A Minnesota Good-Bye (Cranberry French 75) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Tom Collins and French 75? ›

It is basically a Tom Collins with champagne instead of soda water (yes please). The proportions of gin, lemon and sugar are less than they are in a Tom Collins, because we're adding more booze in the form of Champagne, but the ratios are the same.

This co*cktail was created at Harry's Bar in Paris. These days many barmen add a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Food pairing: skewers of griddled prawns, smoked salmon, turmeric roasted cauliflower. Time of day: a reception co*cktail for meetings and celebrations.

And while a legendary co*cktail was born back then, it's a classic restaurant and bar in New Orleans, Arnaud's, that perfected the recipe to make it the popular drink enjoyed in Louisiana today.

The drink dates to World War I, and an early form was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris—later Harry's New York Bar—by barman Harry MacElhone. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.

So which Champagne do you go for? In Jim Meehan's Bartender's Manual, sommelier Jordan Salcito recommends a 100% Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs) Champagne for a French 75, as it has the requisite body and robustness to stand up to the citrus.

In this version of the French 75 the simple syrup (made from granulated sugar and water), is replaced with honey syrup (honey & water), but how you can really make your drinks stand out is by using micro-batch honey. Micro-batch honey refers to honey that beekeepers extract in small batches.

Even though French 75s seem admittedly fancy, almost any bar can make one, even if they have to substitute Prosecco or another type of sparkling wine for the traditional Champagne. This one definitely has the potential to become your new go-to drink.

What gin works best in a French 75 co*cktail? Classic co*cktails require classic gins. We like to use Hayman's London dry, Tanqueray Dry Gin or Plymouth Gin for ours, as they have a big juniper core at the heart of them and allow you to reach a perfect balance through the recipe.

What to order instead: "The French 75 is a classic drink that every bar can make. It's basically a Tom Collins (gin, lemon juice, simple syrup) topped with sparkling wine. It's a light drink; there's not a whole lot of alcohol to it, and it's good for the morning."

The Voodoo Daiquiri (a.k.a the Purple Drank)

New Orleans is nothing if not colorful. This adult slushy can be experienced at Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, Maison Bourbon Jazz Club and My Bar @ 635. The recipe is secret which makes it even more intriguing.

What is the name of the famous drink in New Orleans? ›

1. Sazerac. Considered by some the official co*cktail of New Orleans, the Sazerac dates back to the 19th century. It's made with rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud's bitters, and a sugar cube, garnished with a lemon peel.

History of The Sazerac

The story goes that back in 1838, Creole apothecary Antoine Peychaud invented the Sazerac in his shop at 437 Royal Street.

A fun fact about this little glass of sunshine, it was named for the fast-firing 75 millimeter field gun that was utilized by the French during World War One. Traditionally made with gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, it's a great substitute for a mimosa, and a great way to bring a little zest to your day.

The first name for the drink was “Soixante-Quinze,” meaning seventy-five. This name later changed to 75 co*cktail, and then to what we know today, the French 75. Over the years, the recipe has altered. When the drink was first created, it contained dry gin, applejack bonded, lemon juice, and grenadine.

Accounts differ, but most experts agree that the first co*cktail was the Sazerac, a blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters and sugar. Created in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, this is one of the first co*cktails recognisable by name and remains a favourite to this day.

The first name for the drink was “Soixante-Quinze,” meaning seventy-five. This name later changed to 75 co*cktail, and then to what we know today, the French 75. Over the years, the recipe has altered. When the drink was first created, it contained dry gin, applejack bonded, lemon juice, and grenadine.

Tom Collins co*cktails taste like grown-up lemonade.

They're irresistibly citrusy, fizzy and refreshing, with herbal notes from the gin. While lemonade can be cloying, Tom Collins need not be too sweet—I like mine with just a splash of simple syrup to round out the flavors.

Collins Glass

This tall glass keeps your co*cktails chilled and is best used for drinks that are diluted with a lot of ice and contain more than one mixer. The Collins glass is named for the Tom Collins co*cktail, but can be used for any co*cktail over ice.

This classic Champagne co*cktail is batchable and not too sweet.