In recipes related to the holidays there is always a great cultural meaning behind them. This is the case, among many, of the auspicious foods that are brought to the table at New Year's: from cotechino to lentils, up to caviar and the French bubble par excellence, Champagne. The latter is the protagonist of a cocktail, whose history dates back to the beginning of the last century. It's about the French 75, the drink we recommend for the last evening of 2023.
The story linked to that of a cannon
The French 75 needs to most likely its name to that of a howitzer, a type of cannon that was modern (at the time) and transportable by animals: the 75 mm Howitzer used by the USA and allies in World War II. As with many other cocktails, in this case too there are many doubts about the history of the drink.
Some claim that the cocktail was born in the USA at the beginning of the First World War, in 1914-15, under the name Soixante-Quinze, with gin, apple brandy, grenadine and lemon juice. Then, the recipe underwent three modifications, the last of which - which took place in 1927 by Judge Jr. - led to the current composition of the cocktail - champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup - reported for the first time in form written, by its author, in “Here's How!” in 1927.
The second version of the story claims that the cocktail was developed in England where it spread in the circles, also frequented by Charles Dickens, even in the previous century. The drink did not have the same ingredients, but was very close to the current cocktail, with the presence of champagne, sugar, citrus fruits, ice and Tom Gin.
The third version of the story believes that the creator of the French 75 was the barman at Harry's American Bar in Paris Harry MacElhone. Also in this case the recipe would have been developed in 1915 and therefore, the name of the cocktail could have been given retrospectively.
There are two certainties about this cocktail: the word "French" is a tribute to the champagne present in the recipe and the drink must be served, like the French bubble, in a flute.
The IBA recipe
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 30ml gin
- 15 ml of fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 60ml Champagne
Method:
Pour all the ingredients, except the Champagne, into a shaker. Shake well and filter into a Champagne flute. Top with champagne. Mix gently.
