The French 75 is a cocktail with a storied past, tracing its roots back to World War II. Named after the powerful 75mm howitzers used to defend the Maginot Line, this drink was said to pack a punch as mighty as the artillery it honored. Legend has it that French soldiers favored the cocktail on the eve of their departure to the front.
While undeniably strong, the French 75 pales in comparison to the infamous stimulants issued to German soldiers during the war. Fueled by methamphetamine, their blitzkrieg strategy demanded relentless speed and endurance, enabling troops to fight for days without rest or sustenance. Beginning in May 1940, this unyielding approach led to the rapid conquest of France in just six weeks.
Cautionary Advice and Endorsement
If you need extra strength or quickness, I expressly advise you to refrain from using meth, however I do recommend a French 75. It won’t really help with any of these things, but it may cause you to believe it did!
When and Where to Enjoy a French 75
Because it is festive and delicious, the perfect opportunity to enjoy one is on New Year’s Eve. The perfect place is at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter, but if you can’t travel, make one at home. Follow my recipe, sit back, relax and watch the ball drop. These are just as powerful now as they were in the ’40’s, so go easy and limit yourself to one or two. Print
French 75 Cocktail
London Dry Gin, champagne, simple syrup and lemon
Ingredients
- 1 oz premium gin
- 3 oz brut champagne
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon peel or twist
Instructions
- Chill your champagne in the fridge
- Make your sliced lemon peel or twist garnish
- Plan ahead and make another set of garnish for your second cocktail
- Add the simple syrup, gin and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake well until cold
- Double strain into a champagne flute
- Top off with the chilled champagne
- Garnish with the peel or twist of lemon