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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
French 75 Cocktail
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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The French 75 recipe is a classic! I love the balance of bright lemon, gin, and bubbly champagne—it’s refreshing yet sophisticated. Perfect for celebrations or even a casual brunch upgrade!