French 75 from Mermaid Gin

Mermaid Gin French 75 cocktail

Famous cocktail made with Mermaid Gin

What is a French 75?

French 75 is a historical cocktail made with gin topped with champagne and a little sugar syrup and lemon juice. As champagne is used it is typically served in a champagne flute but you may also find it in a coupe glass.

When was the French 75 created?

It potentially dates back to 1915, certainly at some point during World War 1 but was refined in the 1920s. Take a look at entry 228 on page 65 of the 1923 edition of ‘Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails for a slightly different “75” cocktail recipe, this one uses Calvados in place of Champgane and grenadine plus 2 drops of absinthe! 

Why is it called a French 75?

Well, actually, you may also find it named Soixante Quinze (French for ‘Seventy Five’) or it could be referred to as simply a ’75’ or ’75 cocktail’. Those who first sampled the drink felt that it delivered a potent kick, just like being hit with a shell from a 75mm Howitzer gun. This was a sort-of canon on wheels used by both the French and the Americans during World War 1. Plus it also uses Champagne, which is of course, from France.

Where was the French 75 created?

Despite the name, the original recipe may have been dreamt up by a Scotsman at the New York Bar…well, Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

Who is credited with inventing the French 75?

Harry MacElhone, from Dundee in Scotland was the famous bar man at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Many consider him to be the creator. He has also been credited with inventing the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar among others.

How to make a Mermaid French 75

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Mermaid Gin
  • 10ml Lemon Juice
  • 5ml Sugar Syrup or Agave
  • Champagne or alternative sparkling wine

Shake over ice, strain and top with Champagne or fizz of your choice.

Garnish with a twist of lemon.

Mermaid Gin RRP from £38.00. ABV: 42%. Available to purchase from John Lewis, Tesco, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick and Isle of Wight Distillery.

 

 

 

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Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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