Ingredients
- 1½ ozirish whiskey
- ¾ ozfresh lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- ½ ozsimple syrup(1:1)
- 2 ozchampagne(chilled, to top)
- 🍋Lemon twist(garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Irish whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top slowly with cold champagne, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the glass before placing.
📜 History
The French 75 — spirit, citrus, sugar, and champagne — is one of the most versatile templates in the cocktail world. First documented in 1922 by Parisian barman Harry MacElhone and cemented in The Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930, the original called for gin. Bartenders have long swapped the base spirit to explore new territory: bourbon gives you a French 95, cognac a French 125. Replacing gin with Irish whiskey follows that same tradition, trading botanical sharpness for a softer, slightly honeyed character that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon and dry champagne. The result is a drink that feels right at home on St. Patrick's Day but is elegant enough for any celebration.
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