The French 75, or known simply as the Soixante Quinze (AKA 75) in France, is basically bubbly, sugary deliciousness that will get you in trouble if you have more than a couple (but hey, some nights were just meant to go that way). A slightly altered version of the cocktail is a favorite of Kate Moss (opens in new tab), and it's easy to see why: With a French 75, you get the taste of champagne with the kick of hard liquor (we like Koval Dry Gin (opens in new tab)), and just enough sweetness for it to go down smoothly. So, we asked cocktail expert Leslie Ross of Hunky Dory Tavern (opens in new tab) in Houston, TX to create the perfect French 75, and she did us one better, creating a classic recipe plus a sophisticated take on the cocktail. Find out how to make her masterpieces below:
Classic French 75
Ingredients:
1.5 oz gin
1.5 oz cognac
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
.75 oz simple syrup
Champagne or dry sparking wine to top
Instructions:
Shake and strain into a coupe or champagne flute. Top with champagne or dry sparking wine.
If you've already mastered the classic version and want to try a fancier iteration of the French 75, opt for:
Little Napoleon
Ingredients:
1 oz Courvoisier Napoleon
.5 oz Pineau des Charentes
.75 oz Giffard Strawberry Cordial
.75 oz Lemon Juice
Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne to top
Instructions:
Shake and strain into a coupe. Top with champagne and garnish with a rose petal.
Cheers!
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