The French 75 cocktail was named after the 75 mm French field gun used in World War I.
The drink combines gin, lemon juice, sugar and Champagne or another sparkling wine. Its name refers to the French Canon de 75 modèle 1897, a famous artillery piece known for its rapid-firing mechanism and important role in the First World War.
The cocktail appeared in print in the 1920s, including in Harry MacElhone’s and Robert Vermeire’s cocktail books. Its exact earlier development is debated, but the artillery reference clearly shaped its identity and reputation as a powerful drink.
Some later recipes use cognac instead of gin. That variation is historically documented, but the gin-based formula is the version most commonly recognized as the standard French 75.