We had the Mocks over for New Year's Eve for food, games and general merriment. The French 75 was our featured cocktail for the evening:
It's mostly champagne with bits of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup (my own homemade) and grenadine. The drink, often made with Cognac rather than gin, dates from World War I when the kick was said to be equivalent to being shelled with the French 75mm field gun. I wouldn't say it's nearly that potent but it was pleasant enough - pretty, too.
I got my recipe from
American Bar by Charles Schumann. Interestingly, the book also includes a French 76 that subs out the gin for vodka. The gin doesn't bring much flavor to the party but it might make for an interesting side-by-side comparison sometime.
It is pretty.
ReplyDeleteWe've been doing pina coladas this week.
That sounds like fun. I've never made a pina colada.
DeleteNow this sounds very nice.
ReplyDeleteI love mixed drinks but can only have a very small sip.
There was a restaurant in Laguna that was called French 75. Now I know why !
cheers, parsnip
My wife likes knowing the origins of a drink's name. There's often an interesting story involved.
DeleteGreat
ReplyDeleteI thought so.
DeleteThat does sound nice! I had a little Bailey's over ice to celebrate my New Year's Eve but was in bed well before the ball dropped, sad little person that I am.
ReplyDeleteI didn't make it to midnight this year. Most years I do.
DeleteLove Bailey's. Haven't had it in years. It's great over vanilla ice cream.