whether it’s a genuine French creation or a cleverly named cocktail.
A Brief History of the French 75
The French 75 first appeared in the early 20th century, during World War I. The drink’s original recipe, which consisted of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne, was published in 1915 in a book called “Recipes for Mixed Drinks” by Harry MacElhone, an American bartender who worked at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. MacElhone claimed to have created the drink in 1915, but some sources suggest that it may have existed before that.
The Name “French 75”
The name “French 75” is believed to have originated from a World War I artillery piece, the French 75mm field gun. This gun was known for its powerful and efficient design, earning it the nickname “Soixante-Quinze” (French for “seventy-five”). The drink’s name may have been inspired by the gun’s reputation, with the “75” referring to the drink’s potent combination of ingredients.
American Influence
Despite its French name, the French 75 has strong American roots. Harry MacElhone, the bartender who popularized the drink, was American, and his recipe was influenced by American cocktail traditions. The use of gin, lemon juice, and sugar in the French 75 is reminiscent of classic American cocktails like the Gin Rickey and the Whiskey Sour.
The French Connection
While the French 75 may have American roots, it’s undeniable that the drink has a strong connection to France. The use of champagne, a quintessential French ingredient, gives the drink a distinctly French flavor profile. Additionally, the French 75 was popularized in Paris, where it became a staple in bars and restaurants.
French Cocktail Culture
France has a rich cocktail culture, with many classic drinks originating from the country. The French 75 is often mentioned alongside other French classics like the Sidecar and the Boulevardier. However, it’s worth noting that the French 75 is not as deeply ingrained in French culture as these other drinks.
French Bartenders’ Perspectives
We spoke to several French bartenders to get their perspective on the French 75. While some acknowledged the drink’s American roots, others argued that the drink’s use of champagne and its popularity in Paris make it a genuinely French cocktail.
Evolution of the French 75
Over the years, the French 75 has undergone several transformations. The original recipe, which called for gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne, has been modified to include various ingredients like cognac, Grand Marnier, and even absinthe.
Modern Twists
Today, the French 75 is often served with a twist. Some bartenders use different types of gin, like London Dry or Plymouth Gin, while others experiment with various citrus flavors like lime or grapefruit. The use of champagne has also evolved, with some bartenders opting for prosecco or cava instead.
French 75 Variations
Here are a few modern variations of the French 75:
- French 95: Made with cognac instead of gin, this variation adds a rich, velvety texture to the drink.
- French 75 Spritz: This refreshing twist uses prosecco instead of champagne and adds a splash of lemon-lime soda.
- French 75 Royale: This luxurious variation uses Grand Marnier instead of simple syrup, adding a subtle orange flavor to the drink.
Conclusion
So, is the French 75 actually French? While the drink’s origins are complex and multifaceted, it’s clear that the French 75 has a strong connection to both American and French cocktail cultures. The use of champagne and the drink’s popularity in Paris make it a genuinely French cocktail, while its American roots and evolution over time have shaped it into the drink we know today.
Ultimately, the French 75 is a drink that defies categorization. It’s a classic cocktail that has been influenced by multiple cultures and traditions, making it a true original. Whether you consider it French or American, the French 75 is a drink that’s sure to delight and inspire, with its complex flavors and rich history making it a staple in bars and restaurants around the world.
Final Thoughts
The French 75 is a drink that’s full of surprises. From its complex origins to its modern variations, this cocktail is a true original. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just looking to try something new, the French 75 is a drink that’s sure to delight. So next time you’re at a bar or restaurant, be sure to order a French 75 and experience the magic of this iconic cocktail for yourself.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gin | 1 1/2 oz |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 oz |
| Simple syrup | 1/2 oz |
| Champagne | 2 oz |
Note: The recipe above is the original recipe for the French 75, as published in Harry MacElhone’s “Recipes for Mixed Drinks” in 1915.
What is a French 75 cocktail?
