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

FAQs

What is the difference between Tom Collins and French 75? ›

It is basically a Tom Collins with champagne instead of soda water (yes please). The proportions of gin, lemon and sugar are less than they are in a Tom Collins, because we're adding more booze in the form of Champagne, but the ratios are the same.

First add the lemon, the gin (which must be very dry, for example a London Dry Gin), and then top up with the Cava. 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.

The French 75 is named for the fast-firing 75 millimeter field gun that was utilized by the French during World War One. Consisting of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, the drink is a lot friendlier than the name implies. Like many classic drinks, the French 75's origin is mired in mystery and debate.

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.

So which Champagne do you go for? In Jim Meehan's Bartender's Manual, sommelier Jordan Salcito recommends a 100% Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs) Champagne for a French 75, as it has the requisite body and robustness to stand up to the citrus.

Instead of using simple syrup for your French 75 opt for a syrup with a little more pizzaz. A gomme arabic-based syrup adds weight and body, or opt for an oleo-saccharum for an extra lemony kick.

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.

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.

Inspiration behind the name

This noble co*cktail is named after the French 75-millimeter light field gun which due to its portability and rate of fire was the mainstay of the French army during the First World War (1914 to 1918).

You might be familiar with it as James Bond's favorite co*cktail in Casino Royale; in fact, it was invented by Ian Fleming, author of the Bond series. Unsurprisingly, the Vesper (also known as the Vesper Martini) is a spirit-forward drink, which makes using top-shelf gin and vodka especially worthwhile.

Is Grand Marnier a gin? ›

Grand Marnier is an exceptional blend of fine cognac and exotic bitter orange liqueur. This is their signature expression, first created in 1880 by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle and since, become an icon of France's spirits heritage.

A concoction made from our Monaco Vodka, gin, rum and tequila and rounded off with a special crisp carbonated soda. We made it taste great, now you have to make the fun, invite your friends over and let us know how it goes.

As the story goes, officers during the war drank a mix of gin, grenadine, applejack, and lemon juice in empty cartridge shells. Apparently the men had plenty of booze but no glasses. Nothing like having your priorities straight, but if any group of people in the 20th century needed a drink, it was World War I soldiers.

French 75 is a co*cktail made from gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. It is also called a 75 co*cktail, or in French simply a Soixante Quinze (Seventy Five).

Difference between French 75 and French 77

The major difference is the use of simple syrup. In a French 75, simple syrup is used which is a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar. Instead of simple syrup, elderflower liqueur is used in a French 77.

French 75 is a co*cktail made from gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. It is also called a 75 co*cktail, or in French simply a Soixante Quinze (Seventy Five).

Tom Collins co*cktails taste like grown-up lemonade.

They're irresistibly citrusy, fizzy and refreshing, with herbal notes from the gin. While lemonade can be cloying, Tom Collins need not be too sweet—I like mine with just a splash of simple syrup to round out the flavors.

Collins Glass

This tall glass keeps your co*cktails chilled and is best used for drinks that are diluted with a lot of ice and contain more than one mixer. The Collins glass is named for the Tom Collins co*cktail, but can be used for any co*cktail over ice.

Tom Collins is a gin-based co*cktail made with lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. It's served over ice in a Tom Collins glass.