Texas 75

The Texas 75 is a variation of the French 75 gin cocktail. This cocktail is a light, effervescent, citrus drink with a bourbon punch.

After a day of running errands, my wife and I stopped by a cocktail bar because why would you not? Well, this bar had a variety of the classic on their menu that was delightful and inspired us.

Like most historic cocktails, the French 75 origins are rumors at best. Our favorite is that thirsty Allied soldiers created the drink during World War I when they wanted to mix highballs. Club soda wasn’t available, so they substituted Champagne (go figure). Because this high-caliber drink packed a powerful punch, it was named the French 75 after the Canon de 75 Modèle 1897, a.k.a. the French 75mm field gun, a piece of artillery that played a significant role in the Allied Forces’ victory. source

If it wasn’t for Texas, there might not have been champagne to substitute, so we thought it best to pay tribute to them. A grape root out of Denison, Texas, helped stop the Phylloxera epidemic in the 1870s.

Our friends at Ironroot Republic Distilling pay homage to them with their name. It goes beyond the name, though. They incorporate distilling techniques from the Cognac industry into their whiskey.

In our mind, this history and tie-in meant no other whiskey for us to use. Yet, because of the elderflower liqueur and champagne, you need a powerful bourbon. The dark fruits, leather, and sweetness from their Promethean bourbon pack the right punch.

Texas 75

Ingredients

1.5 oz Ironroot Bourbon

.75 oz elderflower liqueur

.75 oz fresh lemon juice

Champagne

How to make

Mix in bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a champagne flute and top with chilled champagne. Garnish with a lemon peel twist.

For another citrus-forward cocktail, check out the Big Tex or Earthquake Cocktail.