Racy Strawberry French 75 Cocktail

By Amanda Paa – Updated July 31, 2022
4.60 from 5 votes
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There’s a watering hole just a few blocks away from our place in St. Paul that I can’t stop going to, The Commodore. It was a swanky St. Paul hotel (with a bar) in the 1920’s and 30’s, a time when gangsters made their way through the Wabasha street caves, jazz became glamorous, and women were shortening their skirts a little more each day. Famous people walked through the doors often, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was in the midst of writing some of his most iconic American novels — like The Great Gatsby, the book and movie painting such a clear picture picture of this time period.

Glittering bottles of liquor, vintage stemware, black and white tiled floors, history running through its veins.

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Every time I walk in, the speakeasy vibe has me thinking about the racy flapper dress I might have wore, the Strawberry French 75 cocktail, or Limoncello Spritz I would have been drinking, and the man I would have had my eyes on.

Strawberry French 75 Cocktail {heartbeet kitchen blog} - naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrupStrawberry French 75 Cocktail {heartbeet kitchen blog} - naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrupStrawberry French 75 Cocktail {heartbeet kitchen blog} - naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrup

What is a French 75 cocktail?

The Great Gatsby was actually where the inspiration for Strawberry French 75 came from, which happened to be the drink of choice for Jordan Baker, a friend of Daisy’s who loved to play golf – just like me (side note: I played competitive golf for 20 years, and went to college on a scholarship). Traditionally made from gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar, the French 75 was named after a small, powerful gun used during World War I, and has made its way through the decades.

I’m not much of a cocktail aficionado, but this tall drink isn’t complicated, and could fool anyone with its fancy glow. It’s racy and vivacious, just like the 1920’s were. There’s something very sensuous about it……. ruby red and piquant.

The herbacious quality of gin (I prefer Hendricks) is dynamite with the quick strawberry puree – which is just blended California Giant Berry Farms strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and a smidge of maple syrup.

Topped off with an affordable pour of bubbly (Cava or Prosecco is in my budget, but Champagne for the purists if you like)….. it’s the kind of thing I love to sip at brunch, or as a pre-dinner libation. And if you prefer a little less zing, simply leave out the gin.

From my glass to yours, happy summer cocktailing. xo

Strawberry French 75 being pouredRacy Strawberry French 75 Cocktail {heartbeet kitchen blog}

If you make this Strawberry French 75, be sure to tag me on instagram with hashtag #heartbeetkitchen or @heartbeetkitchen!

Strawberry French 75 sparkling cocktail

Fresh Strawberry French 75 Cocktail

This refreshing cocktail is made of a sparkling taste of summer! Made with gin, prosecco or cava, and fresh strawberry puree. It's easy to make, and the puree can be kept in refrigerator for quick drinks.
4.60 from 5 votes
Prep Time :15 minutes
Total Time :20 minutes
Yield: 2 cocktails
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

For Puree:

For Each Cocktail:

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
  • 1 1/2 ounces gin
  • prosecco or cava

Instructions 

  • In a food processor, blend strawberries, maple syrup and lemon juice until completely smooth. Strain through a fine meshed strainer into jar. Discard pulp.
  • To make one drink, add 2 tablespoons strawberry puree to glass, top with gin, then top with prosecco or cava (pour in at a side angle because it will bubble).

Did you make this?

tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen

July 10, 2016

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18 comments

  1. Traci | Vanilla And Bean

    What fun to think about times past, how you’d look in a flapper dress, the atmosphere of the speakeasy… the man you’d have your eye on.. I like this scene, Amanda!

    I love how you’ve included whole fruit in this sipper… simple, yet sublime! Thank you for this!

  2. Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)

    This is just a stunner!

  3. Noelle

    This looks quite lovely. Now to run and get prosecco tomorrow so I can have this with brunch Saturday!!!

    • amandapaa

      i like that idea! enjoy. :)

  4. ashley - baker by nature

    What a beautiful Summer cocktail!

  5. Beverley

    love the recipe but also love your blog , so informative, thank you xoxo

  6. Jayme | holly & flora

    These are so gorgeous, Amanda! I will have to give this recipe a go. As in TOMORROW. Because strawberries. Because bubbles. AND because days off.

    • amandapaa

      Yay for a day off! That’s worth lifting a glass too. And these next week, I can’t wait to see you!

      • Jayme | holly & flora

        …you don’t know how excited I am!! :-)))))))) Okay, you might. ;-)

  7. Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet

    This looks like my kind of drink! Love the fresh strawberries. :) Beautiful!

    • amandapaa

      cheers to summer!

  8. Megan @ MegUnprocessed

    I love the vibrant color making it very summer refreshing!

  9. Sara @ Cake Over Steak

    This is SO up my alley and it’s also gorgeous!!! I love that I know this “watering hole” that you speak of. Remember how strong my drink was that I got there?! Love it. ;-)

    • amandapaa

      yes, your drink was so strong! what a fun night that was. i want you to come back!

  10. Alison @ Food by Mars

    Girl!!! We should cheers to this, it’s my favorite cocktail but with the addition of strawberry? So much classier… and of course seasonal :) It looks so much prettier with the red too. XO

  11. Abby @ Heart of a Baker

    Not to mention that the fries at The Commodore are DANG good! So glad you introduced me to that place and I can’t wait to pay another visit so soon. I remember chatting and laughing with you and Sara there, so it holds sweet memories for me! xo

    • amandapaa

      that was the best night! you both need to come back soon so we can have a full dinner there. xo.

  12. Corrine

    Oh yum! Just tried my first French 75 last week at Arnaud’s in New Orleans. It’s my new favorite cocktail. This twist looks absolutely amazing!