The Pear 75: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

The Pear 75 is the autumnal, orchard-fragrant evolution of one of the most enduring sparkling cocktails of all time. Where the classic French 75 is crisp, lean, and Champagne-driven, the Pear 75 brings aromatic fruit, gentle sweetness, and a seasonal glow. It is a drink that feels simultaneously elegant and comforting—Parisian bones dressed in Alpine pear perfume.

I. Origins

The Lineage Begins with the French 75

Few cocktails have as storied a history as the French 75, first printed in the 1920s and named for the French 75mm field gun—a metaphor for its surprising smoothness paired with striking power. Traditionally made with gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne, the French 75 merges English distillation, French sparkling wine, and American bartending style.

Why Pear Is Such a Natural Fit

Pears have been cultivated for millennia and hold deep roots in European culinary and distillation traditions. More specifically:

• Poire Williams (pear eau-de-vie) is produced in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

• Pear liqueurs have longstanding roles in Alpine pastry, brandy-making, and winter aperitifs.

• Pear’s aroma—soft, floral, subtly spicy—harmonizes beautifully with the citrus and botanicals in gin.

Thus, adding pear to a French 75 is not a modern gimmick—it’s a historically intuitive extension of European flavor heritage.

The Modern Pear 75 Emerges

The Pear 75 took shape during the 2010s craft-cocktail movement, when bartenders:

• Leaned into seasonality

• Embraced orchard-to-glass cocktails

• Experimented with fruit syrups, infusions, and eau-de-vie

• Reimagined champagne cocktails with culinary precision

The result: an elegant sparkling drink replacing (or reinforcing) the sugar component with pear liqueur or pear syrup.

II. Historical Evolution

Pear Spirits in a Sparkling Context

While few vintage books note pear in champagne cocktails directly, the logic is clear:

• Peach → Bellini

• Raspberry → Kir Royale

• Elderflower → St-Germain Royale

• Pear → Pear 75

Each fruit accentuates Champagne’s lifted, aromatic structure—but pear adds a uniquely autumnal and delicate dimension.

Craft Cocktail Revival Effects

As bartenders rediscovered eau-de-vie, orchard brandies, and artisanal liqueurs, pear quickly became a favorite among mixologists for its ability to balance citrus while maintaining clarity and sophistication.

Now, the Pear 75 appears in:

• High-end hotel bars

• Seasonal fall and winter menus

• Wedding cocktail lists

• Brunch service with a refined twist

• Alpine-inspired restaurants and wine bars

It is rapidly gaining recognition as a modern classic.

III. Ingredients & Technique

The Pear 75 requires precision, brightness, and restraint—the same principles that govern the French 75.

Key Ingredients

GinA London Dry works best: crisp, citrus-driven, and restrained.Floral gins may clash with pear; juniper-forward is ideal.

Pear Liqueur (or Pear Syrup / Pear Brandy)Depending on the preference:

• Pear liqueur: smooth, slightly sweet, perfect for the 75 template.

• Pear brandy/eau-de-vie: dry, aromatic, more intense.

• Pear syrup: culinary and plush.

Fresh Lemon JuiceAdds acidity to keep the drink bright and structured.

Champagne or Dry Sparkling WineBrut or extra brut preferred; the drier the bubbles, the cleaner the finish.

Technique Priorities

• Shake the base for only a few seconds—just enough to chill, not dilute.

• Add sparkling wine last to preserve effervescence.

• Serve in a chilled flute or coupette, depending on the desired aesthetic.

• Garnish cleanly: pear slice, lemon peel, or micro herbs.

IV. Cultural Significance

1. The Orchard-Driven Cocktail Renaissance

Like apple and quince cocktails, the Pear 75 belongs to a wider movement embracing terroir and seasonality—particularly in North America and Europe.

2. Celebration Meets Comfort

The French 75 is a celebratory cocktail; pear adds softness, warmth, and approachability, making the drink suitable for transitions from fall into winter holidays.

3. A Modern Icon in Weddings & Events

The Pear 75’s pale-gold color, delicate texture, and Champagne crown make it a favorite for:

• Receptions

• Toasts

• Brunch gatherings

• Autumn events

It is festive without being flashy, sophisticated without being stiff.

4. Reinforcing French/Alpine Heritage

By integrating pear brandy or pear liqueur, the drink naturally aligns with European orchard traditions and the cultural roots of Champagne itself.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Pear 75

Ingredients

• 1 oz (30 ml) London Dry gin

• ½ oz (15 ml) pear liqueur

  • or ⅓ oz (10 ml) pear brandy + ⅓ oz (10 ml) simple syrup

• ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

• 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine

• Garnish: thin pear slice or lemon twist

Method

1. Add gin, pear liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake briefly for 5–7 seconds.

3. Fine strain into a chilled flute.

4. Top gently with Champagne.

5. Garnish elegantly with a thin pear slice or lemon twist.

Specs

• Glass: Flute or coupe

• Ice: None

• Garnish: Pear slice or lemon twist

• Style: Sparkling orchard gin aperitif

Technique Notes

• Do not overshake—dilution washes out pear nuance.

• Brut Champagne balances pear sweetness; avoid demi-sec.

• Pear brandy creates a drier, more aromatic profile; pear liqueur creates roundness.

• A coupe works well for indoor dinners; a flute emphasizes effervescence.

Variations & Lineage

• Autumn Pear 75: Add a drop of cinnamon or clove tincture.

• Pear & Honey 75: Replace simple syrup with honey syrup.

• Alpine 75: Use pear brandy, génépi, and Champagne.

• Winter Pear 75: Add ¼ oz spiced pear liqueur.

• Clarified Pear 75: Milk-wash the base for crystal clarity.

Service & Pairing Tips

• Pairs beautifully with oysters, charcuterie, chèvre salads, and roasted poultry.

• Ideal for brunch, weddings, and holiday gatherings.

• A beautiful aperitif before rich winter meals.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

The Pear 75 is rapidly becoming one of the most beloved orchard riffs on a classic—much like the Pear Sidecar, Pear Martini, and Poire Belle Hélène–inspired dessert cocktails.

Why It Works So Well

• The French 75 formula is naturally adaptable.

• Pear enhances without overwhelming.

• Champagne magnifies pear’s perfume and elevates its texture.

• The drink retains the crisp sophistication of the original while adding warmth and fruit-driven elegance.

A Modern Seasonal Staple

Expect the Pear 75 to continue rising in menus that:

• Highlight seasonal produce

• Emphasize sparkling aperitifs

• Lean into lighter fall and winter cocktails

• Celebrate orchard-based spirits and culinary pairings

It is on its way to becoming a permanent member of the modern classic family.