French 75
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For a cocktail that turns any occasion into a celebration, whip up a batch of French 75. They are light, crisp, and elegant. Easy to make with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, gin and champagne, this sparkling classic is perfect for the holidays.
Table of Contents
- Here's Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You'll Need
- In Photos: How To Make French 75
- More Cocktail Recipes
The French 75 is a timeless sparkling cocktail. It's citrusy and nicely balanced while being refreshing and easy to make.
Believed to have been created in the early 1900's and named after the French 75mm field gun. A perfect namesake due to the fact that the drink is light and bubbly, but packs a good punch. Please drink them responsibly!
Here's Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This classic cocktail has a bright flavor profile thanks to the fresh lemon juice.
- The drink is lightly sweet from a splash of simple syrup.
- The use of champagne brings a celebratory feel, making the French 75 a great fit for Christmas, Mother's Day or any holiday.
Ingredients You'll Need
The recipe card at the bottom of the post contains the full list with all of the amounts.
- Champagne: Use a brut champagne and make sure it is chilled. Since champagne can be expensive, a crémant is a great option! A French crémant is produced with the same method as champagne, but from other regions of France. Prosecco and Cava are also good substitutes.
- Gin: We like a good London dry gin. Plymouth gin, Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray are all good choices. Use your favorite.
- Lemon juice: Please use fresh lemon juice! You can use the peel to create the twist garnishes.
- Simple syrup: Adds a little sweetness. To create your own, combine equal parts sugar and water in a light colored sauce pan. Warm over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Then allow to cool completely before using. Any leftover syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
In Photos: How To Make French 75
Step 1: Prep Garnish
To create lemon twist garnishes. Create lemon slices about ¼ inch in thickness. Then use a small round biscuit cutter or sharp paring knife to remove the fruit middle.
Step 2: Twist
Now cut through the lemon slice and wrap it around your finger or a straw to create the twist.
Step 3: Mix Cocktail
For the French 75 cocktail, add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake.
Step 4: Strain
Then strain into a coupe or wine glasses and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Create the lemon twists before shaking the French 75.
- If desired, the lemon twists can be made ahead of time. I twirl the lemon rind onto a straw and wrap with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- For a bar worthy cocktail, chill the glasses in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes before using.
- Pour the well chilled champagne in last to preserve the bubbles.
Variation ideas
- Create a French 75 with brandy, instead of gin.
- For a French 76, substitute the gin with vodka.
- If you like bourbon, swap for the gin and you have a French 95.
- A herbal infused simple syrup would also add another flavor dimension. Lavender, rosemary or thyme would all be delicious!
More Cocktail Recipes
French 75
Ingredients
- 4 ounces gin, 120mL
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 30mL
- 4 teaspoons simple syrup
- 8 ounces champagne, 240mL
Instructions
- Pour the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes and shake well.
- Evenly strain the mixture into two coupe glasses or wine glasses.
- Top with champagne and garnish with lemon twists.
