We’ve got a real treat for you with our Kentucky 75 recipe, a spirited twist on the classic French 75 that swaps gin for smooth Kentucky bourbon. This elegant cocktail captures the essence of Southern charm while keeping the effervescent sparkle that makes it so irresistible.
Originating from modern mixology trends, our version blends zesty lemon, simple syrup, and bubbly champagne with that signature bourbon kick. It’s perfect for celebrations or cozy nights, and we’re excited to share how it brings a fresh, flavorful vibe to your glass.
Ingredients
To bring our Kentucky 75 recipe to life, we gather these essential ingredients in the order they’re used. Each one contributes to the cocktail’s vibrant flavors—think crisp citrus notes and smooth bourbon warmth.
- 2 ounces Kentucky bourbon: Our base spirit, select a high-quality brand for its rich, oaky depth that defines this Southern twist on the classic.
- 0.75 ounces fresh lemon juice: Squeezed from ripe lemons right before mixing to deliver that zesty, tart brightness we love for balance.
- 0.5 ounces simple syrup: A quick homemade mix of equal parts sugar and water—stirred until dissolved—to add just the right touch of sweetness.
- Champagne, chilled, to top: A dry variety like brut for its effervescent sparkle that elevates the drink’s celebratory vibe.
Equipment Needed
We rely on a few key pieces of equipment to prepare our Kentucky 75 cocktail with precision and flair, ensuring each step from mixing to serving enhances its sparkling appeal.
Bar Tools
To mix our Kentucky 75 effectively, we recommend the following essential bar tools, each chosen for their role in creating a smooth and balanced cocktail:
- Cocktail Shaker: A sturdy Boston or cobbler shaker is vital for vigorously shaking the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup together, allowing flavors to meld while chilling the mixture quickly.
- Jigger: This measuring tool, typically with 1-ounce and 1.5-ounce sides, helps us accurately measure the 2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon and 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice for consistent results every time.
- Strainer: A Hawthorne strainer works best to filter out ice and pulp when pouring the shaken mixture into the glass, preventing any unwanted bits from diluting the drink’s clarity.
- Bar Spoon: Useful for stirring if needed, or for gently incorporating ingredients without over-agitating the champagne.
Glassware
For serving our Kentucky 75, the right glassware elevates the cocktail’s effervescent charm and visual appeal, making it perfect for celebrations.
- Champagne Flute: We suggest using a tall, narrow flute to showcase the cocktail’s bubbles and maintain the chill, as it minimizes surface area and preserves the chilled brut champagne‘s sparkle for longer.
- Coupe Glass: As an alternative, a wide-bowled coupe offers a sophisticated option, allowing the aromas of Kentucky bourbon and lemon to waft elegantly while adding a touch of vintage style to your presentation.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools prepared, let’s craft the Kentucky 75 with precision and ease. We guide you through each step to ensure a refreshing cocktail bursting with bourbon’s rich, oaky warmth and lemon’s zesty brightness.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we gather and measure the ingredients in the order they’ll be used to streamline the process. Start by squeezing 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice from a ripe lemon, capturing its vibrant, citrusy aroma that awakens the senses. Next, pour 0.5 ounces of simple syrup into a small dish, noting its smooth sweetness that balances the cocktail’s tartness. Then, measure out 2 ounces of high-quality Kentucky bourbon, savoring its deep, caramel notes that form the cocktail’s soulful base. Finally, chill the brut champagne in the refrigerator until icy cold, ensuring its effervescent bubbles add a celebratory sparkle.
Mix the Cocktail
We begin mixing by filling a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, which chills the ingredients without diluting them too quickly. Add the Kentucky bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker, then seal it tightly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the mixture feels frosty and the shaker is coated in condensation—evoking the invigorating blend of bourbon’s spice and lemon’s tang. Using a Hawthorne strainer, pour the shaken mixture into your chosen glass, such as a champagne flute, to filter out the ice and preserve the cocktail’s clarity.
