The French 75 is one of the world’s most enduring Champagne cocktails. Made from Champagne quickened with gin and sweetened with lemon juice, this simple drink has a complicated origin story. (Spoiler alert: make sure to read James Chatto’s fascinating history of the French 75 cocktail dates back to the mid-1800s and perhaps even enjoyed by Charles Dickens.)

At Arbane Cocktail Bar in Paris, the classic French 75 gets a subtle twist. Instead of the traditional combination of lemon juice and sugar, the bartenders use a house-made lime cordial that gives the cocktail a softer, more nuanced citrus flavour.

“More subtle than lemon, lime lets the other ingredients express themselves perfectly,” Chatto explains.

Arbane French 75 Cocktail

Arbane Cocktail Bar

This French 75 cocktail from Arbane Cocktail Bar in Paris replaces the traditional lemon juice and sugar with a house-made lime cordial for a bright, elegant twist on the classic Champagne cocktail.

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Ingredients

Lime Cordial

¾ cup sugar
½ tsp citric acid
1½ cups water
3–4 limes zested and juiced

Cocktail

ice
1½ oz Tanqueray gin
1½ oz Lime Cordial
2 oz brut Champagne approx
lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

Lime Cordial

In small pan, add sugar, citric acid and water and bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add grated zest of 3 limes and ¾ cup pulpy lime juice and simmer for 3 minutes. Let cool completely, then strain into bottle and refrigerate overnight. Lime Cordial will keep refrigerated for up to 3 months.

Cocktail

Chill small Champagne flute.
Half-fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add Tanqueray gin and Lime Cordial. Shake well and strain into flute. Top with Champagne.
Cut a length of lemon zest, rub gently to release oils and tie into a bow. Set bow on rim of flute before serving.

Keyword Champagne, Champagne cocktail, classic French cocktail, cocktail, French 75, lime, lime cordial