fbpx

 // DRINKS

COCKTAILS

THE FRENCH 75

A classic cocktail with a tangy taste, bubbly mouthfeel and botanical undertones. Close to the festive season having a little tangy refreshing beverage is sure to cut through all the rich foods that we will be devouring. And of course, the bubbles are sure to join in on the festivities!

THE FRENCH 75

The French 75, as you might have guessed, did not originate in France (the French have never made a habit of self-labelling things, like the French kiss and French fries). It’s from New York and originated at Harry’s, a popular bar at the time, in 1915. Incidentally, the same bar also gave birth to a slew of famous cocktails, including the Bloody Mary, the Sidecar, and the Between the Sheets. The French 75 got its name from the fact that it was considered as powerful as a shot from a 75 mm field gun, leaving no doubt in its American provenance.

Take a cocktail shaker and top up with ice. Pour 90 ml gin, 60 ml lemon juice and 90 ml elderflower cordial into the cocktail shaker. Close and shake for a good 30 seconds. Equally divide the mixture among the 6 glasses – then top up with Boschendal Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut.

How to get that lemon twirl

Use a vegetable peeler and, from the top of the lemon, peel the rind off by going all around the lemon until you have created a spiral. Place a spiral into each champagne flute. Repeat for 6 cocktails.