French 75 Cocktail Recipe
This powerful blend of spirits and flavors is so potent that its very name came from artillery used during World War I.
Created in 1915 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris – the drink’s original combination of gin, Champagne, lemon juice and sugar was said to deliver such a kick that it felt like you were being shelled by the powerful quick-firing French 75 millimeter field guns used during World War I.
And while a legendary cocktail was born back then, it’s a classic restaurant and bar in New Orleans, Arnaud's, that perfected the recipe to make it the popular drink enjoyed in Louisiana today.
“Although there’s ongoing debate about what the base spirit of a French 75 cocktail should be – gin or Cognac – we believe it would’ve been Cognac since its very name was inspired by the French during the war.” So says Katy Casbarian, co-owner of Arnaud’s, a fourth-generation “grand dame” Creole restaurant in New Orleans whose swanky French 75 Bar has become known as THE place to enjoy the beloved modern iteration of this storied drink. The bar is so revered, in fact, that it has won the coveted James Beard Award for “Outstanding Bar Program” and has been named “One of the Top Five Bars in the Country” by Esquire Magazine.
The signature drinks are made with high-quality spirits, locally sourced ingredients and house-made syrups. Put your mixology skills to the test and try making your French 75 at home!
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounce cognac (Courvoisier VS)
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon simple syrup
- 2.75 ounce Champagne (Moet & Chandon)
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Method of Preparation
- Place the cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice and shake only long enough to chill.
- Pour into a frosted champagne tulip glass, top with champagne and add a lemon twist.
Recipe courtesy of Arnaud’s and the French 75 Bar.
Explore more recipes like this with Louisiana’s Culinary Trails. For more information, recipes and tips for your next trip to Louisiana, sign up to receive our eNewsletter.
