Racy Strawberry French 75 Cocktail
By Amanda Paa – Updated March 31, 2025
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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.
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 I would have been drinking, and the man I would have had my eyes on.
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 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
Yield: 2 cocktails
Ingredients
For Puree:
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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?
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July 10, 2016
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
July 22, 2016
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!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
July 15, 2016
This is just a stunner!
Noelle
July 14, 2016
This looks quite lovely. Now to run and get prosecco tomorrow so I can have this with brunch Saturday!!!
amandapaa
July 15, 2016
i like that idea! enjoy. :)
ashley - baker by nature
July 14, 2016
What a beautiful Summer cocktail!
Beverley
July 14, 2016
love the recipe but also love your blog , so informative, thank you xoxo
Jayme | holly & flora
July 13, 2016
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
July 13, 2016
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
July 14, 2016
…you don’t know how excited I am!! :-)))))))) Okay, you might. ;-)
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
July 13, 2016
This looks like my kind of drink! Love the fresh strawberries. :) Beautiful!
amandapaa
July 13, 2016
cheers to summer!
Sara @ Cake Over Steak
July 11, 2016
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
July 12, 2016
yes, your drink was so strong! what a fun night that was. i want you to come back!
Alison @ Food by Mars
July 11, 2016
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
Abby @ Heart of a Baker
July 11, 2016
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
July 11, 2016
that was the best night! you both need to come back soon so we can have a full dinner there. xo.
Corrine
July 10, 2016
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!