The French 75 is a classic gin and sparkling wine cocktail that is perfect for any celebration. Whether it's New Year's Eve, a bridal shower, your birthday, or just Sunday brunch, this simple but special classic is an easy and fun cocktail to make at home!
The history of the French 75 cocktail dates back to World War I and is believed to have originated in France.
There are a few different stories regarding its creation, but the most commonly accepted one attributes its invention to Harry MacElhone, the head bartender at the New York Bar in Paris (now known as Harry's New York Bar), around 1915.
This gin and champagne cocktail is quite potent, which is how it got its name. The cocktail was named after the French 75mm field gun, a powerful piece of artillery used by the French military during World War I.
The French 75 gained popularity over the years and became a staple of the cocktail scene, both in France and internationally. Its combination of gin, citrus, and champagne creates a refreshing and elegant drink that is ideal for celebrations and special occasions. Because of its simplicity and sophistication, the French 75 has remained a beloved classic cocktail for over 100 years.
French 75 ingredients
The French 75 is a mix of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne (or other dry sparkling wine). It's served in a champagne flute and garnished with a lemon twist.
Gin
A classic London Dry is always a good choice for this classic recipe, but you can really use any gin you prefer. A citrusy gin or even a very floral or offbeat gin will often work beautifully with the simple flavors.
Some of my favorite gins for this drink are Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, St. George Botanivore, Empress 1908, and the citrusy Citadelle. Malfy's flavored gins, such as the grapefruit Gin Rosa, are wonderful options for a more unusual take on the classic.
Lemon juice
Like any good cocktail recipe, this one calls for freshly squeezed citrus. The difference between fresh and bottled or concentrated lemon juice is immense, so don't substitute here. You'll only need one tablespoon of lemon juice per cocktail, so one large lemon should make a few cocktails.
Simple syrup
We talk DIY syrups here nonstop, but if you're not familiar with making them, check out my Guide to Simple Syrup. It's very easy to make at home and only takes a few minutes. You'll need equal parts regular table sugar and water and a clean glass bottle or jar to store it in.
Champagne (or other dry sparkling wine)
Being a French cocktail, the French 75 is traditionally made with champagne. However, you can substitute other dry sparkling wines and make a great cocktail. Some common alternatives to (the often expensive) champagne are Italian prosecco or Spanish cava. Visit MegandMerlot.com for a comprehensive list of great champagnes under $50.
To shake or not to shake
The best method for preparing a French 75 is to shake the gin, lemon, and syrup with ice, strain the liquid into a chilled flute, and then top with very cold champagne. This will ensure a deliciously chilled, extra effervescent drink.
However, you can prepare a French 75 without a shaker by simply adding all ingredients to a flute. Begin by adding the gin, then the juice and syrup, and finally top with champagne. Make sure that all ingredients have been chilled in advance for the best results. And it's always a good idea to chill your glassware in advance.
How to garnish
A French 75 is garnished with a lemon twist. Be sure to express the oils of the peel over the surface of the drink and then run the peel along the rim of the glass. The oils add a bright citrus aroma that enhances the overall flavor and freshness of the drink. Learn more about creating citrus peel garnishes in my How to Make Cocktail Garnishes (for Beginners).
Variations on the classic
There are so many riffs on the classic recipe, and it's a really fun template for making seasonal variations. Try using a fruit simple syrup such as strawberry rhubarb in the spring, a tropical passion fruit syrup in the summer, or ginger syrup in the fall.
Most any fruit flavored simple syrup with pair well with lemon juice, so just make sure that the flavor of your syrup complements your gin of choice.
Other classic cocktails that are similar in build to the French 75 are the bourbon-based Seelbach and the rum-based Air Mail.
You may also enjoy these other cocktails:
- Honey Ginger French 75
- Christmas Morning Cranberry Mimosas
- Pomegranaté Rose Paloma
- Kir Royale Champagne Cocktail
French 75 (Classic Gin and Champagne Cocktail)
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3-4 oz champagne or other dry sparkling wine
Instructions
- Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill it ¾ with ice.
- Shake until chilled, then strain into a chilled champagne flute and top with champagne.
- Garnish with an expressed lemon twist.