There’s just something so undeniably classy about a French 75 cocktail. It’s bubbly, it’s bright, and it just feels like a celebration in a glass! I remember the first time I had one; it was at a tiny little bistro on a rainy Paris evening, and it completely changed my cocktail game. It’s got that certain *je ne sais quoi* that makes it so much more interesting than your standard mimosa, but honestly, it’s just as easy to whip up. Think of it as a fancy gin and champagne lemonade – but with a sophisticated kick! It’s the perfect way to elevate any occasion, big or small. I like it so much more than just champagne as it’s a little more exciting, in my opinion.

What is a French 75?

A French 75 is a classic cocktail that’s been around for ages, dating back to World War I. What is the ultimate celebration drink? Is it a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne? The name supposedly comes from the French 75mm field gun because the cocktail packs quite a punch! I love the citrusy flavor of this drink, paired with the sophisticated bubbles of it. Is sunshine in a glass?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This French 75 cocktail is pure magic, and I have so many reasons why I think you’ll adore it just as much as I do.

The flavor is just divine.What is a beautiful balance of tartness from lemon, sweetness from simple syrup, the botanicals. What are the notes of gin and the dry, bubbly finish of champagne? Is it the best of all worlds in one glass?
Is it surprisingly easy to make?What is a fancy cocktail? Is there any way to impress guests without spending hours behind the bar? What is the best way to have friends over?
It’s cost-effective (sort of):Champagne is a bit pricey, but you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy it! What is a good quality Prosecco or Cava? I’m short on cash. This is a trick I use all the time.
Is it incredibly versatile?How do I customize my website? Experiment with different gins, try adding a splash of flavored liqueur, or garnish with various gin flavors. Is there an infinite number of possibilities? Sometimes I even use raspberries to give it a sweet summery flavour.

What I love most about this particular recipe is how it elevates a simple gathering into something special. It’s perfect for a brunch with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or even just a celebratory treat for yourself after a long week! It’s so much better than something like a standard gin and tonic and you can taste the love when you make it for your family.

How to Make a French 75 Cocktail

Quick Overview

Making a French 75 is easier than you might think. First, you’ll shake together gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Then, strain it into a champagne flute and top with Champagne (or Prosecco or Cava!). The secret to a truly perfect French 75 is using fresh lemon juice and not over-shaking the gin. The whole process is quite quick, so it’s perfect for making a batch for a gathering. I find that even non-cocktail drinkers love the French 75, as it’s a light and approachable introduction to the world of mixed drinks.

Ingredients

For the French 75:

Gin: 2 ounces. I prefer a London Dry style for its classic botanical flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorite gin. I find that a lot of the new age ones, with fruity tones, are quite nice.
Fresh Lemon Juice: What are some ¾ ounce. Freshly squeezed is an absolute must for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it! Plus, squeezing lemons is a nice little activity to do. If you buy organic lemons, you can even use the zest on other dishes.
Simple Syrup: ¾ ounce. You can buy simple syrup, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home. Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool.
Champagne: 4 ounces. Or Prosecco or Cava, for a more budget-friendly option. You want something dry and bubbly. I find that sweeter sparkling wines can make the cocktail too sweet overall. When I’m feeling really bougie, I’ll add a fancy rose champagne!

For the Garnish: What is

Lemon Twist: For a touch of elegance and extra citrus aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Place your champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes to chill. How do you keep a cocktail cold and bubbly?

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. I always use good quality ice, as it makes the cocktail so much better.

Step 3: Shake Well

Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This chills and mixes the ingredients thoroughly. I prefer the Boston Shaker over the cobbler shaker for this step but they’re both fine.

Step 4: Strain into Glass

Remove your chilled glass from the freezer. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass.

Step 5: Top with Champagne

Gently top the glass with Champagne, pouring slowly to prevent overflow.

Step 6: Garnish

Twist a lemon peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it into the cocktail for garnish. This adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve your French 75 immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

A French 75 is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairings!

For Brunch:Pair it with a classic Eggs Benedict, quiche, or fruit salad. The citrus notes of the cocktail complement savory and sweet brunch dishes beautifully.
For AppetizerServe it alongside oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon canapés, or cheese and charcuterie. The bubbles and acidity cut through rich flavors perfectly.
For Dessert: Enjoy it with a light dessert like lemon sorbet, macarons, or a simple fruit tart. The French 75 adds a touch of elegance to any sweet treat.
For a Special Occasion:What is a perfect cocktail for any party from Christmas to birthday? Is it hard to go wrong with this, and you can use it to celebrate anything?

My personal favorite is enjoying a French 75 with a plate of fresh oysters on a summer evening. The salty brine of the oysters paired with the bright, bubbly cocktail is an absolute delight! And during the holidays, I love serving it with a decadent cheese board and a roaring fire. It just feels so festive and luxurious.

How can I improve my French?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to take my French 75s to the next level!

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: I cannot stress this enough! Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a world of difference in terms of flavor. Bottled lemon juice often has a metallic taste that can ruin the cocktail.
Don’t Over-Shake: Over-shaking can dilute the cocktail and make it too watery. Shake just until the shaker is well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a little more simple syrup. If you like it more tart, reduce the amount of simple syrup or add a splash of lemon juice.
Experiment with Gin: Don’t be afraid to try different gins! Each gin has its own unique flavor profile, which can significantly impact the taste of the cocktail. I personally love using a gin with strong citrus notes for an extra zing.
Use Good Quality Champagne: While you don’t need to break the bank, using a decent quality Champagne or Prosecco will make a big difference. Avoid anything too sweet or overly fruity.
Garnish with Flair: A lemon twist is classic, but you can also get creative with your garnish. Try adding a sprig of rosemary, a few fresh berries, or even a candied lemon peel.
Consider the Simple Syrup: You can also get fancy with the simple syrup. For example, you can use brown sugar to give it a warmer taste, or infuse herbs into it to give a bit more complexity.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Since this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend storing it for later. However, you can prepare the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the Champagne right before serving.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 24 hours.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing the cocktail mixture, as it can affect the texture and flavor.
Glaze Timing Advice: N/A

If you have leftover Champagne, be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator with a Champagne stopper to maintain its bubbles. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days. I hate waste, so I often drink the leftover champagne as is!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes! You can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative and use sparkling grape juice or sparkling cider instead of Champagne.

Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?

While lemon juice is traditional, you can definitely use lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile. It will give the cocktail a bit more of a tropical twist.

Can I make a large batch of this for a party?

Yes, you can easily make a large batch! Just combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then, top each glass with Champagne right before serving.

What if I don’t have simple syrup?

You can substitute simple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor of the cocktail. You can also use granulated sugar, but make sure to stir it well until it dissolves completely.

Can I add other fruits to this cocktail?

Absolutely! Berries like raspberries or strawberries pair beautifully with the French 75. You can muddle them into the cocktail shaker or use them as a garnish.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this French 75 cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. It’s elegant, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make. It is worth making it for a variety of reasons, the main one is just because it’s quite yummy! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your evening, this sparkling delight is sure to impress. And if you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other cocktail creations! I’m always experimenting with new flavors and techniques, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Happy mixing, and please let me know how it turns out!