French 75

Tracey Koch and Stephanie Riegel

Photography by Amy Shutt

May 4, 2021

This is a classic cocktail served in bistros and bars all over France (and easy to find at Baton Rouge restaurants and bars, too). It was made popular during the first world war. Because of its potency, it was named for the 75-mm field gun French soldiers used in battle. It is a refreshing, sparkling gin cocktail with a hint of citrus. It is a great way to start off a festive meal.

Servings: Makes 1 cocktail

1 ounce gin

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce simple syrup

2 to 3 ounces Champagne

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.

2. Vigorously shake. Strain it into a Champagne flute.

3. Top with 3 ounces of chilled Champagne and serve.

This article was originally published in the May 2021 issue of 225 magazine.

By Tracey Koch

Tracey Koch has been creating recipes, instructing cooking classes for both kids and adults, and writing food columns in the Baton Rouge area for over 25 years. She began writing her favorite column, “Dining In,” back in 2013. Find it featured in the Taste section of 225 Magazine every month. When she is not in the kitchen developing and testing new recipes, she is writing stories for her children’s book series about a little goose from Toulouse.

By Stephanie Riegel