The French 75 cocktail is a symbol of elegance in a glass—bright, bubbly, and slightly boozy. Made with gin, Champagne, lemon, and sugar, it strikes a perfect balance between refreshment and sophistication. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or preparing one for brunch, this French 75 recipe demonstrates that simplicity and sparkle can go hand in hand.
What Is a French 75 Drink?
The French 75 drink is a classic cocktail made with gin (or sometimes cognac), fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. It’s light, citrusy, and crisp — like a sparkling gin sour with a celebratory twist.
The name “French 75” refers to the powerful French 75mm field gun used during World War I. The cocktail earned the comparison because it “packs a punch,” despite its elegant appearance.
Today, the French 75 cocktail is a favorite for brunches, weddings, and especially holiday parties, where bubbles meet timeless charm.
French 75 Cocktail History
The French 75 cocktail’s history dates back to the early 20th century. It first appeared in print in 1915 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris — a legendary spot for American expatriates during World War I. Bartender Harry MacElhone is often credited with its creation, though variations likely existed before then.
Originally made with gin, the classic French 75 recipe evolved to include cognac versions in later decades, particularly in France. By the 1930s, the cocktail appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book, cementing its place as a Prohibition-era favorite.
Whether enjoyed in smoky jazz clubs or modern rooftop bars, the French 75 remains a timeless symbol of celebration.
Classic French 75 Recipe
To learn how to make a French 75, start with the original. This classic French 75 recipe is as elegant as it is easy.
Ingredients (for one cocktail):
- 1 oz gin (London dry gin, like Tanqueray or Bombay, works beautifully)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
Directions:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a Champagne flute or coupe.
- Top with chilled Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
Tip: For the best French 75 recipe, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and good-quality Champagne. The bubbles should lift the flavors rather than overpower them.
Gin French 75 vs Cognac French 75
While the gin French 75 is most common, the cognac French 75 offers a deeper, richer flavor. Here’s the difference:
- Gin French 75: Light, floral, and refreshing — perfect for daytime or brunch.
- Cognac French 75: Smooth, warm, and complex — ideal for evening sipping or holiday gatherings.
Both versions use the same proportions; simply swap the gin for cognac.
Modern French 75 Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you can experiment with French 75 cocktail variations that bring new life to this timeless drink.
Elderflower French 75
Add 0.5 oz of elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain) before topping with Champagne. The elderflower French 75 is floral, aromatic, and perfect for spring celebrations.
Strawberry French 75
Muddle a few fresh strawberries in the shaker before adding the gin and lemon. Strain well for a strawberry French 75 that’s fruity and fun — a favorite for summer events.
Frozen French 75
Blend gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, then top with sparkling wine. The frozen French 75 is the ultimate warm-weather refresher.
Holiday French 75
Add a festive touch with cranberry syrup or pomegranate juice instead of simple syrup. The holiday French 75 is a stunning choice for winter parties and New Year’s Eve toasts.
Easy French 75 Pitcher Recipe
Hosting a crowd? Try a French 75 pitcher recipe to serve multiple guests at once.
Pitcher Ingredients (makes six cocktails):
- 6 oz gin
- 3 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz simple syrup
- 1 bottle (750 mL) Champagne or sparkling wine
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, pour 3 oz of the mix into each glass and top with Champagne.
- Garnish with lemon twists or edible flowers.
This easy French 75 recipe saves time and still looks impressive at any gathering.
Tips for Making the Best French 75 Cocktail
Want to make your French 75 cocktail recipe shine? Keep these pro tips in mind:
- Chill everything — the glass, the gin, and the Champagne. A cold French 75 is a better French 75.
- Balance the sweetness. Adjust your simple syrup to taste depending on the dryness of your sparkling wine.
- Use quality bubbles. Champagne is classic, but dry Prosecco or Cava can be excellent alternatives.
- Garnish with style. A long lemon twist adds aroma and flair.
The French 75 endures because it’s equal parts simple, sparkling, and sophisticated. From holiday French 75 versions to elderflower or strawberry twists, this drink proves that celebration never goes out of style.
Looking for more drink recipes? Check out our Breaking Down series for more blogs!
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