Gin 101: From Garden to Glass - A Botanical Journey in Mixology
French 75
The French 75 cocktail is a sophisticated and sparkling libation with a storied history dating back to World War I. Named after the French 75mm field gun, it's believed to have been created at Harry's New York Bar in Paris in the early 20th century. This delightful cocktail combines gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar for a refreshing and elegant drink.
Ingredients and Tools:
45 ml (1 1/2 oz) gin
15 ml (1/2 oz) fresh lemon juice
15 ml (1/2 oz) simple syrup
Champagne or sparkling wine
Ice cubes
Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Lemon twist or cherry for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Pour 45 ml (1 1/2 oz) of gin into the shaker.
Add 15 ml (1/2 oz) of fresh lemon juice.
Pour in 15 ml (1/2 oz) of simple syrup.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled champagne flute.
Top off with champagne or sparkling wine.
Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Flavor Profile:
The French 75 cocktail offers a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and effervescence. The gin provides a botanical backdrop, while the lemon juice adds brightness, and the champagne brings a touch of elegance. It's a delightful and celebratory drink that's perfect for any occasion.
Mixoloco - Mixology Tips:
Gin Selection: Choose a quality gin with a balanced flavor profile for the best results in your French 75. Look for gins with citrus or floral notes to complement the lemon juice and champagne. I once used a gin with overpowering botanicals in my French 75, and it clashed with the other ingredients. Since then, I've found that a more delicate gin allows the flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Champagne Quality: While any sparkling wine can be used in a French 75, opting for a higher-quality champagne enhances the drink's elegance and flavor.
Simple Syrup Ratio: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness in the cocktail. Start with the recommended 15 ml (1/2 oz) and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Glassware Chill: For an extra-refreshing French 75, chill your champagne flute in the freezer before serving. This helps to maintain the drink's temperature and enhances its overall enjoyment.