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A French 75 is a bubbly drink made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and champagne. The perfect fancy cocktail to toast the New Year!

Three French 75 cocktails in champagne flutes, garnished with a lemon twist

What is a French 75?

A French 75 is a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, champagne and sugar – or simple syrup. The gin can be replaced with cognac, and any sparkling wine can be used for the champagne.

Why is it called a French 75?

The origins of the French 75 date back to World War I in France. The drink is named after a powerful field gun used by the French during World War I. An early version of the drink was possibly created at New York Bar in Paris in 1915. It later appeared in a cocktail book called “Here’s How” in 1927 and then “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930.

French 75 being poured from a cocktail strainer into a champagne flute

What does a French 75 taste like?

A French 75 is crisp, citrusy and effervescent. It is slightly sweet from the simple syrup, which balances the lemon and gin. This drink goes down easy but packs a punch. It makes a great alternative to a mimosa at brunch, is celebratory enough for a party, and is refreshing enough to drink all summer.

3 French 75 cocktails in champagne flutes, with a bottle of champagne being poured into one.

What is the best gin for a French 75?

When choosing a gin, go for London Dry. I used a local gin called Big Gin. Other great options include Hendricks, Tanqueray and Beefeater.

Some people prefer to use Cognac in a French 75, and it has even been suggested that is how the original drink was made.

Close up of Champagne Flute with lemon twist garnish

What kind of champagne is best for a French 75?

When choosing champagne for a French 75, be sure to find a brut champagne. This is more dry which will balance the sweetness of the drink. Although the recipe calls for Champagne, you can use any kind of sparkling wine here. I used Prosecco, and Cava would also be good, just be sure you choose a dry wine.

Looking for more cocktails that use champagne? Try my Cranberry Mimosas, or my Rosé Raspberry Sorbet Mimosas.

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French 75 Cocktail

Prep 5 minutes
Servings 1 drink

Ingredients 

  • 1.5 ounces London Dry Gin
  • .75 ounces lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • .75 ounces simple syrup see notes
  • 3 ounces champagne or any sparkling wine

Instructions 

  • Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously.
  • Strain into a champagne flute, top with champagne. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

Notes

To make simple syrup – combine equal parts granulated sugar and water.  Bring to a simmer, whisking until sugar is fully dissolved.  Remove from heat and cool.  Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two weeks. 

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 75mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Did you like this recipe?Please comment, rate and share! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @foxandbriar AND #foxandbriar so I can see what you made!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase the items I recommend through the links I provide, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, please see my disclosure policy. Thanks for supporting Fox and Briar!

Hello! I’m Meghan.

I am so glad that you are here! I am the recipe developer, photographer, and writer here at my blog Fox and Briar. I am a passionate, self-taught home cook and believe that most things are better homemade and that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

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