The French 75 isn’t just a cocktail… it’s a little bit of sparkle in a glass. You get that crisp hit of gin, the bright zing of lemon and a smooth touch of simple syrup to keep it balanced.
And then the champagne rolls in, light and fizzy, turning every sip into a mini celebration.
This one’s got a vibe. It’s classy without trying too hard… like slipping on red lipstick just to go to brunch. It’s the kind of drink that fits anywhere… fancy weddings, low-key dinners or random Tuesdays when you just need a win. Bright, bubbly and just the right kind of fancy.
What It Is & Where It Comes From
The French 75 started off as a gin cocktail back in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, the spot that later became Harry’s Bar. The bartender wanted something that had the punch of a field gun but still felt elegant and sippable.
That’s where the French 75mm artillery cannon came in… this drink was strong enough to hit like a shot but smooth enough to sip like champagne.
Originally, it was made with gin, lemon juice, sugar and champagne, but some early recipes swapped gin for cognac. Over time, the gin version became the classic, giving it that crisp, herbal backbone that makes it so refreshing.
Today, the French 75 is a go-to for weddings, brunches or any occasion that calls for a little sparkle. It’s that perfect balance of dry, sweet and bubbly, with just enough citrus to keep it bright. And if you’re ever looking to impress someone without getting too fancy, this is the cocktail that does it.
Tips for Making the Perfect French 75 at Home
A French 75 might seem simple, but a few small tweaks can take it from basic to bar-worthy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Chill the glass: Put your champagne flute in the freezer while you mix… keeps the drink colder and the bubbles crisp.
- Fresh lemon juice: Don’t use bottled. Fresh lemon juice keeps it bright and zippy.
- Quality gin matters: Go for a dry, botanical gin… too sweet and it throws off the balance.
- Shake it hard: You want to really mix the gin, lemon and syrup before adding the bubbles… keeps it smooth without watering it down.
- Pour the champagne gently: Tilt the glass and pour slowly to keep the bubbles intact… too fast and you’ll lose the fizz.
- Lemon twist done right: Twist the peel over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in or hang it on the rim. It’s not just for looks, it adds a burst of citrus aroma.
Food Pairing Ideas
A French 75 is light, citrusy and a little bit herbal, so you want snacks that keep things crisp without overpowering it. Think fresh, salty or a little creamy.
Goat cheese crostini: Tangy and creamy with a crunch… perfect for balancing those bubbles.
Oysters: Briny and fresh… the lemon and champagne are a classic match.
Spiced almonds: A little sweet and a little salty… keeps the palate interested without being too heavy.
Lemon shortbread cookies: Buttery with a hint of citrus… ties in with that lemony zip.
Charcuterie board: Salty meats like prosciutto and salami with mild cheeses… keeps things rich without stealing the show.
Popcorn with sea salt: Light, airy and the salt brings out the gin’s herbal notes.
The Refreshing French 75 Cocktail
The French 75 is one of those cocktails that just hits different. You get that bold, botanical kick from the gin, champagne brings the bubbles and the lemon juice adds this zesty little spark that keeps it all super fresh. A touch of sugar smooths it out and boom—you’ve got a drink that’s light, bright and built for the good times.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Gin
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (sugar dissolved in equal parts water)
- Champagne or sparkling wine, to top
- Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
Zero-Proof French 75: Swap the gin for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit and replace the champagne with a dry sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Light, bright and just as refreshing.
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with Bubbles: Gently top off with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist or slice for an elegant touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your French 75 cocktail immediately for the best experience.
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
French 75 Variations to Try
Once you get the classic French 75 down, it’s easy to switch it up. A few small changes and you can totally change the vibe of this cocktail.
Cognac 75: Swap gin for cognac… richer and smoother with a hint of caramel.
Berry French 75: Muddle fresh raspberries or add a splash of raspberry liqueur… keeps it fruity and a little sweeter.
Lavender French 75: Add a drop of lavender bitters… turns up the floral notes without overpowering the citrus.
Whiskey 75: Replace gin with bourbon… deeper, bolder and a little smoky.
Grapefruit 75: Swap lemon juice for fresh grapefruit juice… keeps it bright but less tart.
Low Sugar 75: Use a sugar-free simple syrup and top with a brut champagne… keeps it dry and crisp.
Need inspiration for some other gin based cocktails? Why not try a sloe gin fizz, a pink gin or a Tom Collins?
To pin for later:
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Elevate your celebrations with the elegant French 75 cocktail! A sparkling favorite, it’s ideal for parties or romantic evenings.
Ingredients
- 30 ml Gin
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup (sugar dissolved in equal parts water)
- Champagne or sparkling wine, to top
- Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with Bubbles: Gently top off with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist or slice for an elegant touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your French 75 cocktail immediately for the best experience.
Notes
Zero-Proof French 75: Swap the gin for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit and replace the champagne with a dry sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Light, bright and just as refreshing.
