This twist on the French 75 is perfect for strawberry season. Originally crafted during World War I, the French 75 combines gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup to create a cocktail that is refreshing and sophisticated. However, there’s always room for a modern twist. In this post, we’re introducing a unique variant—the Strawberry Cognac French 75. This cocktail adds a touch of cognac and strawberry syrup for a rich yet fruity experience.
Ingredients and Tools You Will Need
To create the Strawberry Cognac French 75, you’ll need the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients
- 1 ounce cognac
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce strawberry syrup
- 3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh strawberry for garnish
Tools
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger: For precise measurements of the cocktail components.
- Champagne flute: The traditional glassware for serving French 75.
- Fine-mesh strainer: To ensure a smooth, pulp-free cocktail.
- Citrus juicer: For extracting fresh lemon juice.
- Bar spoon: To stir and blend the cocktail with finesse.
How to Make a Classic French 75
Before we get into the Strawberry Cognac French 75, let’s explore the classic French 75 to understand its foundation.
The Original French 75 Recipe
The French 75 consists of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. Here’s a basic recipe:
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish: Lemon twist
Instructions
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds to mix the ingredients.
- Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, and enjoy!
What Is Cognac?
Cognac is a type of brandy made in the Cognac region of France. It is distilled from white wine and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a rich, complex spirit with notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits. The aging process ranges from at least two years for VS (Very Special) cognac to over six years for XO (Extra Old) cognac.
Cognac’s smooth and sophisticated profile makes it an excellent addition to cocktails, providing depth and complexity without overpowering other ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Syrup
Strawberry syrup is a key component in our Strawberry Cognac French 75, offering a fruity sweetness that complements the cognac. Making your own strawberry syrup is simple and ensures a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Strawberry Syrup Recipe
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have broken down and the syrup has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids.
- Store the syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to two weeks.
Pro Tips
Creating the perfect Strawberry Cognac French 75 requires a few tips and tricks to ensure it’s as delightful as possible:
- Chill the Glassware: Place your Champagne flute in the refrigerator or freezer before making the cocktail. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and strawberries make a noticeable difference in the cocktail’s flavor.
- Select a Good Champagne: The quality of the sparkling wine or Champagne can affect the overall taste. Opt for a brut (dry) Champagne to balance the sweetness of the strawberry syrup.
- Measure Precisely: Use a jigger to ensure accurate measurements, allowing for a balanced cocktail.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes, like a strawberry slice or a lemon twist, to add visual appeal.
You might also like Strawberry Aperol Spritz
How To Make A Strawberry Cognac French 75
Strawberry Cognac French 75 Recipe
Strawberry Cognac French 75
Ingredients
- 1 ounce cognac
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce strawberry syrup
- 3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish: strawberry
Instructions
- Add the cognac, lemon juice, and strawberry syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the mixture.
- Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne and gently stir to mix.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry
With its bright colors and lively flavors, the Strawberry Cognac French 75 is perfect for a festive occasion or a sophisticated gathering. Its blend of cognac and strawberry syrup with the effervescence of Champagne creates a cocktail that is both classic and innovative.
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