Menu
Beverages / Cocktails / Recipes

French 75 Cocktail

Updated May 21, 2023

This French 75 cocktail will take your taste buds on a wild ride with its enchanting combination of gin, champagne, zesty citrus, and a hint of sweetness.

French 75 Cocktail

If you want to feel fancy and refreshed, a French 75 cocktail is the way to go.

This bubbly and fizzy drink, made with sparkling wine, has a delicious flavor that’s perfect for brunch, cocktail parties, or summer evenings.

It’s often referred to as a champagne cocktail, but it’s actually a variation of the Tom Collins. Instead of using soda water, like the Tom Collins does, the French 75 incorporates champagne.

Not only is this cocktail light and crisp, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover bubbly from celebrations like New Year’s Eve or the night before.

So next time you’re in the mood for a sophisticated and refreshing drink, give the French 75 a try!

French 75 with champagne

What does French 75 taste like?

A French 75 has the perfect harmony of flavors from the gin’s herbaceous, the zesty lemon juice, subtle sweetness from simple syrup and the lively effervescence from the sparkling wine.

Why do they call it French 75?

The French 75 is named after a powerful artillery piece the French used in World War I. The drink is a nod to the same amount of kick and impact that the artillery piece had.

French 75 Drink ingredients

What goes in a French 75?

  • Gin
  • Lemon juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Champagne
  • Lemon slice, for garnish

French 75 Variations

There are several variations to the French 75 cocktail. Here are a few of our favorites.

  • French 76: Uses vodka instead of gin.
  • French 95: Bourbon is used instead of gin.
  • French 125: Uses cognac instead of gin and a bit stronger.
  • French 77: Made with elderflower liqueur.
  • French Royale: Swaps sparkling wine with champagne.

How to Make a French 75 Cocktail

  1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup and shake well.
  2. Strain and pour into a champagne flute and top with champagne.
  3. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy. Cheers!

Recipe Tips

  • If the gin is too strong, add a bit more simple syrup to make it sweeter.
  • For best results chill liquids beforehand to keep drink cold.
French 75

FAQs

Can you make a French 75 non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can. Replace the champagne with sparkling water or club soda and omit the gin.

Can I make French 75 cocktails for a crowd?

Yes, you can make a big batch for entertaining. To do so, add 2 cups gin, 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup simple syrup to a pitcher and stir. Pour halfway up individual champagne flutes, top with champagne and garnish. This will make 8 servings.

Can I make a French 75 ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix up the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a pitcher ahead of time and store in the fridge. When ready to serve pour into champagne flutes and top off with champagne.

More Delicious and Elegant Cocktails

French 75 Cocktail

French 75 Cocktail

Yield: Makes 1 Drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This French 75 cocktail will take your taste buds on a wild ride with its enchanting combination of gin, champagne, zesty citrus, and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 ounces champagne
  • lemon slice

Instructions

    1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup and shake well.
    2. Strain and pour into a champagne flute and top with champagne.
    3. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy. Cheers!

Notes

  • If the gin is too strong, add a bit more simple syrup to make it sweeter.
  • For best results chill liquids beforehand to keep drink cold.

No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Skip to Recipe