Why a French 75 should be in your Christmas cocktail arsenal
A perfect party mix to kick off any seasonal revelry, this sweet and sour combination packs a hefty punch
Known as the ‘Soixante-Quinze’ in France, the French 75 cocktail dates back to World War I, where the story goes that when first tried, the cocktail had such a kick it felt like being shelled by a French 75mm field gun.
War-references aside, one of the earliest iterations was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, later known as Harry's New York Bar, by barman Harry MacElhone and featured Calvados, gin, grenadine, and absinthe. And while the modern recipe has been dialled down in alcohol, the mix of gin, lemon juice and champagne still packs quite a punch.
This recipe comes from Hendricks whose rose and cucumber-infused gin plays brilliantly with the acidity of the lemon and champagne.
Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Hendrick’s Gin
1/2-part simple syrup (sugar syrup)
1/2-part lemon juice
Top with Champagne
Lemon twist to garnish
Method
Add the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into a chilled flute. Top with champagne and garnish
