I wanted something a bit unique for New Years; something more than ‘just’ a glass of Champagne but not what has become my standard of adding Champagne to a liqueur either. I’ve done that a lot over this holiday season with the Cranberry liqueur I made. I love it but it was time for something new, something even more elegant.
I believe this is it; the French 75. Named after the 75-MM M1897, a mainstay of the French field artillery in WWI, it was a potent little gun and this is a solid namesake…it’s a potent little drink! Known to have been a favorite of the Lost Generation including apparently Ernest Hemingway who, though known for his ability to partake with great gusto, was also known to secure a definite buzz with a French 75. There are variations to this drink including the use of cognac in lieu of gin and some pour it over ice in a Collins glass. I prefer mine shaken and poured straight up so that it doesn’t get diluted!
Simple, beautiful and bubbly…I think the perfect cocktail to toast the New Year. So to everyone; I say Cheers and I’m wishing you a very safe and Happy New Year!!
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin
- 3 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons superfine granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
- 1 cup chilled champagne
- Lemon twists for garnish
Preparation
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, sugar, and ice cubes and shake to chill.
- Strain cocktails into 2 champagne flutes and top off with champagne.
- Garnish glass with a lemon twist.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks like the perfect cocktail for tonight. I happen to have everything on hand!
Jen @ Savory Simple Most Recent Post: My Favorite Recipes of 2012
Did you make it Jen? I did! I only do them on NYE so each year I’m reminded of how special they are. Happy New Year!
This is very intriguing…I love the recipe. More than that I like your narrative, which really makes me want to try this and its variations!
French 75 is one of my favorite cocktails! hope you had a wonderful new years celebration, happy 2012!
Lisa [With Style and Grace] Most Recent Post: Eggs, Bacon & Gluten-free Toast Cups
It is one of mine now Lisa; we just loved it and not just for New Year’s. I typically keep a couple of bottles of cava on hand; we’ll be doing this again I know.
This is so classy… I do love champagne, but I only drink once in a while =)
Thank you Raquel; I won’t do it with champagne on a regular basis but with my favorite sparking beverage, Cava? Absolutely…I love champagne but cava is more reasonably priced and allows a special drink like this a bit more often.
This champagne cocktail is elegant and sounds delicious. The photo is gorgeous. Another drink I have to make:)
Lora ~ cakeduchess Most Recent Post: Lasagne alla Zucca-Pumpkin Lasagne
Okay, Barb, that top picture is WICKED gorgeous!!!
Carolyn Most Recent Post: Roasted Vegetable Greek Salad (Low Carb and Gluten-Free)
I love that we did such similar drinks for NYE! This really is the perfect celebratory cocktail. And, of course, the history of the cocktail is great. I love that it’s named after a gun. :) Happy new year! Hope that 2012 is fabulous for you.
Lindsay @ Rosemarried Most Recent Post: Ringing in the New Year: The French 77
I know right? I do believe that name and history are what first made it so appealing. It’s tough but doesn’t look it! Fun that we were on the same page and a good page it was. Wishing the same for you Lindsay!
Beautiful photo Barb. Happy New Year.
Thank you Lea Ann and Happy New Year to you too!
A truly classy cocktail from a truly classy lady! Happy New Year Barb, wishing all the best for you in 2012.
Paula Most Recent Post: Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Barb!!!
sweetsugarbelle Most Recent Post: Top Ten Posts of 2011
To you too Callye. BTW a birdie whispered in my ear the other day. SO complimentary of your work. You should be proud.
Beautiful cocktail, and so perfect for occasion! Happy New Year Barb…holding out hope we will meet in 2012 :)
Winnie Most Recent Post: Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip (Muhammara) + Mary’s Gone Crackers Giveaway
Thanks Winnie and certainly Cheers to you…and who knows, this might be the year…I gotta get out of this place! I’ve been more and more mobile; the idea of traveling is still a lot to imagine but I can’t let this stupid leg and a cane keep me stuck forever can I? You’re always welcome out west too you know? :) Happy New Year Winnie.
If a French 75 is on a recipe list, I usually order it. I never knew what the “75″ was all about – so thanks!
Thank you for your friendship this year – have a wonderful and happy New Years!!!!
[K]
Kim Most Recent Post: Braised Short Rib Hash | December at the RGB
It is funny that something so delicate looking was named after basically a machine gun…but it made me careful. No downing quickly for this girl!
