The French 75 with a holiday twist is the perfect cocktail to bring a touch of elegance and festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. Imagine a cozy winter evening: the fire crackling, soft holiday music playing, and a sparkling drink in your hand. This classic champagne cocktail, with a seasonal twist of cranberry syrup and warm spices, is ideal for any occasion during the colder months. It combines the light, bubbly nature of the original French 75 with the warmth and festivity of the holiday season.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just beginning to explore cocktail crafting, the French 75 with a holiday twist is easy to master and sure to impress. This guide will take you through the recipe and show you how to elevate this drink with seasonal flavors.
The Origins of the Classic French 75
Before diving into the holiday version, it’s essential to appreciate the roots of the French 75. The drink dates back to World War I and was named after the French 75mm field gun, known for its power and precision. Created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, it combines gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar for a light yet powerful punch. The drink’s kick earned it the name, making it an icon of both elegance and strength in the world of cocktails.
Over time, it became a staple of celebrations. Its crisp and bubbly nature makes it perfect for toasts and gatherings. You can learn more about the French 75’s rich history in this insightful article.
Adding a Holiday Twist to the French 75
Now, let’s transform this sophisticated classic into a festive cocktail that reflects the warmth of the holiday season. The French 75 with a holiday twist brings together the original’s refreshing charm with seasonal ingredients like cranberry syrup and a touch of cinnamon or rosemary.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive drink:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin (London dry gin works well, but feel free to experiment with spiced or floral varieties)
- ½ oz freshly squeezed orange juice (blood orange juice adds a beautiful color and depth)
- ½ oz cranberry simple syrup (recipe below)
- 4 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprig and sugared cranberries
Cranberry Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional for added warmth)
Crafting Your French 75 with a Holiday Twist
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, crafting the perfect French 75 with a holiday twist is simple. Follow these steps:
1. Make the Cranberry Simple Syrup:
To create the cranberry simple syrup, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick in a small pot. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10 minutes). Strain the mixture to remove the solids and allow the syrup to cool.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, orange juice, and cranberry syrup. Shake until well chilled.
3. Pour and Top with Champagne:
Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute, then top it off with champagne or sparkling wine. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish and Serve:
For the final festive touch, garnish your French 75 with a holiday twist with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries. The rosemary provides a fresh, piney aroma, while the sugared cranberries add sparkle to your drink.
Tips for Perfecting Your French 75 with a Holiday Twist
- Selecting the Champagne: A Brut or dry champagne balances the sweetness from the cranberry syrup. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines, which could overpower the drink.
- Choosing the Gin: While a London dry gin is traditional, using a spiced gin with cinnamon or clove botanicals will enhance the holiday flavors in the cocktail.
- Preparing Ahead: The cranberry syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This is especially handy if you’re making multiple drinks for a gathering.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option, swap the gin for a botanical tonic and the champagne for sparkling apple cider. This version retains the festive flavors while offering a bubbly, refreshing experience without the alcohol.
Why the French 75 with a Holiday Twist is Perfect for Winter
The French 75 with a holiday twist is the ideal winter cocktail. The original French 75 already offers a refreshing, celebratory feel with its champagne base, but the cranberry syrup adds just the right amount of tart sweetness to make it perfect for the colder months. Combined with a hint of rosemary or cinnamon, the drink takes on a cozy, festive character, evoking thoughts of holiday gatherings and snowy nights by the fire.
This cocktail is also incredibly versatile. It’s light enough to serve before dinner as an aperitif but substantial enough to stand alone at a holiday party. Its vibrant colors and festive flavors make it a visual and flavorful treat for any celebration.
A Personal Experience with the French 75 with a Holiday Twist
I first made the French 75 with a holiday twist during a small family Christmas party. We had just finished decorating the tree, and the smell of fresh pine filled the room. I had some leftover cranberries from making sauce for dinner, and I decided to try adding them to my French 75. The cranberry syrup paired perfectly with the champagne and gin, and the rosemary garnish brought everything together. It was a hit, and now it’s a holiday tradition in our household. Every year, this cocktail makes an appearance at our holiday gatherings, bringing a touch of elegance and festivity to the celebration.
Make Your Holidays Sparkle
Whether you’re celebrating with a few close friends or hosting a large holiday party, the French 75 with a holiday twist is the perfect cocktail to serve. Its light, bubbly nature is sure to elevate any gathering, and the addition of cranberry and warm spices makes it feel like a true winter treat. It’s a drink that’s easy to make but offers a luxurious experience with each sip.