To make a French 75, you will need several key ingredients: gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and bubbly cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
First, start by gathering your ingredients and equipment. You will need a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, a citrus juicer, and a Champagne flute or coupe glass for serving. It's always a good idea to have some ice on hand as well.
Next, measure out 1.5 ounces of gin using your jigger and pour it into the cocktail shaker. I personally prefer using a London dry gin for this cocktail, as it provides a nice balance of botanical flavors.
Now, it's time to add the fresh lemon juice. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the shaker, being careful to strain out any seeds. The tartness of the lemon juice adds a zesty and citrusy element to the drink.
To sweeten the cocktail, add a teaspoon of sugar to the shaker. This helps to balance out the acidity of the lemon juice and adds a touch of sweetness to the overall flavor profile. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste preference.
Once all the ingredients are in the shaker, fill it with ice. Give it a good shake for about 15-20 seconds to chill the drink and allow the flavors to meld together.
Now, it's time to strain the cocktail into your Champagne flute or coupe glass. The strained cocktail should be clear and vibrant, with a slight yellow hue from the lemon juice.
Finally, top off the drink with Champagne. Pour slowly and steadily, allowing the bubbles to gently mix with the cocktail. The Champagne adds effervescence and lightness to the drink, making it truly reminiscent of its namesake, the French 75 millimeter field gun.
Garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist or a cherry, if desired. The garnish adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal to the drink.
Now, it's time to enjoy your homemade French 75! Sip slowly and savor the refreshing flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne creates a delightful balance of tartness, sweetness, and effervescence. It's the perfect drink to celebrate special occasions or simply to unwind after a long day.
Personal experience: I remember the first time I tried a French 75 at a cocktail bar in Paris. The bartender expertly mixed the ingredients together and topped it off with a generous pour of Champagne. The drink was absolutely delicious and instantly became one of my favorites. Since then, I've experimented with making French 75s at home and have even added my own twist by infusing the gin with different botanicals. It's a versatile cocktail that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.