Â
August 6, 2025
If you’re looking for a drink that feels fancy but is super simple to make, this French 75 cocktail recipe is a solid choice. It’s bubbly, refreshing, and has just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want a fun weekend drink, this one fits the mood.
The recipe is pretty straightforward. You just need gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne or sparkling wine. The lemon brings in some tartness, the gin adds a botanical touch, and the bubbles make it feel light even though it's stronger than it tastes.
This cocktail has roots in Paris during World War I. A bartender named Harry MacElhone created it and named it after the French 75mm field gun because of the strong hit it delivers. That said, it’s easy to control the strength when you’re making it at home.
Whether you're just getting into cocktails or you’ve been mixing for a while, the French 75 is a timeless drink that's always fun to make and share.
What's in a French 75 Cocktail?
The French 75 is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is actually easy to make. With just four ingredients, you get a bubbly, refreshing cocktail that works for brunch, parties, or whenever you want something a little more special.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Gin – A London Dry gin gives you a bold, clean base. If you want something more floral, go with Hendrick’s. Plymouth gin is a bit softer and smoother. You can also switch things up with cognac for a richer, warmer twist.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is the only way to go. It gives the drink its bright, crisp flavor. Bottled juice tends to taste flat, so skip it if you can. Roll your lemon before cutting it to get more juice out.
- Simple Syrup – This keeps the tartness in check. Just mix equal parts sugar and hot water until it dissolves. You can also try honey syrup for a floral note or agave syrup for a bit of earthiness. Powdered sugar works in a pinch and dissolves fast when shaking.
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine – Brut Champagne gives the cocktail its classic dry finish. For something lighter or more budget-friendly, Prosecco adds fruitiness and Cava gives a crisp, clean taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll just need a few basic tools to make this cocktail:
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger
- Champagne flute or coupe glass
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
If you want everything in one go, the MixMaster Pro Deluxe Cocktail Set has all the tools you need to make cocktails like the French 75 at home.
How to Make a French 75
Making a French 75 is quick and easy once you get the hang of it. You’ll start by building the base in a cocktail shaker.
Add your gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Then fill it with ice and give it a good shake for about 10 to 15 seconds.
Whatever you do, don’t shake the Champagne. That’ll kill the bubbles and could cause a fizzy mess.
Once you’ve shaken the base, strain it into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Chilling the glass first helps keep your drink nice and cold.
Now it’s time to top it off. Slowly pour in your Champagne or sparkling wine. Go easy here so you keep the bubbles and avoid overflow.
Grab a lemon peel and twist it over the drink to release those fresh oils. You can drop it in as a garnish or run it around the rim first for extra citrus aroma.
The French 75 might look light and bubbly, but it’s got a solid kick. The lemon brightens up the gin and ties everything together.
Try to mix the base right before serving so the drink stays crisp. And if your ingredients are too warm, your cocktail will be too.
Some people like serving this in a highball glass over ice, but a flute holds the bubbles better. Go with whatever feels right for the occasion.
You’ll find the full recipe with exact amounts in the recipe card below. These simple steps will help you nail it every time.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best French 75 Cocktail
- Chill your Champagne and glasses for at least 30 minutes before you pour. Cold drinks stay crisp and fizzy longer.
- Use fresh lemon juice, not the bottled kind. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Make your own simple syrup. Just mix equal parts sugar and hot water until it dissolves. It’s super easy and tastes way better than store-bought.
- Never shake the Champagne. Shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice first, then strain it into your glass. Add the bubbles last so they don’t go flat.
- If you’re adding delicate garnishes like herbs or flowers, stir them in instead of shaking. That way, they won’t get bruised or mushy.
- Pour your Champagne slowly down the back of a bar spoon. It helps keep the bubbles from disappearing too quickly.
- Go with a flute for that classic look. Coupes work too, but skip the tall glasses with ice. They water everything down and steal the sparkle.
French 75 Variations to Try
Once you’ve got the classic French 75 down, it’s fun to switch things up. These simple variations give the drink a fresh twist while still keeping its bubbly charm.
- Cognac French 75 (also called a French 125)
Swap out the gin for cognac to create a warmer, richer version. It still keeps that citrusy kick but adds a smooth depth. - Rosé Sparkling Wine
Use sparkling rosé instead of Champagne for a light pink hue and a more festive feel. Great for special occasions or brunch. - Touch of Absinthe
Add just one drop of absinthe for a subtle herbal backdrop. It nods to the drink’s Parisian roots without taking over the flavor. - Play with Different Gins
The gin you use makes a big difference. Herbal gins add an earthy layer, citrusy gins brighten everything up, and spicy gins bring a little warmth. - Switch Up the Citrus
You’re not limited to lemon juice. Lime gives it a sharper, more tropical feel. Blood orange adds sweetness and bold color. Grapefruit brings in a nice bitter-sweet balance. - Try a Splash of Herbal Liqueur
Add 1/4 oz of Chartreuse if you want something more complex. Just a small amount adds depth without overpowering the bubbles.
More Cocktails to Try
If you’re in the mood to explore more refreshing classics, here are a few great ones to add to your list:
- Tom Collins
- Mimosa
- Bellini
- Classic Martini
- Aperol Spritz
- Ramos Gin Fizz
- Clover Club
- Southside
- Gin Basil Smash
- Gin Sour
- Corpse Reviver No. 2
- French 95
- El Diablo
- Mary Pickford
- Jungle Bird
Frequently Asked Questions
London Dry gins work best for a classic French 75 taste. Brands like Tanqueray, Hendrick's, or Bombay Sapphire add distinct, refined flavors to your cocktail.
Botanical gins with floral notes create modern twists on the original recipe. These gins complement the lemon and Champagne without overpowering them.
Avoid overly sweet or heavily flavored gins in this drink. They can clash with the delicate balance of citrus and bubbles.
The cocktail gets its name from the French 75mm field gun used in World War I. Bartenders said the drink packed as much punch as this powerful artillery piece.
The cocktail was created around 1915 in Paris during wartime. The military connection reflected the era's influence on popular culture.
The name stuck because the drink does deliver a strong kick despite its elegant appearance. The combination of gin and Champagne creates surprising potency.
A French 75 typically contains 15-20% alcohol by volume depending on your gin and Champagne choices. This makes it stronger than a Mimosa but lighter than a Martini.
The bubbles make it seem gentler than it actually is. The combination of gin and Champagne creates deceptive strength that sneaks up on you.
It's stronger than a Tom Collins since you add Champagne instead of plain soda water. Always drink this cocktail with awareness of its potency.
The French 76 uses vodka instead of gin as its base spirit. Both cocktails include lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne in equal amounts.
Vodka creates a neutral, clean taste while gin adds botanical complexity and flavor. The French 76 appeals to people who don't enjoy gin's herbal notes.
The French 76 is a modern variation that became popular in recent decades. It offers the same bubbly experience with a smoother, less complex flavor profile.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
The French 75 is a light, bubbly cocktail that mixes gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with Champagne. It’s citrusy, slightly sweet, and just fancy enough to make any moment feel a little more special.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh Strainer
- Jigger
- Champagne flute or coupe glass
- Bar Spoon optional
- Citrus juicer optional
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz Champagne or dry sparkling wine
- Lemon twist optional garnish
Instructions
- Add your gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake it hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until the mix is nice and cold.
- Strain it into a chilled Champagne flute using a fine-mesh strainer (this helps get rid of any ice bits or pulp).
- Slowly top it off with about 3 ounces of cold Champagne or sparkling wine. Pour gently to keep the bubbles going.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
Follow me
0 comments