Bonjour, mon amie! The French national holiday, Bastille Day falls on July 14th but you can enjoy these classic French cocktails anytime... with an original twist.
With overseas travel out of reach for the short term, why not transport yourself to a faraway destination by whipping up a classic cocktail from places on your bucket list.
So pop on a beret, grab a baguette and transport yourself and your friends to France with these Parisian sips.
French 75
This delightfully elegant cocktail was created in Paris in 1915 at the New York Bar (later Harry’s New York Bar) and is said to be named after the famous and super effective French 75-millimeter light field gun used by the French in WW1. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being hit with the small but explosive canon.
Over the years there have been a couple of different versions of the 75. The commonality between all versions is that they contain Gin, and while the modern recipe calls for Gin, Lemon Juice, Champagne and sugar at least 3 previous versions included Grenadine.
15ml simple syrup
15ml Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
45ml Original Classic Dry Gin
45ml Champagne or similar (i.e Prosecco)
Lemon peel for garnish
Ice
15ml Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
45ml Original Classic Dry Gin
45ml Champagne or similar (i.e Prosecco)
Lemon peel for garnish
Ice
1. Combine all ingredients except Champagne
2. Shake with ice
3. Strain into a Champagne Flute or Saucer
4. Top with Champagne
5. Garnish with lemon twist
2. Shake with ice
3. Strain into a Champagne Flute or Saucer
4. Top with Champagne
5. Garnish with lemon twist
The Original Twist; with a nod to earlier versions, you can mix up a Pink French 75 using Pink Grapefruit & Pomegranate Ginfusion in place of lemon juice, or, try the Peach French 75 with our Summer Peach with Passionfruit Ginfusion.
Pink 75
5ml simple syrup
30ml Pink Grapefruit with Pomegranate Ginfusion
Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon peel for garnish
Ice
30ml Pink Grapefruit with Pomegranate Ginfusion
Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon peel for garnish
Ice
See French 75 method.
Peach French 75
5ml simple syrup
30ml Summer Peach with Passionfruit Ginfusion
Ice
Champagne or sparkling wine
A sliver of peach for garnish
30ml Summer Peach with Passionfruit Ginfusion
Ice
Champagne or sparkling wine
A sliver of peach for garnish
See French 75 method.
Sidecar
Thought to have been invented at the end of WW1, there are varying reports of the origins of this classic. The Ritz in Paris has claimed the drink however it is also said that Harry’s New York Bar in Paris is where it was created. What everyone seems to agree on though, is that it was named after the motorcycle sidecar so popular at the time.
The main ingredients of a Sidecar are traditionally Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice. In earlier times a Sidecar would come with a sugared glass rim to offset any bitterness. The sugared rim has since been removed by many modern bartenders with some preferring to leave it out altogether or substitute for a touch of simple syrup.
Our Original twist on the sidecar uses our EXQ Harvest Blend; simple syrup optional.
30ml Cognac or EXQ Harvest Blend
22.5ml Cointreau
22.5ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ice
Lemon peel for garnish
Optional dash of simple syrup
22.5ml Cointreau
22.5ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ice
Lemon peel for garnish
Optional dash of simple syrup
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake vigourously for 20 sec
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with lemon twist
2. Shake vigourously for 20 sec
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with lemon twist
Black Rose
The Black Rose is a raspberry flavoured version of the 1920’s Rose Cocktail invented in Paris in the 1920’s. The Rose Cocktail is said to be a variation on the classic Martini.
This one definitely packs a punch with the Chambord adding a fruity edge. Our Original twist simply swaps the Chambord with our Blood Orange & Japanese Ginfusion.
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
2. Add ice and shake
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
4. Garnish with blackberries
2. Add ice and shake
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
4. Garnish with blackberries
French Martini
The French Martini came on the scene in the 1980’s, but It’s really not a martini at all. It was named due to the use of French black raspberry liqueur and was generally served in the classic V shaped ‘Martini’ glass.
1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake vigourously
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
2. Shake vigourously
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Our Original twist; Substitue with Blood Orange with Japanese Ginfusion in place of Chambord and serve in a coupe glass.
Have you substituted Ginfusion in any of your favourite cocktails? We'd love to hear and see your original creations featuring your orginal spirits. Tag @originalspiritco on Facebook or Instagram or email us at info@originalspiritco.com
