Peach-Basil French 75 Cocktail Recipe

The Peach-Basil French 75 is a delightful 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, due to its strong kick. The Peach-Basil French 75, with its addition of fresh peach and basil, is a more modern interpretation that offers a unique and refreshing flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a touch of herbal complexity.

The Peach-Basil French 75 is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The sweetness of the fresh peach juice is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice, while the basil adds a subtle, aromatic complexity. The champagne brings a light, bubbly effervescence that makes this cocktail incredibly refreshing.

• The French 75 is one of the few cocktails that is named after a piece of artillery.
• The Peach-Basil French 75 is a modern twist on the classic French 75, which was first created in 1915.
• Despite its sweet and refreshing flavor, the Peach-Basil French 75 is a fairly strong cocktail due to the inclusion of gin and champagne.

1. Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker.
2. Add the peach juice, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
5. Top up with champagne.
6. Garnish with a peach slice and a basil leaf.

• Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor.
• Be sure to shake the cocktail vigorously to fully incorporate all the flavors.
• The champagne should be added last to preserve its effervescence.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie board: The fruitiness of peach and herbal notes of basil can complement the rich flavors of cured meats.
• Caprese salad: The lightness of tomatoes, mozzarellas, and balsamic dressing can echo the fragrant and bright profile of the cocktail.
• Bruschetta: Classic bruschetta with a tomato and basil topping would work well with the cocktail's basil element.

Main Courses

• Grilled seafood: Particularly dishes like grilled shrimp or scallops would pair nicely, as the lemon and peach provide a citrusy balance to the seafood's sweetness.
• Roast chicken: A herbed roast can play nicely with the gin's botanicals and the basil in the drink.

Desserts

• Fruit tarts: The sweetness of fruit tarts, especially ones with stone fruits, would harmonize with the peach juice in the cocktail.
• Lemon sorbet: For a refreshing palate cleanser, lemon sorbet could match the cocktail's zesty lemon juice component.

• If you don't have peach juice, you can use fresh peaches. Simply muddle a few slices of peach along with the basil leaves.
• If you don't have champagne, you can substitute with any other type of sparkling wine.

Spicy Peach-Basil French 75

• Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before muddling for a spicy kick.
• Ingredients: Include a slice of jalapeño.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, with the addition of jalapeño when muddling the basil leaves.
• Taste: The spice will contrast with the sweetness of the peach and add a warm zing.

Berry-Basil French 75

• Swap out peach juice for mixed berry puree to give it a berry twist.
• Ingredients: Use mixed berry puree instead of peach juice.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but use berry puree.
• Taste: Berries will add a tart and complex flavor profile, making it a berry delicious switch.

Herbal Bliss French 75

• Infuse the simple syrup with thyme for an additional herbal layer.
• Ingredients: Use thyme-infused simple syrup.
• Recipe: Infuse your simple syrup with fresh thyme ahead of making the cocktail. Use this in place of plain simple syrup.
• Taste: Thyme will introduce a savory note that complements the gin's botanicals beautifully.