The holiday season might be over, but a French 75 is always a classic for anytime of the year – especially at celebrations or events – but do you know how this tasty cocktail came to be?  Well, it’s quite the interesting story.

 

According to Difford’s Guide, the French 75 cocktail is named after the French army’s weapon of choice during World War I: the French 75-millimeter light field gun. The outlet reports that over 20,000 guns of its kind were made and fired during the war,  along with 200 million shells. A soldier was able to fire 15 rounds of ammo per minute, making it one of the deadliest on the market. As news of the war spread in 1914, one French bartender decided to create a specialty WWI-inspired cocktail coined “Soixante-Quinze,” otherwise known as Seventy-Five. The drink immediately started being compared to its namesake gun, being referred to as “the most powerful drink in the world” and “hits with remarkable precision.” However, the Seventy-Five back then is not exactly the French 75 we drink today.

 

Now, the recipe has changed several times, but for now, here’s the classic.

 

INGREDIENTS (Per cocktail)

 

  • 1 ½ ounces gin (I am not a fan of gin, so I use Tito’s Vodka – Hint…make sure it’s chilled)
  • ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (about ¾ medium lemon)
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup (recipe follows)
  • 2 to 3 ounces chilled Champagne
  • Lemon peel, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To make the simple syrup: Combine the honey (or sugar) and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the honey or sugar has disappeared into the water. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.
  2. To make a cocktail (you can make multiple drinks at once): Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Securely fasten the cap on the shaker and shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain the liquid into Champagne glasses and top with Champagne.
  3. Twist your lemon peel and hold it for a few seconds to retain the shape. Garnish your glass with the lemon twist, and enjoy this drink while it’s cold!