Cocktail expert Ms. Franky Marshall discusses the French 75 cocktail, its history, and preferred ingredients like Cognac. They explore different champagne styles, garnishes, and the importance of menu placement in bartending. The episode highlights the uniqueness of the French 75 and listener appreciation.
The French 75 cocktail combines champagne with gin or cognac for a festive and historical experience.
The debate between using gin or cognac in a French 75 impacts its flavor and style significantly.
Properly balanced and garnished French 75 cocktails enhance enjoyment and aesthetic with a coup glass and lemon twist.
Deep dives
The French 75: A Celebratory and Historically Rich Cocktail
The French 75 is a versatile cocktail notable for including champagne as the key ingredient along with either gin or cognac, offering a two-for-one experience. This cocktail is esteemed for its festive and approachable nature, making it a favorite among guests. The name of the cocktail stems from a rapid-fire field gun, adding a historical and intriguing touch to its origins.
Exploring the Origins and History of the French 75
The podcast delves into the fascinating history of the French 75, tracing its roots back to Charles Dickens in 1867 who reportedly mixed gin and champagne. The cocktail's name is derived from a rapid-fire field gun known for its precision. Over time, its construction and ingredients evolved, with cognac and champagne being key components since the early 20th century.
The Influence of Base Spirits and Variations in the French 75
There is a debate on whether the French 75 is best made with gin or cognac, with variations in style and taste depending on the chosen base spirit. While gin is more commonly favored, cognac offers a unique and robust flavor profile that aligns well with specific styles of champagne. The choice of base spirit can significantly impact the overall composition and enjoyment of the cocktail.
Crafting the Perfect French 75: Importance of Glassware and Garnish
Expectations for a well-executed French 75 focus on maintaining a balanced and integrated flavor profile. Proper glassware choice between a flute or coup can impact the drinking experience, with the coup offering a more celebratory and classic aesthetic. The garnish of a lemon twist, properly expressed and garnished, adds a final touch to this iconic cocktail.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations from the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode highlights the timeless appeal and adaptability of the French 75 cocktail, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personalization in cocktail crafting. Understanding the cocktail's history, base spirit variations, and serving intricacies can enhance the overall enjoyment and appreciation of this classic drink. Through exploring the origins and ingredients of the French 75, listeners are encouraged to experiment with different approaches and ingredients to elevate their cocktail experience.
Cocktail College returns with a bang this week, as we explore the Champagne-spiked, artillery-inspired French 75. Cognac expert Ms. Franky Marshall is on hand to share expert advice on navigating the drink’s base spirits, build, and ideal glassware. Listen on (or read below) to discover Franky’s French 75 recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe!
Ms. Franky Marshall’s French 75 Recipe
Ingredients
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup
1 ounce of gin or Cognac
1 ½ - 2 ounces sparkling wine (ideally Champagne)
Garnish: lemon twist
Directions
Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and base spirit to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Lightly shake until chilled.
Fine-strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with sparkling wine.
Express lemon twist over the cocktail from at least 6-8 inches above the glass and discard.
