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The perfect rosé cocktail is a bubbly pink drink? Light and fruity: sparkling rosé, gin, lemon juice and rose raspberry simple syrup. The Pink 75 is a twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. Try this drink for brunch, a fancy date night drink, Valentine’s Day cocktail, or Mother’s Day brunch cocktail!
The first time I had a French 75 was in New Orleans after I graduated from college. Everything about NOLA is a dream come true, but especially the food and drinks! The first night there, we went to a jazz bar. We listened to a live jazz band while sipping on this cocktail and eating shrimp and grits. It was such a magical trip and the French 75 is one of the most memorable parts!
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Before my experience in New Orleans, I’d never had a champagne-based cocktail! I ordered a French 75 off of the menu because I heard it was a classic. At that younger age, I hadn’t tried too many classic cocktails - to me a mimosa was fancy!
When I ordered this classic drink, out came a stunning simple champagne flute. A fancy lemon peel twist decorated the rim. It looked like a sparkling lemonade! It was light, bubbly, fresh and strong! It opened my eyes to the true cocktail world.
What is a French 75?
A French 75 is a cocktail based of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. Some bars will swap the gin for cognac. It is a classic cocktail dating back to at least the 19th century.
Why is it Called a French 75?
Although the French 75 is very common in New Orleans, the French 75 is from France. To be more precise: Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France owned by barman Harry MacElhone. This bar rumors to be the birthplace of classic drinks such as the French 75, the Bloody Mary, the Sidecar, and more.
One theory is that the name of French 75 comes from a 75mm gun used by the French (and Americans) in World War 1. The French 75 cocktail has 'the same kick as the gun'. Yet, there are stories of noblemen having cocktails like the French 75 from even before World War 1.
This drink was first recorded in Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails in 1922, and was then named the 75. The French 75 became more popular when The Savoy Cocktail Book published it in 1930.
Ingredients
- SPARKLING ROSÉ. While the classic calls for champagne, I used sparkling rosé for the lovely pink color. You can use any type of bubbly rosé for this recipe. If you want a typical French 75, swap for champagne or prosecco.
- GIN. You can substitute gin for cognac for a New Orleans French 75 variation.
- LEMON JUICE. An absolute must to balance out the sweetness of the sparkling rosé and the simple syrup.
- RASPBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP. For this Pink 75, I used a rose and raspberry simple syrup. Other options: use a traditional unflavored simple syrup or pre-made raspberry simple syrup. Note: if using a traditional unflavored simple syrup, the pink color will not be as bright.
How to Make a Raspberry Simple Syrup
Although I use a pre-made raspberry simple syrup sometimes, you can easily make your own!
Follow the instructions on my Rose & Raspberry Simple Syrup. If you don't want to use dried rose, omit.
How to Serve
Initially the creator intended this cocktail to be served in a highball glass. The French 75 was actually a riff of the Tom Collin’s, swapping club soda for a bubbly champagne. Nowadays, this classic cocktail is often served in a champagne flute. It is almost always topped with a lemon peel twist!
For this French 75 variation, a Pink 75, you can serve with the classic lemon peel twist. You can also top with a raspberry or even strawberry.
More Bubbly Cocktail
- Sparkling Rosé Aperol Spritz
- Spiced Orange & Cranberry Winter Aperol Spritz
- Holiday Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail
- Honey Lemon Ginger Gin & Prosecco Cocktail
- Spiked Vodka Lemonade with Kiwi
- Matcha Gin Fizz
📖 Recipe
Pink 75
Ingredients
- 2 OZ Gin
- 0.75 OZ Rose & Raspberry Simple Syrup
- ½ Lemon juiced
- 4 OZ Sparkling Rosé
Instructions
- To make your own simple syrup, do that in advance and let cool. Follow instructions on my Rose & Raspberry Simple Syrup. Or use a traditional simple syrup.
- Add gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for 15-seconds.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Top off with sparkling rosé.