Arnaud's French 75

The French 75 is known and loved around the world. It’s a celebratory drink that can’t help but put a smile on the face of its consumer. If you order a French 75 at most bars, it’s likely you’ll be served a light yellow drink made of lemon, sugar (or simple syrup), gin, and Champagne. 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. 

It’s no surprise that Maison Premiere, a cocktail and oyster bar in Brooklyn that takes inspiration from the bar culture of New Orleans, serves the French 75 in its truest form. Their Arnaud’s French 75, named after the French 75 Bar at Arnaud’s restaurant in New Orleans, features simple syrup made with rich Demerara sugar, Champagne, artisanal Cognac (the team opts for Dudognon VSOP), and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Unlike many French 75s that are served in a coupe or a Champagne flute, the team behind Maison Premiere suggests building this version in a white wine glass. “Word to the wise,” they write in their book, The Maison Premiere Almanac, “When making this drink at home, use a wine glass (not a flute); pour the Champagne into the glass first; then pour the shaken mixture. Finish with a lemon twist and inhale before your first sip."

Bar director William Elliot likes to pair this cocktail with nutty and mineral-driven oysters from the west coast like Hood Canal oysters from Washington state. The Cognac in the cocktail matches an almost sherry-like savoriness in the oysters. Whether you are enjoying this drink with Hood Canal oysters, or just on its own, make this original French 75 your go-to. — Lucy Simon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I serve my French 75 from a white wine glass?

The tall sides of the wine glass help capture the fresh aromas of the cocktail and pouring the Champagne in first helps it mix in throughout the entire drink. 

How do I make Demerara simple syrup?

Many recipes call for Demerara (or rich) simple syrup, which is a thicker, sweeter version of the original. To make rich simple syrup, simply dissolve two parts of Demerara or granulated sugar in one part water.

What is the difference between a Boston shaker and a cobbler shaker?

The Boston tin (or Boston shaker) is a bartender favorite because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The tool consists of two cups — either both made of steel or one steel and one tempered glass — that create a vacuum seal when whacked together. Unlike Cobbler shakers, which include a lid and built-in strainer, the Boston style is less likely to leak or freeze shut and is easier to clean.