About this Event
History of Cocktails
Featuring: The French 75
Every cocktail has a story. We're here to tell it.
Welcome to History of Cocktails, an ongoing series of entertaining cocktail experiences hosted by Elite Bartending School Orlando.
Each edition explores a different legendary cocktail, uncovering its origins, questionable myths, famous bartenders, and the fascinating history behind what's in your glass.
Along the way, we'll enjoy some drinks, challenge a few popular stories, and discover how the cocktails we know today came to be.
This edition: The French 75.
Myth, Artillery & Bubbles
What do World War I artillery, a legendary Parisian bar, and a bottle of Champagne have in common?
The French 75, of course.
According to one particularly outrageous legend, soldiers during World War I invented the cocktail and served it in empty 75mm artillery shell casings.
Is that actually what happened? Probably not. But the real story is arguably more interesting.
Join us for 90 minutes of great drinks, surprising history, and a few stories that are almost too good to be true.
Three Drinks. Three Different Takes on a Legend.
Throughout the experience, you'll enjoy three unique drinks inspired by the history and evolution of the French 75.
Don't expect the traditional French 75 you'd order at a cocktail bar. We're taking a different approach, exploring earlier recipes, unusual serving traditions, and our own creative interpretation of this legendary drink.
1. Champagne on Ice
We begin with chilled Champagne served over ice, exploring an unexpectedly controversial way to enjoy the world's most famous sparkling wine.
2. The Early French 75
Forget what you think you know about this cocktail. We'll recreate an early version made with gin, apple brandy, grenadine, and lemon. No Champagne required.
3. Cognac French 75 with Champagne Foam
For our finale, we'll create our own interpretation featuring rich cognac, fresh citrus, Champagne, and a delicate Champagne foam.
Each drink offers a different perspective on the cocktail's history, ingredients, and evolution. You'll taste how much a legendary recipe can change over time.
A Little History. A Lot of Entertainment.
Along the way, we'll explore:
- The unbelievable artillery shell origin story
- Harry's New York Bar and the cocktail culture of Paris
- What Americans were drinking before Prohibition
- The surprising history of grenadine
- How the French 75 evolved into the Champagne cocktail we recognize today
Expect entertaining storytelling, live cocktail demonstrations, vintage imagery, sound effects, and a few surprises.
This is a hosted tasting and storytelling experience, rather than a traditional hands-on bartending class. No bartending experience or historical knowledge necessary.
What's Included
Your ticket includes:
- Three unique alcoholic drink servings
- A 90-minute hosted cocktail history experience
- Live cocktail demonstrations
- Interactive storytelling and historical presentations
- An entertaining evening at Elite Bartending School Orlando
Location: Elite Bartending School Orlando
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Age Requirement: 21+ with valid photo ID
An Intimate Evening. Limited Seating.
This isn't a crowded bar or a large lecture hall.
We're hosting this experience in a small, intimate setting where everyone has a great view, can interact with the instructor, and enjoy the drinks and stories together.
Think of it as an evening gathered around the bar with good company, interesting conversation, and a few excellent cocktails.
Space is limited, and seating is available by advance reservation only.
Book your tickets now to secure your seats!
About the History of Cocktails Series
The French 75 is just one chapter in our ongoing exploration of the world's most fascinating cocktails.
Every edition features a different drink, its history, its legends, and its evolution, brought to life through storytelling and live demonstrations.
From forgotten recipes to legendary bars and the bartenders who shaped drinking culture, there's always another story worth telling.
Each experience stands on its own. Attend one, explore several, or return whenever a favorite cocktail appears on the schedule.
Same series. Different cocktails. New stories to discover.
Event venue & nearby stays
Elite Bartending School, 70 N Orange Ave, Orlando, United States
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