Serve and Garnish
To serve, top the glass with chilled brut champagne until it’s nearly full, watching the bubbles dance and release a floral, crisp effervescence that elevates the bourbon’s depth. For a final touch, we garnish with a thin lemon twist—cut a strip of lemon peel and express its oils over the drink to enhance the aroma—then gently drop it in or perch it on the rim. Serve immediately in a champagne flute or coupe glass to maintain the cocktail’s chill and allow its layered flavors of oak, citrus, and sparkle to shine.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make the Kentucky 75 cocktail even more convenient for gatherings or busy evenings, we recommend preparing certain elements in advance while preserving the drink’s fresh, sparkling essence. This approach allows us to focus on the joy of serving without last-minute rushes, ensuring every sip delivers that perfect balance of oaky bourbon, zesty lemon, and effervescent champagne.
What You Can Prepare Ahead
We suggest focusing on components that maintain their quality when made ahead, such as simple syrup and lemon juice. Here’s a breakdown:
- Simple Syrup: This sweet base can be prepared up to a week in advance for optimal freshness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze and store it ahead to capture its bright, citrusy notes without oxidation.
- Kentucky Bourbon: While it’s ready to use, we advise chilling it in advance for a crisper blend.
- Garnishes: Lemon twists or peels can be prepped and refrigerated to add that aromatic flair effortlessly.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Follow these steps to get ahead without compromising the cocktail’s vibrant flavors and textures:
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool completely. We recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to keep its clean, sweet profile intact.
- Juice the Lemons: Roll 4-5 fresh lemons on the counter to maximize juice yield, then cut and squeeze them to get about 1 cup of juice. Strain out any pulp or seeds for a smooth finish, and transfer to a sealed jar. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to retain that zesty, tangy brightness we love in the Kentucky 75.
- Chill Other Ingredients: Pour your high-quality Kentucky bourbon into a chilled bottle or decanter and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—or up to 24 hours—ahead of time. Similarly, ensure your brut champagne is well-chilled in the fridge or an ice bucket to maintain those essential bubbles.
Storage Tips and Final Assembly
To keep everything at its best, we emphasize proper storage:
- Store simple syrup and lemon juice in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent spoilage.
- Avoid preparing the full cocktail mixture in advance, as shaking with ice and adding champagne should happen just before serving to preserve the frosty texture and effervescence.
For the best results, assemble the Kentucky 75 no more than 5 minutes before serving. This way, we ensure each glass captures the full sensory delight—from the rich, oaky depth of the bourbon to the sparkling appeal that makes this cocktail a standout.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring the Kentucky 75 as our fresh take on a timeless favorite. It’s the perfect blend of bold bourbon and bubbly charm that elevates any occasion.
This cocktail invites you to savor Southern flavors with every sip, and we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your repertoire. Give it a try and let its vibrant notes create memorable moments for you and your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kentucky 75 cocktail?
The Kentucky 75 is a sparkling cocktail twist on the classic French 75, swapping gin for Kentucky bourbon to add a rich, Southern flair. It combines bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne for a refreshing, celebratory drink perfect for parties or quiet nights.
How is the Kentucky 75 different from the French 75?
The main difference is that the Kentucky 75 replaces the gin in the French 75 with Kentucky bourbon, giving it a warmer, oaky depth while keeping the bright lemon and bubbly champagne. This variation embodies Southern charm, making it ideal for those who prefer whiskey over gin.
What ingredients are needed for a Kentucky 75?
You’ll need 2 ounces of high-quality Kentucky bourbon, 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice, 0.5 ounces of simple syrup, and chilled brut champagne to top it off. These ingredients create a balanced mix of oak, citrus, sweetness, and sparkle for a flavorful cocktail.
What equipment is required to make a Kentucky 75?
Essential tools include a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for precise measurements, a Hawthorne strainer for filtering, and a bar spoon for stirring. Serve in a champagne flute or coupe glass to highlight the bubbles and aromas.
How do you prepare a Kentucky 75?
Start by measuring bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice, then shake until chilled. Strain into a glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately for the best flavor and effervescence.
Can I make a Kentucky 75 ahead of time?
Yes, prepare simple syrup and lemon juice in advance, and chill the bourbon and champagne. Juice lemons and make syrup up to a day ahead, storing in the fridge. Assemble the cocktail no more than 5 minutes before serving to keep it fresh and bubbly.