Holiday French 75

Snow was falling the first time I swapped a classic French 75 for this holiday version, and it felt like the right move the moment I took a sip. The bright bubbles were still there, but the cranberry and spice made it feel warmer and more seasonal. This Holiday French 75 keeps the structure of the original while leaning fully into winter flavors.

This drink works beautifully as a welcome cocktail, a Christmas Eve toast, or even a New Year’s warm up. The spiced cranberry syrup adds color, aroma, and depth, while gin and champagne keep it crisp. If you are looking for a holiday recipe that looks impressive but stays approachable, this Holiday French 75 delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This

This Holiday French 75 brings together classic structure and seasonal flavor in a way that feels effortless. It is bright, bubbly, and balanced, making it easy to enjoy more than one without feeling overwhelmed. The homemade cranberry syrup adds a personal touch that guests always notice.

Here are a few reasons this cocktail stands out during the holidays:

• Light and refreshing with festive flavor
• Beautiful color that fits holiday tables
• Easy to prepare once the syrup is made
• Perfect for toasts and celebrations
• Scales well for parties and gatherings

Once you try it, it becomes one of those drinks you remember year after year.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this cocktail plays a clear role, and together they create a balanced holiday drink. Gin provides structure and botanicals, lemon juice adds brightness, and the spiced cranberry syrup brings warmth and seasonal depth. Champagne finishes the drink with lift and celebration.

For the Holiday French 75:

• 1 ounce gin
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• ¾ ounce Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup
• champagne (pour in until full)
• fresh cranberries for garnish
• fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

Spiced Cranberry Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 orange peel
• 1/2 tsp vanilla paste

Using fresh cranberries gives the syrup a clean tart flavor that bottled versions rarely match.

You can find the full Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup recipe here if you want to make a batch ahead and keep it on hand for cocktails and mocktails.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This cocktail does not require top shelf spirits, but choosing well balanced options makes a noticeable difference. Gin and champagne both shine here, so it helps to pick styles that complement cranberry and spice rather than overpower them.

Here are some reliable choices and swaps:

• Gin: London dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray keeps the drink crisp. A softer gin like Hendrick’s works well if you enjoy lighter botanicals.
• Champagne: Brut champagne keeps the drink balanced. Prosecco adds fruitiness, while Cava gives a drier finish.
• Gin Substitute: Vodka can be used if you prefer a neutral base. The syrup will still carry most of the flavor.

Stick with dry sparkling wine styles to avoid making the drink overly sweet.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few tools to make this recipe, which is part of what makes it friendly for home bartending. A shaker, a strainer, and a flute or coupe glass are the basics.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Champagne flute
• Strainer

A flute works if you want a classic look, but a coupe feels relaxed and still shows off the color nicely.

How to Make It

Once the syrup is ready, this cocktail comes together quickly. Building it properly helps keep the champagne lively and the flavors balanced.

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, and spiced cranberry syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled, about 10 to 12 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or coupe glass.
4. Top with champagne until the glass is full.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.

Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Syrup

This syrup is the heart of the cocktail and can be made ahead of time. It adds depth, color, and a gentle spice that works beautifully with gin and champagne.

1. Add cranberries, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, orange peel, and vanilla paste to a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Strain into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

The syrup thickens slightly as it cools and becomes more flavorful after resting.

Pro Tips

Small details make this cocktail shine, especially when serving it for special occasions. These tips help maintain balance and presentation.

• Chill champagne and glasses ahead of time
• Do not over shake to avoid watering down the base
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness
• Clap the rosemary sprig gently before garnishing to release aroma
• Adjust syrup amount slightly based on cranberry tartness
• Strain carefully to keep the drink clear
• Keep champagne cold until the last moment

These steps help the drink feel polished without adding complexity.

Variations

This Holiday French 75 is easy to adapt based on taste or occasion. Small tweaks can give it a different personality while keeping the holiday feel.

• Use blood orange juice instead of lemon for deeper citrus notes
• Swap rosemary for thyme for a softer herbal aroma
• Add a splash of pomegranate juice for deeper color
• Make a non alcoholic version using sparkling water and cranberry syrup
• Use rosé sparkling wine for a berry forward finish

Each variation keeps the drink festive and approachable.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail works beautifully throughout the holiday season. It fits casual gatherings just as well as formal dinners, making it very versatile.

Serve it with:

• Cheese boards with soft cheeses
• Shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon
• Holiday appetizers with citrus or herbs
• Light desserts like shortbread cookies
• Other champagne cocktails for a themed menu

The acidity and bubbles help balance richer holiday foods.

Storage and Serving Notes

The spiced cranberry syrup can be made well ahead of time, which saves effort on party day. The cocktail itself should always be assembled fresh.

Helpful notes:

• Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
• Do not pre mix with champagne
• Shake base ingredients just before serving
• Garnish right before presenting

Fresh assembly keeps the bubbles lively and the flavors clean.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions about the Holiday French 75.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
You can prepare the syrup and juice mix ahead, but add champagne right before serving.

Is this drink sweet?
It is balanced, with gentle sweetness from the syrup and dryness from champagne.

Can I use bottled cranberry syrup?
Yes, but homemade offers better flavor and control over sweetness.

What gin style works best?
London dry gins pair best with cranberry and spice.

Is this good for large parties?
Yes, especially if you prep the syrup ahead of time.

More Cocktails to Try

Here are a few drinks that share the same bright, cheerful mood. They make excellent links for readers who like berry spritz or holiday cocktail ideas.

• Rosemary Gin Fizz: Light, airy, and perfect for slow afternoons.
• Cranberry Mimosa: A simple mix of cranberry juice and sparkling wine that feels great for brunch.
• Winter Spritz: A citrus-forward drink with a clean finish.
• Classic French 75: The original version that inspired this holiday twist.