French 95 (Aka French 75 With Bourbon) Cocktail Recipe

If you love classic cocktails, you’ll love the French 95 cocktail recipe. This refreshing drink blends bourbon, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s a popular twist on the traditional French 75, using bourbon instead of gin.

The French 95 is ideal for any celebration. The bourbon and champagne blend into a flavor that's rich and bubbly, making it a favorite among cocktail lovers.

And the best part? It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. This elegant cocktail adds a touch of sophistication to any gathering. So, let's jump in and learn how to perfect the French 95.

What is a French 95?

A French 95 cocktail is a delightful bourbon-based twist on the classic French 75. Instead of gin, we use bourbon, which gives the drink a richer, more complex flavor.

The ingredients are simple: bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. The bourbon brings a rich warmth. The lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing tang. Simple syrup balances out the tartness with a hint of sweetness, and the champagne tops it off with a bubbly finish.

We find that the combination of bourbon and champagne strikes a perfect balance. The richness of the bourbon harmonizes perfectly with the refreshing citrus notes from the lemon juice and effervescence of the champagne.

The French 95 has an interesting history. Created in 1977 by Stan Jones, this drink has grown in popularity. Initially shared in his famous bar guide, it remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

The French 95 is not just any cocktail. It’s a refreshing, sophisticated drink perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a lazy afternoon, the French 95 never disappoints.

French 95 Cocktail Recipe

Let’s mix up a French 95! This elegant drink combines bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne for a bubbly delight with a kick.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz champagne
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of bold bourbon and crisp champagne. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, while the simple syrup balances everything with a touch of sweetness.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Measuring jigger
• Chilled champagne flute or coupe glass
• Optional: Citrus juicer, garnish tool

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Shake: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in the shaker. Fill with ice.
2. Strain: Shake well and strain into your chilled glass.
3. Top with Champagne: Add the champagne for that bubbly finish.
4. Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in to garnish.

Why Bourbon?

Bourbon adds a unique twist to the French 95 cocktail. Unlike gin, which is used in the classic French 75, bourbon brings warmth and richness to the drink.

We love bourbon for this recipe because of its vanilla and caramel notes. These flavors balance the tartness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the simple syrup.

Bourbons often have a hint of oak from aging in charred barrels. This oaky flavor adds depth and complexity to the drink. It also has a slightly sweeter taste than gin. This sweetness enhances the effervescence of the champagne, making each sip delightful.

In our experience, the combination of bourbon, lemon, and champagne makes the French 95 a must-try. It's a perfect way to enjoy a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail.

How to Serve and Garnish a French 95

To serve a French 95, always use a chilled champagne flute. This not only looks elegant but also helps keep the cocktail cold longer.

For garnishing the French 95, we recommend a few classic options.

The lemon twist is the most traditional garnish. To make it:

• Cut a thin, long strip of lemon peel.
• Twist the peel over the drink to release the oils.
• Place it on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink.

Another great choice is a maraschino cherry. This adds a touch of color and sweetness.

A lemon wheel can also be used. Simply slice a lemon into thin wheels and place one on the rim of the glass.

These simple touches make your French 95 look and taste amazing. Happy mixing!

Tips for the Perfect French 95

To make the best French 95, it all starts with fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed juice gives the cocktail a crisp and vibrant flavor.

Always chill your champagne flute before you start mixing. A cold glass enhances the drink's refreshing quality.

Balance is key. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to match your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more.

When shaking the ingredients, ensure they mix well. A robust shake helps combine the flavors perfectly.

Garnish with a lemon twist for an elegant touch. It’s simple but adds a nice aroma and visual appeal.

Using good-quality bourbon and champagne elevates the French 95. The better the ingredients, the better the drink.

Don’t overfill the glass with champagne. Just 2 oz on top is perfect. This keeps the drink balanced and not too bubbly.

Serve it immediately after making. Freshly made cocktails taste the best, capturing all the nuanced flavors.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a perfect French 95 every time. Whether at a party or a quiet evening, it's a delightful cocktail you can enjoy.

FAQs About French 95 Cocktail Recipe

Can I skip the simple syrup?

Simple syrup balances the tartness of lemon juice and the bite of bourbon. You can adjust it to your taste. For a very tart drink, use less or no simple syrup. For more sweetness, add a bit more.

Can I use a different type of whiskey instead of bourbon?

Bourbon is the traditional spirit for a French 95. You could try rye whiskey for a spicier kick or cognac for a fruity touch. Remember, these will change the flavor profile completely.

What type of champagne is best for a French 95?

Any champagne will work, but some types complement the cocktail better. Aim for a drier champagne like Brut or Extra Brut. Sparkling wines like prosecco or cava can be used but may taste slightly different.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making a French 95?

Using warm champagne results in a flat drink, so make sure it's properly chilled. Over-shaking the cocktail can make it cloudy, so use a shaker tin with a strainer to avoid this. Unbalanced proportions can make the drink too sweet, tart, or boozy. Adjust ingredients to your taste.

What's the difference between French 95 and French 75?

The main difference is the base spirit. French 75 uses gin, giving it a lighter, more botanical taste. French 95 uses bourbon, resulting in a richer, bolder flavor with hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Some recipes might vary in other ingredients like sugar vs. simple syrup.

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