Pomegranate French 75 – A Festive French Cocktail (Including the Classic Version)
One of my favorite books is “Code Name Helene” by Ariel Lawhon. The time in and around World War II is such a rich period of history containing so many true, heroic stories. “Code Name Helene” follows the life of Nancy Wake in the time shortly before and during WWII. She becomes a force to be reckoned with as a spy for the French Resistance, all the while, kindling and nurturing her love for Henri Fiocca. Her interest in Henri was kindled with a classic French 75.
Ever since reading (and re-reading) this amazing book, I have had the desire to try a French 75. Last week, I invited one of my dear friends over to experiment and come up with the perfect version. We made the classic version as well as a more festive take – the Pomegranate French 75. It was so very tasty, pretty, and perfect for this time of year.
Hint: since you will now have Pomegranate juice, and a pomegranate or two, you could certainly make Pomegranate Chicken https://northwestfrench.com/pomegranate-chicken-roasted-chicken-thighs-with-a-pomegranate-glaze/ or Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Pomegranate Glaze https://northwestfrench.com/roasted-acorn-squash-with-maple-pomegranate-glaze/. Both perfect dishes for the season.
A short history of the French 75
According to Difford’s Guide, the French 75 cocktail is named after the French army’s weapon of choice during World War I: the French 75-millimeter light field gun. The outlet reports that over 20,000 guns of its kind were made and fired during the war, along with 200 million shells. A soldier was able to fire 15 rounds of ammo per minute, making it one of the deadliest on the market. As news of the war spread in 1914, one French bartender decided to create a specialty WWI-inspired cocktail coined “Soixante-Quinze,” otherwise known as Seventy-Five. The drink immediately started being compared to its namesake gun, being referred to as “the most powerful drink in the world” and “hits with remarkable precision.” You can read more about the history of the French 75, as well as the evolution of the drink here: https://www.tastingtable.com/645640/the-bizarre-origin-story-of-the-french-75-cocktail-name/
After several tries, we settled on these two variations: The Classic French 75 as well as the Pomegranate French 75. Either one is lovely, pretty, and refreshing, and would be the perfect way to toast the season.
Pomegranate French 75 – a Festive Christmas Cocktail (with Classic Version)
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Champagne Flutes
Ingredients
Pomegranate Version
- 2 oz Gin We used Hendrick's – Very smooth
- 2 oz Pomegranate Juice
- 1½ oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Lemon Juice, Freshly Squeezed
- 2-3 oz Prosecco or Champagne (however much needed to top off glass)
- Lemon Twist for Garnish
- Pomegranate Seeds for Garnish
Classic Version
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Lemon Juice, Freshly Squeezed
- 3-4 oz Prosecco or Champagne (however much needed to top off the glass)
- Lemon Twist for Garnish
Instructions
- Put several cubes of Ice in cocktail shaker
- Add Gin, Simple Syrup, Pomegranate Juice, and Lemon Juice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for a bit, until ingredients are very cold.
- Pour Gin mixture into champagne flute. Top with Champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with Pomegranate Seeds and Lemon Twist.
- Enjoy!
Can confirm these were incredible!! Not to mention SUPER pretty!