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If you’ve ever wondered about the French 75 Cocktail history, it was first poured in 1915 at a bar in Paris, a mixture of Champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar. It was said to have the kick of a French 75mm field gun, thus the name.
A few years ago, Keith and I went to a craft cocktail bar in Seattle. We asked our server what we should order, with the caveat that it not be very sweet. “I don’t know,” she said, “I like my cocktails to taste like sugar.”
I like my cocktails to taste like alcohol.
The good news is that the French 75 cocktail can go either way. If you’re a sweet-cocktail person, add more Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup; if not, add less.
Just as in my homemade tonic water recipe, I prefer the zing of fresh citrus that’s lost once you involve heat. So, instead of making a traditional simple syrup on the stove top, I whisked superfine sugar into fresh Meyer lemon juice and let it dissolve. With a vigorous whisk, sugar dissolves quickly in the acidic juice leaving you with a zesty-fresh and sweet syrup.
(If you love bubbly cocktails, you should also check out this Peach Bellini recipe and Campari Spritz. And more of my favorites are this Rhubarb Cocktail and my Blackberry Margaritas.)
Cheers!
Meyer Lemon French 75
Ingredients
For the Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup
- Juice of 1 Meyer Lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
For 1 French 75 Cocktail
- 1 ounce Gin
- 1/2 ounce Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup
- 2 ounces Champagne
Instructions
To make the Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup:
- In a small bowl, whisk Meyer lemon juice and sugar until sugar has dissolved. (Makes enough syrup for 4 cocktails)
To make one French 75 cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ounce Gin and 1/2 ounce Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup. Shake well and strain into a Champagne glass and top with Champagne. Stir gently and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I haven’t tried this drink, yet !! But, surely I will. I am now logged on to pinchandswirl. And, like all Marissa, I think you are beautiful. Bless you.
I love the way you think, Marissa! 😉 I don’t like my cocktails too sweet either. This recipe sounds and looks absolutely fantastic! I’m tempted to go mix up the drink right now, but I’ll try to wait until I have a couple of friends over so I’m not drinking alone 😉 Also, I love the photography – gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Beeta! And, yes, it’s definitely one of those celebration-type cocktails to enjoy with friends!
Ooh … wish I’d checked out this recipe yesterday! Looks beautiful, Marissa!
Happy New Year! May 2016 be filled with lots of happiness … and Meyer lemon french 75s!
Thank you, Helen! And Happy New Year to you… 🙂
I love all my drinks to taste boozy! I love champagne cocktails and this one sounds so refreshing and tasty! Can’t wait to make it tonight. It sounds like a great brunch drink too 🙂
I like the way you think, Maggie! 😉
oh mon Diue! Gin and citrus are well loved in our home. A refreshing cocktail is perfect this time of year. With everyone cranking up the heat and the heavy holiday food, a light fizzy drink is what we all need.
I agree, Annie! Thank you.