PORTLAND, Maine — This is on the list with my favorite cocktails. The French 75 is a classic, so I'd venture to guess many feel the same way.
I knew exactly who to call to learn to make a French 75: Chaval in Portland.
When I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted by beverage director Asher Boisvert.
From the second we got behind the bar, you could tell the drink was going to be good.
Sometimes you can just tell when someone is in the right line of work, because they show a clear passion for what they do. I got that vibe immediately, and it was confirmed when we did not start with gin.
Every time I've had a French 75, gin is used as the primary spirit, but Asher chooses to go a different route. He goes with Cognac instead.
Cognac is from the region in France by the same name and is made using grapes.
Asher said he prefers this to gin because one of the other primary ingredients is champagne, which is also made of grapes. Grapes and grapes? It just makes sense.
I used to be a bartender in college, so it's time to dust off those skills and get back to work.
Here's the recipe
- 1.5 oz. Cognac
- 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz. peach preserve
- A splash of champagne
The Cognac, lemon juice, and peach preserve all go into a shaker with some ice and get a quick shake. Pour it into a chilled coup and top with a little bit of champagne, not to the top of the glass, and that's it!
Pretty simple but absolutely delicious and quite refreshing! In the words of Asher himself: "They pack a punch." Just like the French 75 cannon back in the day.
There's actually an interesting history to the cocktail. Asher gave me the whole story while we sipped on our cocktails.
History of the French 75
Thank you to Asher and everyone at Chaval for teaching me how to make a French 75! It was fun to learn how the drink combines French and American history at Chaval, which combines French and Spanish cuisine.