French 75 Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones

French 75 Cocktail Recipe

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French 75 Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time
3 minutes
Servings
1
Glassware
Champagne Flute and Coupe Glass

Ingredients

  • 1 oz gin (30 ml)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup (15 ml)
  • 3 oz chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine (90 ml)
  • Lemon twist, for garnish

Tools

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  • Jigger
  • Citrus juicer
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)
  • Paring knife (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake briefly until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled Champagne flute or coupe.
  4. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Mixologist's Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice will dull the drink’s brightness.
  • Brut Champagne or a dry cava works best to balance sweetness.
    Chill the sparkling wine and glassware to maintain fizz and freshness.

Flavor Profile

Crisp, citrusy, and lightly effervescent with a dry finish and a touch of botanical bite.

About the French 75 cocktail

The French 75 looks delicate, but don’t be fooled; it packs a punch.

This sparkling cocktail dates back to World War I and was first documented in 1915 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Named after the French 75mm field gun, it earned its title because it hits hard - in a good way.

With gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne, it walks the line between elegance and energy, making it perfect for weddings, brunches, and celebrations that require both sparkle and spirit.

Why the French 75 Balances Bubbles and Bite

The French 75 cocktail recipe marries two cocktail worlds: the citrusy sharpness of a gin sour and the effervescence of sparkling wine.

It’s fizzy, tart, and slightly sweet, but with the strength of a full-fledged cocktail underneath. The bubbles lift the citrus and soften the edges of the gin, giving the drink its signature brightness.

It’s one of the rare cocktails that feels at home both before dinner and at a New Year’s toast.

Variations and What to Serve It With

You can easily tailor the French 75 to suit your style.

  • Try it with Cognac instead of gin for a richer twist (closer to the original).

  • Swap in sparkling rosé for extra fruitiness.

  • Adjust the sugar to taste, or use a honey or lavender syrup for floral depth.

Food pairings? Think oysters, smoked salmon, goat cheese, or lemony desserts. The acidity and sparkle cut through fat and salt beautifully.

Why the French 75 Still Pops

The French 75 is bold, bubbly, and effortlessly classy.

It’s proof that a cocktail can be both refined and rebellious, and still taste like a celebration.