Cucumber-Mint French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Cucumber-Mint French 75 Nutrition Facts
Calories:163
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol %:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
- 1History
- 2How Cucumber-Mint French 75 Tastes?
- 3Interesting facts about Cucumber-Mint French 75
- 4Ingredients 🍾
- 5Recipe. How to make Cucumber-Mint French 75 Drink 🍸
- 6Pro Tips
- 7Perfect Pairings
- 8What you could change in Cucumber-Mint French 75
- 9Twists
- 10Additional Information
- 11Frequently Asked Questions
- 12More Similar Recipes!
History
The Cucumber-Mint French 75 is a modern twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, which was first created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris. The original French 75 was named after the powerful 75mm field gun used by the French military during World War I. This refreshing variant, with its addition of cucumber and mint, is perfect for those who enjoy light, crisp and botanical cocktails. Ideal for summer parties or a refreshing afternoon sip.
How Cucumber-Mint French 75 Tastes?
The Cucumber-Mint French 75 is a delightfully refreshing cocktail with a light, crisp taste. The cucumber and mint provide a fresh, botanical flavor, while the gin adds a subtle juniper note. The lemon juice and champagne bring a bright, citrusy acidity, and the simple syrup balances everything out with a touch of sweetness.
Interesting facts about Cucumber-Mint French 75
- The original French 75 cocktail was named after the French 75mm field gun, known for its powerful kick.
- The Cucumber-Mint French 75 is a modern twist on this classic cocktail, adding refreshing cucumber and mint flavors.
- Despite its light, refreshing taste, the Cucumber-Mint French 75 is a potent cocktail, thanks to the combination of gin and champagne.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 2 slices
- Mint leaves: 6
- Gin: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Champagne: 2 oz(60ml)
A few good options for Cucumber-Mint French 75 are:
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Elephant Gin
- Hendrick's Lunar Gin
Cucumber
- Why: Cucumber adds a crisp, clean vegetal note, balancing the sweetness.
- Without It: The drink loses its spa-like freshness.
- Alternatives: Try kiwi or green apple for a different sort of fresh, tangy twist.
Mary Mitkina
Mint Leaves
- Why: They lend an aromatic, cooling quality, making the drink more vibrant.
- Without It: You'd miss out on herbaceous depth.
- Alternatives: Basil can offer a similar freshness with a slightly peppery note.
Alex Green
Gin
- Why: Gin provides botanical complexity and a bit of warmth.
- Without It: The drink would be too mild and lose its spirit-forward character.
- Alternatives: Vodka for a more neutral taste, or tequila for a bolder profile.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
- Why: It adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the other flavors.
- Without It: The cocktail could taste flat and overly sweet.
- Alternatives: Lime juice could be used for a slightly different citrus kick.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
- Why: It brings balance, ensuring the drink isn't too tart.
- Without It: The cocktail might be unpleasantly sharp.
- Alternatives: Agave or honey can substitute, adding distinct flavors.
Alex Green
Champagne
- Why: Adds effervescence and a touch of elegance.
- Without It: It wouldn't be a French 75 anymore, and you'd lose the celebratory fizz.
- Alternatives: Prosecco for a fruitier effervescence, or soda water for a lighter variation.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Cucumber-Mint French 75 Drink
- Muddle the cucumber and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be sure to shake the cocktail until it's well chilled to bring out the flavors.
- Don't overdo it with the simple syrup - you want to balance the sweetness, not overpower it.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Oysters: The crispness of the champagne and the fresh cucumber align nicely with the briny flavor of oysters.
- Cheese Platter: Choose lighter cheeses, like goat cheese or a mild brie, to complement the cocktail's botanical notes.
Main Courses
- Grilled White Fish: A delicate fish, such as sea bass, won't overshadow the subtle flavors of the cocktail.
- Chicken Salad: A herby chicken salad with a lemon vinaigrette will echo the citrus and herbal components of the drink.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: Reinforces the zesty lemon in the cocktail, making for a refreshing end to a meal.
- Fruit Tarts: The sweetness of the pastry can be balanced by the dryness of the champagne and tartness of the lemon.
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What you could change in Cucumber-Mint French 75
- Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
- Champagne: Can be substituted with any sparkling wine.
- Simple Syrup: Can be substituted with agave syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Cucumber-Mint French 75
- Ingredients: Add a small slice of jalapeño to the muddle.
- Recipe: Same as the original, but with the jalapeño added.
- Taste Change: A spicy kick that contrasts and enhances the freshness of cucumber and mint.
Raspberry-Mint French 75
- Ingredients: Replace cucumber with a handful of fresh raspberries.
- Recipe: Muddle raspberries and mint instead, the rest remains unchanged.
- Taste Change: Fruit-forward with a balance of tart and sweet, adding a berry twist to the classic.
Herbal French 75
- Ingredients: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the muddle.
- Recipe: Muddle the chosen herb with mint, then follow the original recipe.
- Taste Change: Introduces a woodsy, earthy layer, pairing well with gin's botanicals and adding complexity.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber-Mint French 75
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber-Mint French 75
Can I drink Cucumber-Mint French 75 if I'm allergic to cucumbers?
No, the recipe contains cucumber, so it would be unsafe to consume if you have an allergy.
Can I use dried mint leaves for the cocktail instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use dried mint leaves, but the taste won't be as fresh and clean as when using fresh mint leaves.
Is it important what kind of champagne I use?
Any high-quality champagne will work with this recipe. A sweeter champagne can balance the gin's botanicals.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, you can substitute lime juice for lemon juice, but it will slightly change the flavor of the cocktail.
Can I premake this cocktail for a party?
To preserve the freshness and carbonation, it's best to prepare this cocktail immediately before serving.
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