The French 75 is a classic champagne cocktail that balances crisp gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with a splash of sparkling wine. It gets its name from the French 75mm field gun used in World War I, a nod to its refreshing but surprisingly potent kick. This recipe works because it uses proper ratios and a good shake, so you get a bright, bubbly drink that is neither too sweet nor too tart.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin (London dry style preferred)
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
- 3 oz (90 ml) chilled champagne or dry sparkling wine
- Lemon twist or thin lemon wheel, for garnish
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass. Do not add ice to the serving glass.
- Top gently with the chilled champagne, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or thin lemon wheel. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice only – bottled juice tastes flat and dull. Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to get more juice.
- Chill your glass and champagne beforehand; a warm glass will make the drink watery and flat quickly.
- If you don’t have simple syrup, dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 teaspoon warm water as a quick substitute. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- For a stronger or lighter drink, adjust the gin amount between 1 oz (30 ml) and 2 oz (60 ml). The classic ratio is 1:1:1 for gin, lemon, and syrup, but many prefer a drier version with less syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French 75 as an elegant aperitif at brunch, bridal showers, or holiday gatherings. It pairs well with light appetizers like oysters, goat cheese crostini, or smoked salmon blinis. For a festive touch, add a few fresh raspberries or a small edible flower to the glass.
Variations
- French 75 with cognac: Replace gin with cognac or brandy for a richer, slightly sweeter version that some say is closer to the original.
- Elderflower French 75: Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) and reduce the simple syrup to 1/2 oz (15 ml).
- Vodka French 75: Use vodka instead of gin for a cleaner, less botanical flavor.
- Frozen French 75: Blend all ingredients (except the champagne) with ice, then top with champagne for a slushy summer version.
Storage and Reheating
This cocktail is best made fresh and should be consumed immediately. Do not store the mixed drink, as the champagne will lose its carbonation and the lemon juice will oxidize. If you have leftover simple syrup, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Leftover champagne can be kept in the fridge with a champagne stopper for 1–2 days, but it will lose some fizz – use it for cooking or mimosas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a French 75 without a cocktail shaker? Yes. If you don’t have a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and syrup in a mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds, then strain. The drink will be slightly less diluted, so you may want to add a tiny splash of water.
What type of gin is best? London dry gin is the classic choice because its juniper-forward flavor stands up to the lemon and champagne. A more floral or citrus-forward gin will also work but will change the character of the drink.
Can I use prosecco or cava instead of champagne? Absolutely. Any dry sparkling wine works – prosecco tends to be fruitier and sweeter, while cava is drier and more similar to champagne. Avoid sweet sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti, which will make the cocktail too sugary.
Why is my French 75 flat? The most common cause is using warm champagne or pouring it too aggressively. Make sure the sparkling wine is well-chilled and pour it gently down the side of the glass. Also, don’t shake the champagne – only the gin mixture.
Can I make a pitcher for a party? Yes. Multiply the gin, lemon juice, and syrup by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Keep it chilled, and add the champagne just before serving to preserve the bubbles. For a 6-serving pitcher, use 9 oz (270 ml) gin, 4.5 oz (135 ml) lemon juice, 4.5 oz (135 ml) syrup, and about 18 oz (540 ml) champagne.
Is the French 75 a strong drink? Yes, despite its light and bubbly appearance, it contains a full shot of gin plus champagne, so it is roughly as strong as a martini. This cocktail is for adults of legal drinking age – please drink responsibly.
Related
- Captain Hurricane Cocktail Recipe: Easy Rum Drink
- Southern Hurricane Cocktail: Easy Rum Drink Recipe
- Luv a Duck Peking Duck Breast Recipes: Crispy Skin at Home
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).