When will International French 75 Day be celebrated? May 29th of each calendar year.
What is International French 75 Day? International French 75 Day is a global celebration of one of the world’s most historic, elegant, and enduring classic cocktails. First created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris by legendary bartender Harry MacElhone, the cocktail is a precise blend of gin or cognac, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and premium Champagne, and it takes its name from the powerful French 75mm artillery gun used in World War I. More than a celebration of a classic drink, this day honors the deep intersection of mixology, viticulture, and the connections created whenever people gather. It serves as a global platform to highlight the craftsmanship of sparkling wine producers, craft distillers, and cocktail lounges worldwide.
How should International French 75 Day be celebrated or observed?
- Educate: Take a few minutes to discover the story behind the French 75 and why it has remained a favorite for more than a century.
- Engage: Visit your favorite cocktail lounge and order a French 75, or gather a few friends and learn to make one together at home, experimenting with different sparkling wines, gins, or cognacs.
- Share: Post your French 75 experience and the stories behind it using the hashtag #InternationalFrench75Day.
- Support: Encourage restaurants, hotels, wineries, distilleries, and cocktail lounges to join the celebration with special menus, tastings, or cocktail demonstrations, and always drink responsibly with good company.
Why was International French 75 Day created? The day is created to recognize that some cocktails become more than recipes; they become part of our shared cultural heritage. It shines a light on the agricultural heritage of wine and spirits, the artistry of classic mixology, and the destinations that helped shape one of the world’s most enduring cocktails. By bringing together professionals and enthusiasts alike, it promotes responsible enjoyment while celebrating the people, places, and traditions that keep this legendary cocktail relevant for new generations.
Who created this day? This day was created by Elaine Luxton, Founder of Drink In Life, in 2026.