On NYE, Make The French 75 from ‘The Craft Cocktail Party’
This week, we’re spotlighting recipes from The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion by Julie Reiner (Grand Central Life & Style), co-owner of Brooklyn’s Clover Club and Manhattan’s Flatiron Lounge. Try making the recipe at home and let us know what you think!
Photo: Daniel Krieger
By Julie Reiner
French 75
Makes 1 drink
The French 75 was created in 1915 by Harry MacElhone at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris and published in his book Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails. The original recipe listed Calvados rather than gin, which proves its versatility.
1 ounce gin (I recommend Beefeater)
½ ounce lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup (see below)
2 ½ ounces Champagne (I recommend Moët & Chandon)
Lemon twist, for garnish
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until chilled. Strain into a flute and top with the Champagne. Garnish by inserting the twist into the glass.
Simple Syrup
This bar staple is a must for making balanced cocktails. Very plainly, we use simple syrup to introduce sugar to a cocktail in a form that is already dissolved. The basic (simple) ratio is equal parts granulated sugar and water. I make simple syrup in a batch of one cup sugar to one cup water at home. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to a month, but you’ll likely go through a batch in way less time.
Her Kissing Cousins
The French 75 has a formula that works with many spirits, sweeteners, and juices, making it a great party drink. Pick from the below variations, or make a version of your own.
Pisco: Muddle 1 hulled strawberry in ½ ounce simple syrup in the bottom of a shaker. Add 1 ounce pisco and ½ ounce lemon juice. Shake with ice, double-strain through a fine‑mesh sieve into a flute, and top with Champagne.
Tequila: Combine 1 ounce blanco tequila, ½ ounce lime juice, and ½ ounce agave syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice, strain into a flute, and top with Champagne.
Rum: Combine 1 ounce aged rum, ½ ounce lime juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice, strain into a flute, and top with Champagne.
Brandy: Combine 1 ounce brandy, ½ ounce lemon juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice, strain into a flute, and top with Champagne.
Bitter French (Created by Phil Ward of Mayahuel in New York City): Make the classic recipe with the addition of ¼ ounce Campari to the shaker. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Reprinted with permission from The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion by Julie Reiner (Grand Central Life & Style).
More cocktails to make at home:
El Presidente from ‘Cuban Cocktails’
The Ultimate Bourbon Cocktail You’ve Never Heard of
