Nonalcoholic French 75 Recipe (2024)

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Patches

We really enjoyed this.... The non-alcoholic version was actually better than a version I made using champagne in a more standard French 75 configuration. I agree with the concern about too much sugar and was thinking about alternatives, but the sugar itself seems essential to drawing the oils out of the rinds when making the shrub. The blend of the herbs and the citrus oil and the cloves is subtly spicy and lovely. Thank you n y t!

Scott

Good, but to make it REALLY good you have to almost double the peppercorns, bay leaf, and cloves. As written, they just get obliterated by the citrus.

Hollyb

I loved the flavors in this recipe but ugh, too much sugar! I’m going to add half the amount next time. (More can always be added later if that’s going to far.)

Divine

San Pellegrino and other Italian companies make non-alcoholic bitters. Check with your local Italian grocer.

Agix

Make sure the tonic and soda are chilled beforehand. Otherwise perfect!

Catherine S

I doubled the peppercorns and spices as recommended and used cucumber tonic because that is what I had. Can’t wait to try with both regular and elderflower tonic. Good thing it is non-alcoholic because I could easily drink three or four while cooking dinner.

Sally

Bitters do NOT have a small amount of alcohol—the percentage of alcohol in bitters is quite high, however, because you only put in a dash or three, the relative amount of alcohol in this drink is low.

Catherine

This was REALLY tasty, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see it tastes very close to a true French 75! Really great option for people who want to cut back on drinking.

kitchendesigner

Loved this. The “excess” sugar was eliminated by the chinois that I used for straining. I have been trying for a few years to find a shrub that worked to produce a real co*cktail taste: this is the closest I’ve come. Now I’m going to have another…

AmandaH

To make the shrub I used 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, rosemary instead of Thyme. I didnt have tonic so used more seltzer instead. The result was delicious. I will definitely make this again and try some other variations mentioned!

Christina

Loved it! It has great body and a depth of flavor that most NA beverages are lacking.

Martin

Delicious! I made this for dry January, and it drinks like a complex co*cktail- you’d be fooled into thinking there is alcohol in it. I didn’t have grapefruit so I substituted pomelo, and used Meyer lemons with a touch more pepper.I’ll make it again!

mm

For the shrub, I doubled the clove/pepper/bay, threw in 4 juniper berries, and cut the sugar to 1 cup. Made the drink per this recipe, and I agree with some others…too sweet. On my second “co*cktail” the next night, I did roughly 1oz shrub 4oz tonic 4oz club soda bitters. THIS was delicious. It allowed the herbal and bitter notes to come through, rather than being walloped with the extra citrus in the mix.

lizY

I might add a ground juniper berry to the spice mix next time, give a little “gin-ish” hint.

Katinka

Curious to know if anyone did anything with the peels after the shrub was made.

Steph

One of the best non-alcoholic mocktails we've tried at home.

kitchendesigner

Loved this. The “excess” sugar was eliminated by the chinois that I used for straining. I have been trying for a few years to find a shrub that worked to produce a real co*cktail taste: this is the closest I’ve come. Now I’m going to have another…

Divine

San Pellegrino and other Italian companies make non-alcoholic bitters. Check with your local Italian grocer.

Catherine

This was REALLY tasty, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see it tastes very close to a true French 75! Really great option for people who want to cut back on drinking.

Sally

Bitters do NOT have a small amount of alcohol—the percentage of alcohol in bitters is quite high, however, because you only put in a dash or three, the relative amount of alcohol in this drink is low.

Agix

Make sure the tonic and soda are chilled beforehand. Otherwise perfect!

Catherine S

I doubled the peppercorns and spices as recommended and used cucumber tonic because that is what I had. Can’t wait to try with both regular and elderflower tonic. Good thing it is non-alcoholic because I could easily drink three or four while cooking dinner.

Margaret

Used2 oz tonic1 oz blinking owl aquavitServed over ice, stirredHerbaceous and deliciousAnd further experimentation is a great idea too. E.g. used a lot more spice and aromatics in making syrup next time.

Scott

Good, but to make it REALLY good you have to almost double the peppercorns, bay leaf, and cloves. As written, they just get obliterated by the citrus.

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Nonalcoholic French 75 Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the original French 75? ›

The French 75 co*cktail celebrates the firepower of the WWI French 75-millimetre field gun. In recent decades, this has become a potent gin-based champagne co*cktail with lemon juice and sugar served in a flute, but it originally consisted of gin, apple brandy, grenadine and lemon juice served in a co*cktail glass.

Are there non-alcoholic bitters? ›

Bab Louie. Bab Louie bitters bring an especially potent punch of flavor to nonalcoholic co*cktails. These alcohol-free bitters are as aggressively potent as their alcohol-steeped counterparts, making them ideal to use in classic co*cktail recipes where they can more than hold their own against myriad flavors.

What is the best Champagne for French 75? ›

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.

What is a fun fact about the French 75? ›

A fun fact about this little glass of sunshine, it was named for the fast-firing 75 millimeter field gun that was utilized by the French during World War One. Traditionally made with gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, it's a great substitute for a mimosa, and a great way to bring a little zest to your day.

