This French 75 recipe is the perfect cocktail to wow party guests without a lot of fuss. Made with champagne, gin, and simple syrup, this is the perfect drink to make for a celebration, ladies’ night, or date night in.
While so many people enjoy popping a nice cold bottle of Champagne, sometimes it doesn’t occur to turn that bottle of bubbly into a great cocktail recipe. I always have fun playing bartender and love the idea of Champagne being the beginning of a great cocktail. Given that I am also a huge fan of gin, the French 75 is one of my favorite cocktails.
What is a French 75
A delicious, classic cocktail made with Champagne, gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice, this historic spirit has been around since the World War I era. It gets its name from the French 75mm field gun, as it was said that a sip was as strong as the firearm.
French 75 Ingredients
This citrusy, refreshing French 75 drink is so easy to make. For the full recipe including measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Gin: The base of a French 75, I prefer Bombay Sapphire gin.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for cocktails, but you can use bottled in a pinch.
- Simple syrup: While you can purchase this in the liquor section, it is so easy to make at home. See below for a link to our homemade recipe that only requires two ingredients.
- Cold Champagne: I recommend something on the drier side since you are already adding simple syrup to this cocktail. Prosecco also works well in this French 75 recipe. You can read all the differences between the two here.
How to Make A French 75
Here is a brief overview of how this French 75 recipe comes together. For the full recipe, including measurements of all the ingredients, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Combine Ingredients
Pour the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a Champagne flute.
Add Champagne
Top with chilled, freshly-opened bubbly and give it a gentle stir. Enjoy!
French 75 Variations
A classic French 75 cocktail is made with gin, but there are so many fun ways that you can spin this great cocktail.
- A French 76 is made with vodka instead of gin.
- The French 95 is made with bourbon, and let me tell you, it packs one delicious punch.
- Replace the gin and simple syrup with St. Germain liqueur and you have a French 77.
- Make a French 125 by swapping the gin for Cognac.
- Add in 1/4 ounce Pernod (a French anise-based liqueur) and make a French 69.
If you try this French 75 cocktail recipe or any of my others, please leave a comment. I love hearing from you!
French 75 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin see note
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces champagne chilled
Instructions
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne and stir gently.
Recipe Video
Notes
- I prefer Bombay Sapphire for gin cocktails, but if you want a lower-cost option, Hendrick’s gin and Tanqueray are great.
- To garnish your cocktail with a lemon twist, cut a single strip of lemon peel and twist it up to hang off the edge of your champagne flute.
Tia says
I’ve never heard of this before, or have I seen it in a menu! It’s a shame cause any version of the French cocktail sounds great and I look forward to trying them 😎🥂
I hope you give it a try! And you aren’t wrong. I’ve met plenty of bar tenders who have never heard of it, and I literally pull up my blog and hand them my phone to make the recipe.
Carol A Odasso says
I am not a lover of gin but love Prosecco and the one you have pictured is my favorite brand. Will try with vodka and anxious to try with cognac. THANKS FOR THE DRINK RECIPES. .
I hope you love it!