FRENCH 75 Cocktail with XO Cognac

Hi, Friends of Cocktails! For la Fête Nationale, France’s National Day on July 14th, we’re making a truly French 75 cocktail. While this year’s celebrations were canceled, we can still celebrate French spirits with a classic cocktail twist.

We’re using Delamain XO Vesper cognac instead of gin and topping it with Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne. This gives the French 75 extra richness while keeping its bright, celebratory character.

Truly French 75:

• 45 ml (1 1/2 oz) Delamain XO Vesper Cognac

• 15 ml (1/2 oz) lemon juice

• Barspoon gomme syrup

• Top up Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne

A French 75 cocktail is named after a powerful WW1 75 mm cannon. Traditionally it’s made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. But to make it truly French, we’re using the 1948 recipe from The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David A. Embury, which swaps gin for cognac.

Delamain is a family-run cognac house founded in 1762. Their XO Vesper uses old, low-strength cognacs to reach 40% ABV without diluting the flavor. These cognacs are matured in ancient French oak casks, giving them a golden color, nutty aroma, and hints of dry fruits and leather. They’re incredibly smooth with a long, elegant finish.

Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne is made from three grape varieties, over 50% being Chardonnay. This gives the champagne freshness, elegance, and a lively, delicate finish.

To build the cocktail, we’ll start with 15 ml of fresh lemon juice, balanced with a barspoon of gomme syrup. Then add 45 ml of Delamain XO Vesper cognac. Shake with plenty of ice to chill and dilute slightly. Double strain into a champagne flute to remove any ice shards or lemon pulp.

Top the cocktail with Laurent-Perrier champagne and garnish with a thin strip of lemon peel to add a touch of freshness.

The cognac brings richness and depth, while the lemon and champagne keep the cocktail bright and refreshing. The silky mouthfeel and golden color make it stand apart from a gin-based French 75. Perfect for summer nights and for celebrating la Fête Nationale, even from home.

Santé, Friends of Cocktails!

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