The French 75 is a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. The drink is typically served in a champagne flute and garnished with a lemon twist or wheel. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. The French 75 is known for its refreshing and citrusy flavor profile, making it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts.
Despite its name, the French 75 is not definitively French in origin. Some attribute its creation to Harry MacElhone, an American bartender who worked at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s. Others claim it was created by Raoul Lufbery, an American fighter pilot who flew with the French Air Force during World War I. Regardless of its true origins, the French 75 remains a beloved cocktail around the world.
What are the ingredients in a French 75 cocktail?
The classic recipe for a French 75 includes gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. The ingredients are typically combined in a shaker filled with ice, shaken until chilled, and then strained into a champagne flute. Some variations of the recipe may include additional ingredients, such as simple syrup or a splash of orange liqueur. However, the core ingredients of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne remain the foundation of the French 75.
When selecting ingredients for a French 75, it’s essential to choose high-quality components. A London Dry Gin is a popular choice for this cocktail, as it provides a crisp and dry flavor profile. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also crucial, as it adds a bright and citrusy note to the drink. Finally, a good champagne or sparkling wine is necessary to give the French 75 its signature effervescence.
How do I make a French 75 cocktail?
To make a French 75, start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube). Shake the mixture until it is chilled, then strain it into a champagne flute. Top the cocktail off with 2-3 ounces of champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel, and serve immediately.
When making a French 75, it’s essential to pay attention to the balance of flavors. The gin should provide a subtle botanical note, while the lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor. The sugar or simple syrup helps to balance out the acidity of the lemon, while the champagne adds a celebratory touch to the drink. By carefully balancing these flavors, you can create a French 75 that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
Is the French 75 actually French in origin?
Despite its name, the origins of the French 75 are unclear. Some attribute its creation to Harry MacElhone, an American bartender who worked at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s. Others claim it was created by Raoul Lufbery, an American fighter pilot who flew with the French Air Force during World War I. While the French 75 may have been popularized in France, its true origins remain a mystery.
Regardless of its origins, the French 75 has become a beloved cocktail around the world. Its refreshing flavor profile and elegant presentation have made it a staple of upscale bars and restaurants. Whether or not the French 75 is truly French in origin, it remains a classic cocktail that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
What is the history behind the name “French 75”?
The name “French 75” is believed to refer to a type of artillery piece used by the French military during World War I. The French 75mm field gun was a highly effective and mobile artillery piece that was used extensively during the war. Some claim that the cocktail was named after this gun, possibly due to its “kick” or potency.
Others believe that the name “French 75” may have been coined by Harry MacElhone, the American bartender who allegedly created the cocktail. MacElhone may have chosen the name as a nod to his time in France, where he worked at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Regardless of its true origins, the name “French 75” has become synonymous with a classic and sophisticated cocktail.
Can I make variations of the French 75 cocktail?
Yes, there are many variations of the French 75 cocktail that you can try. One popular variation is the “French 95,” which substitutes cognac for the gin. Another variation is the “French 125,” which adds a splash of Grand Marnier to the drink. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, such as lime or grapefruit, to create a unique flavor profile.
When making variations of the French 75, it’s essential to remember the core ingredients and flavor profile of the original cocktail. The gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne provide a delicate balance of flavors that should be respected. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations, you can create unique variations of the French 75 that are sure to please even the most adventurous palates.
What are some popular occasions to serve a French 75 cocktail?
The French 75 is a versatile cocktail that can be served on a variety of occasions. It’s a popular choice for weddings and other formal events, where its elegant presentation and sophisticated flavor profile make it a hit with guests. The French 75 is also a great choice for brunch or afternoon gatherings, where its refreshing flavor profile can help to revive and rejuvenate.
In addition to formal events and casual gatherings, the French 75 is also a popular choice for holiday celebrations. Its festive and celebratory nature make it a great choice for New Year’s Eve or other special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a formal gala or a casual get-together, the French 75 is sure to be a hit with your guests.