French 75

The French 75 is a classic champagne cocktail that mixes the fresh taste of gin with lemon juice and a little sweetness, topped with sparkling wine. It gets its name from the French 75mm field gun, hinting at its bold and lively character. The gin and lemon create a crisp, refreshing base, while sugar or simple syrup softens the tartness. Champagne brings light bubbles and a celebratory touch, making it perfect for brunch, weddings, or special events. Smooth and balanced, the French 75 is a drink that feels festive and enjoyable every time you sip it.

Tasting Notes

The French 75 is crisp, bright, and refined with a lively balance of flavors. The gin brings botanical depth, offering subtle herbal and floral notes. Fresh lemon juice adds tartness that wakes up the palate, while sugar or simple syrup provides gentle sweetness to round out the acidity. Champagne or sparkling wine tops the drink, bringing effervescence and a dry, refreshing finish. The lemon twist garnish releases citrus oils, enhancing both aroma and flavor. Each sip is light yet flavorful, making it a cocktail that feels celebratory and uplifting without being overly sweet or heavy perfect for toasting special moments.

Equipment and Glassware

Preparing the French 75 requires a cocktail shaker for blending and chilling the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. A jigger ensures accurate measurements for a balanced result. Use a citrus juicer or handheld reamer to extract fresh lemon juice. A fine mesh strainer will help achieve a smooth pour, free from ice chips. A paring knife or peeler is useful for making a neat lemon twist garnish. The cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled champagne flute, which highlights the sparkling wine’s bubbles and elegant presentation. Keep the champagne or sparkling wine cold until the moment you top the drink.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Gin
• 1/2 oz. Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 3 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
• Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
• Strain into a flute glass.
• Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

• Use a dry sparkling wine to balance sweetness.
• Chill all ingredients for maximum refreshment.
• Shake only the still ingredients add bubbles last.
• Fine strain to avoid ice shards in the flute.
• Express lemon twist oils over the surface before garnishing.
• Avoid overshaking to preserve gin’s delicate flavors.
• Serve immediately to maintain carbonation.

When to Serve

The French 75 is a timeless choice for celebratory events, from weddings and anniversaries to New Year’s Eve gatherings. Its crisp, refreshing profile makes it equally fitting for brunches, garden parties, or as a refined pre-dinner drink. The bubbles and citrus give it a light, uplifting quality that pairs well with seafood, light canapés, and fresh salads. Because it’s both flavorful and visually appealing, it’s an excellent choice when you want a drink that feels festive without being overly strong, making it a favorite at both formal and casual occasions.

What Liquor Brands to Choose?

Gin

• Tanqueray No. Ten
• Bombay Sapphire
• The Botanist
• Hendrick’s Gin
• Aviation Gin

Champagne/Sparkling Wine

• Moët & Chandon Brut
• Veuve Clicquot Brut
• Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
• La Marca Prosecco
• Piper-Heidsieck Brut

Similar Cocktails 

• Mimosa
• Bellini
• Kir Royale
• Negroni Sbagliato
• Aperol Spritz