What drink was banned in France? ›

After absinthe was banned in France in 1915 (having already been banned in Switzerland earlier) the anti-prohibition movement criticized the ban as an affront to French freedoms at a time when the country was plunged into war. In addition, absinthe was even portrayed as beneficial to health.

What is the most popular non-alcoholic drink in the world? ›

Water is, by far, the most consumed non-alcoholic beverage in the world.

What is the difference between a French 75 and 76? ›

What Is the Difference Between a French 75 and a French 76? The original French 75 is made with gin, while the French 76 is made with vodka. The French 75 is so botanical and floral from the gin that the lemon is more of an accompaniment.

What your favorite co*cktail says about you French 75? ›

I ordered a French 75, one of my favorites — gin, lemon juice topped off with champagne, and garnished with a perfect twist of lemon. If my logic stands that you are what you drink, then my drink says that I'm outgoing, energetic, strong willed, with a twist of sarcasm and a sharp tongue.

Is French 75 better with gin or cognac? ›

Ingredients
  1. Ice.
  2. 1ounce gin or cognac.
  3. ½ounce fresh lemon juice.
  4. ½ounce simple syrup or ½ ounce sweet bay-peppercorn shrub.
  5. 3ounces Champagne or dry sparkling wine.
  6. Lemon twist.

Do they drink French 75 in France? ›

The Canon de 75 modèle 1897 is still used in France on ceremonial occasions.

What to pair with a French 75? ›

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. Time of day: a reception co*cktail for meetings and celebrations.

Is Hendricks better than Bombay? ›

Although the alcohol content of Bombay at 94 proof is higher than that of Hendrick's at 88 proof, the nose on Hendrick's is hotter. Behind the alcohol comes aromas of lemon-lime citrus, pine forest, and sage. The alcohol kick on the first sip of Hendrick's is like drinking hot sauce.

Who should avoid bitters? ›

People who are pregnant and breastfeeding shouldn't take bitters. They also shouldn't be given to children as they often are infused in alcohol. People who have gastrointestinal disease shouldn't take bitters as they might irritate your digestive system.

What is a non-alcoholic substitute for Angostura bitters? ›

A few options are out on the market, but the best alternatives are glycerin-based bitters. Glycerin is a kind of carbohydrate known as polyol, which naturally occurs in fermented foods and drinks (think naturally sweet like honey).

Are bitters bad for your liver? ›

Because of the gut-brain connection, not only can bitters enhance digestion, but they can reduce depression and improve mood. They also support your liver's natural detoxification processes, and thus can improve skin health.

Is Prosecco better than Brut for French 75? ›

For the home bartender, either will work fine. Brut Champagne is the traditional choice for the bubbles, but any good and very dry sparkling wine like cava or prosecco will work in a pinch. There's some debate about how to make a French 75; namely, should its ingredients call for gin or cognac?

What drink is similar to the French 75? ›

Watch How to Make Classic French 75 co*cktails

I hope they're perfectly delightful. Want to change it up? For a similar lemony gin flavor profile, try the Bee's Knees co*cktail or Tom Collins. If you're looking to branch out a bit further, don't miss my fizzy classic mimosas or Moscow mules.

Why is it called Kir Royale? ›

The kir royale (or kir royal) was actually named after Canon Félix Kir, a Catholic priest who became a resistance hero in France during WWII and eventually became the mayor of Dijon. To “royale” a drink is to add sparkling wine.

What is another name for a French 75? ›

The first name for the drink was “Soixante-Quinze,” meaning seventy-five. This name later changed to 75 co*cktail, and then to what we know today, the French 75. Over the years, the recipe has altered. When the drink was first created, it contained dry gin, applejack bonded, lemon juice, and grenadine.

Does French 75 have ice? ›

Though you can skip it if you like, the French 75 is served over ice most of the time. A pour of 3 to 5 ounces of Champagne is normal, and brut is often preferred because it has a drier profile. The garnish is optional, though it does make an elegant addition to this co*cktail.

Why is it called a gimlet? ›

The most widely accepted origin story states that naval doctor Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, cited as the namesake of the drink, suggested combining the prescribed lime juice with an Officer's daily ration of gin, in order to mask the bitter taste and allow the medication go down a little easier.

What is the most common drink in France? ›

Popular drinks in France

For grown ups, the most popular drink is definitely wine, as well as Pastis in the Southern region.

What do the French drink besides wine? ›

A Beginner's Guide to Classic French Aperitifs
  • The kir. A kir is the most classic French aperitif to order in a café, a sweet two-ingredient co*cktail that takes seconds to make and is always served in a small wine glass. ...
  • Picon bière. ...
  • Un ginto. ...
  • St. ...
  • Pét-nat. ...
  • Cap Corse. ...
  • Pastis. ...
  • Pommeau.
Sep 29, 2022

What is the signature drink of France? ›

Champagne. From Paris to New York, this sparkling white wine owes its globally known title to the Champagne region in northeast France where only true Champagne is said to originate from.

What is the national drink of France? ›

Pastis (UK: /ˈpæstɪs/, US: /pæˈstiːs/, French: [pastis]; Occitan: pastís [pasˈtis]) is an anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif traditionally from France, typically containing less than 100 g/L sugar and 40–45% ABV (alcohol by volume).

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