A Minnesota Good-Bye (Cranberry French 75) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes with French 75 co*cktail? ›

This co*cktail was created at Harry's Bar in Paris. These days many barmen add a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Food pairing: skewers of griddled prawns, smoked salmon, turmeric roasted cauliflower. Time of day: a reception co*cktail for meetings and celebrations.

The original version of this drink, though, hails from New Orleans and packs a bit less of a boozy punch. It swaps gin for soft, ever so slightly sweet Cognac, and it's utterly delicious.

The drink dates to World War I, and an early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris—later Harry's New York Bar—by barman Harry MacElhone. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.

Combine the Irish whiskey and cranberry juice in an old-fashioned glass containing a few ice cubes. Stir using a mixing spoon. Garnish with a lemon wedge and cranberries.

In case you're not familiar, a French 75 is a Champagne co*cktail made with gin or cognac, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Ever had a Tom Collins? It's like that, but topped with Champagne instead of club soda.

You'll see most modern variations made with dry gin, as is ours below, but cognac has its fair share of proponents and makes a toastier, richer version of the drink. Others may cut the gin with a bit of absinthe or add a few dashes of bitters to give their French 75 recipe an herbal twist.

And it takes a lot of work to keep filling them up and do the bottomless thing." What to order instead: "The French 75 is a classic drink that every bar can make.

The French 75 co*cktail celebrates the firepower of the WWI French 75-millimetre field gun. In recent decades, this has become a potent gin-based champagne co*cktail with lemon juice and sugar served in a flute, but it originally consisted of gin, apple brandy, grenadine and lemon juice served in a co*cktail glass.

Even though French 75s seem admittedly fancy, almost any bar can make one, even if they have to substitute Prosecco or another type of sparkling wine for the traditional Champagne. This one definitely has the potential to become your new go-to drink.

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America's First co*cktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a dash of Peychaud's Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official co*cktail of New Orleans was created.

What is a fun fact about the French 75? ›

A fun fact about this little glass of sunshine, it was named for the fast-firing 75 millimeter field gun that was utilized by the French during World War One. Traditionally made with gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, it's a great substitute for a mimosa, and a great way to bring a little zest to your day.

“A classic London Dry gin works best in a French 75 and there is nothing more classic than Beefeater,” says Josef Griz, the general manager of New York City's Darling Rooftop. “The dryer the gin, the more balance between the sweetness of the sugar and the acidity of the lemon juice — Beefeater fits the bill,” he says.

Pirates often mixed rum, sugar water, and lime juice to make the alcohol easier to drink, rid their water-cask of bacteria, and stave off scurvy.

Rum, which was distilled from sugar, became a primary export. As a result, many of the ships on the waters that pirates attacked were filled with it. Crews tended to drink much of the liquid loot they found. However, rum was also used as a currency and often traded for goods.

Whisky and vodka

Whisky is a strong drink that is usually 40% - 50% ABV. Many people choose to combine it with similar strong spirits, like vodka or tequila. While this may seem like a clever idea in theory, the alcohol content will quickly add up on your body and you'll be hammered in no time.

The sweet and savory combination of ripe figs, thinly sliced prosciutto, and creamy goat cheese atop crusty bruschetta perfectly complements the effervescence of the French 75.

Even though French 75s seem admittedly fancy, almost any bar can make one, even if they have to substitute Prosecco or another type of sparkling wine for the traditional Champagne. This one definitely has the potential to become your new go-to drink.

I ordered a French 75, one of my favorites — gin, lemon juice topped off with champagne, and garnished with a perfect twist of lemon. If my logic stands that you are what you drink, then my drink says that I'm outgoing, energetic, strong willed, with a twist of sarcasm and a sharp tongue.