Thank you too Kim, have loved getting to know you and always delighted when you stop by…take good care and of course, Happy New Year!
The idea of gin, lemon and champagne sounds so appealing to me. The perfect New Year’s cocktail indeed! The lighting in your photo is just lovely, Barb. Happy New Year to you!
Cookin’ Canuck Most Recent Post: New Year’s Eve Recipes: Appetizers, Hors D’Oeuvres & Cocktails
Thanks Dara and Happy New Year to you too. Cheers!
What an elegant cocktail. I would like it just for the name alone. Your photos are fabulous. Happy new year to you and your family.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen Most Recent Post: Cranberry and Blue Cheese Crostini
Thank you Sam, for the sweet compliment and the wishes. I wish the same to you. Happy New Year
This is stunningly beautiful! A Champagne company needs to contact you to use it as an advertisement. I don’t drink anymore, but if I did…I would be all over this like a ….well, I would be all over it. :) Happy New Year!
Chris Most Recent Post: Ginger Pear Galette
I have never heard of this, sounds interesting….I am so used to making my own skinny cocktails with voli vodka, I think I might check this one out to think outside the box
You make the best cocktails Barbara! Cheers and best wishes for a fabulous start to the new year!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen Most Recent Post: Truffle Butter, Parmesan and Thyme Popcorn | A Popcorn and Champagne Pairing
Your picture looks beautiful! And I love that you did a classic champagne cocktail for New Year’s Eve. I did that too. I’m not a big fan of gin, but the fact that it uses sugar and lemon juice and was a favorite of Hemingway, means I may have to give this drink a try.
Jennifer Most Recent Post: Kir Royale Cocktail
Barbara – what delicious looking drop. Anything with a dash of gin wins my vote. And, of course, Hemingway really knew his booze didn’t he!
Many thanks for your friendship and support this year – I look forward to sharing more foodie experiences with you in the coming year.
Have a happy, safe and laughter-filled new year, with best wishes from sweltering South Australia! (Temp is forecast to go well over 100F in the next few days!)
Amanda Most Recent Post: Christmas day food – a Middle Eastern mushroom superfood salad!
Even though I suffered a bout of food poisoning this morning, and am currently nursing strawberry gatorade, somehow, I want a glass of this – this very moment. It looks lovely and elegant. Happy New Year to you! xo
Lisa Most Recent Post: Salted Caramel Apple Sourdough Challah
Swooning over your photo – Happy New Year!
LiztheChef Most Recent Post: Sparkling Ginger Cocktails
Beautiful! Have a fabulous New Year!!
What a lovely drink for New Year’s Eve – hope you have a great one and a lovely 2012!
Jenn Most Recent Post: 11 Highlights from 2011
Oh, I once made a silimiar recipe, it was delicious. I’m sure your guests will love this. Happy New Year!
Lemon Most Recent Post: Orange Cinnamon Cake
Happy New Year to you too…thanks for stopping by. And yes…guests did love it. Me too. :)
What a beautiful photo! Lovely recipe for New Year’s celebrations.
I’m ready to move into 2012 now. The cake is made and the dog is cleaned up from his meringue feast.
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: #Baketogether with Abby Dodge: Chocolate Meringue Cake
Thank you…and cheers to you my friend. Happy New Year!
I like the idea of gin with champagne. Lovely photo, too!
-Lisa
Lisa @ Dust with Flour Most Recent Post: Chocolate Meringue Cake with Almond Praline and Citrus Marmalade for #Baketogether
It’s a surprising light combination; it’s a new favorite now too! And thank you…after spending 2 days making the cake I might have put some time into getting a decent photo. It’s not like I’m going to have a redo the next day!
Never knew the history behind that name – thanks for sharing that. Happy New Year!
Cooking with Michele Most Recent Post: Easy Tea Smoked Trout
It does add something to the mystique of a drink to know the back story doesn’t it? Happy New Year to you too Michele.
That’s some cocktail – and a beautiful photo. Happy New Year!
Lynda Most Recent Post: Ring in the New Year with these Party Appetizer and Menu Ideas
Thank you for your kind comment Lynda and wishing you a Happy New Year too!
Mmmhh, delicious!
Best wishes for the New Year!
Cheers,
Rosa
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