French 75 Cocktail Recipe

French 75 Nutrition Facts

Calories:163

Fat:0g

Protein:0.1g

Carbohydrates:6.7g

Alcohol percent:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The French 75 is a classic cocktail that dates back to World War I. It was created by Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris and named after the French 75mm field gun, due to its powerful kick. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, bubbly drink with a touch of elegance.

How French 75 Tastes?

The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.

Interesting facts about French 75

  • The French 75 was originally made with cognac instead of gin, but gin became the more popular choice over time.
  • The cocktail is often served in a champagne flute to showcase its elegant appearance and bubbly nature.
  • The French 75 is a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions due to its festive, sparkling presentation.

Ingredients

A few good options for French 75 are:

  • Bombay Sapphire Gin
  • Elephant Gin
  • Hendrick's Lunar Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

GIN

The heart of this sparkling concoction, gin provides herbal and sometimes floral notes that add depth to the cocktail. The standard 1.5oz is just right for a balanced kick without overpowering the delicate champagne. Go overboard, and you might as well be making a martini!

Alex Green

LEMON JUICE

Freshly squeezed, please — none of that bottled stuff. It's all about brightness and bite, cutting through and complementing the gin's botanicals. At 0.5oz, you get a refreshing tang without puckering up like you’ve just kissed a lemon. No lemon juice? The cocktail loses its zing, leaving it flat and unbalanced.

Emma Rose

SIMPLE SYRUP

The peacekeeper between gin and lemon, this sweetener is here to round out the sharp edges and add a silky smoothness. Not too much, not too little, just 0.5oz to say, 'Hey, let’s all get along.' Go without, and you may find your smile turning into a grimace.

Mary Mitkina

CHAMPAGNE

The bubbly star of the show, bringing effervescence and a touch of class. Champagne's 2oz is just enough to fill the flute and tickle your nose with its fizzy magic. It lightens the mix, making the drink celebratory. Swap it out, and it’s like a party without the music — just flat and sad.

Alex Green

LEMON TWIST

The garnish that not only looks snazzy but also adds an aromatic zest as you go in for a sip. It serves as a fragrant reminder of the bright flavors within your glass. Twisting that peel releases essential oils that whisper 'Here comes the sun.'

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make French 75 Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
  4. Top with champagne and gently stir to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glassware before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
  • Use high-quality champagne for a more luxurious taste.
  • Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup vigorously to properly blend the flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

A classic match for the French 75 is seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters or shrimp. The crispness of the champagne cuts through the richness of the seafood, while the citrus notes complement the briny flavors.

Canapés

Elegant and bite-sized canapés, especially those with a hint of citrus or herby flavors, would go hand in hand with this cocktail. Think smoked salmon on blinis with a touch of crème fraîche.

Brunch

French 75s are fantastic for brunch. Pair them with eggs Benedict, French toast, or a fruit salad to elevate your mid-morning dining experience.

Cheese

A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, will pair beautifully with the French 75. The acidity and bubbles can cut through the creaminess of the cheese.

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What you could change in French 75

  • Cognac can be used instead of gin for a more traditional version of the cocktail.
  • Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
  • Prosecco or other sparkling wines can be used instead of champagne.

Explore all drinks starting with F here

And of course - twists🍹

ROSÉ 75

Swap out regular champagne for a brut rosé. The result? A pinkish hue and a flirty twist on the classic. It's like the French 75 went on a summer holiday in the Riviera.

Ingredients: Replace champagne with rosé champagne. Recipe: Follow the original recipe, changing only the type of champagne.

CUCUMBER 75

For a spa-like refreshment, include thinly sliced cucumber during the shaking process. This green twist features an earthier tone, like a garden party in a glass.

Ingredients: Add several thin slices of cucumber to the shake. Recipe: Muddle cucumber slices with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup before shaking.

HONEY 75

Substitute simple syrup with honey syrup for an autumnal touch. It will give the cocktail a richer, deeper sweetness that pairs well with the botanicals of the gin.

Ingredients: Replace simple syrup with equal amount of honey syrup. Recipe: Follow the original recipe, swapping syrups.

In case you forgot basics how to make French 75

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on French 75

Where does the name 'French 75' come from?

The drink was named 'French 75' after the 75mm Howitzer field gun that was used by the French during World War I. The cocktail was said to have such a kick that drinking it felt like being shelled with the powerful gun.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the French 75?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version can be made using non-alcoholic champagne or sparkling cider, non-alcoholic gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

What kind of gin works best for a French 75?

A classic London dry gin is often used in French 75, but you can experiment with different kinds of gin to see which flavor profile you prefer.

What other cocktails can I make with these ingredients?

Many other cocktails use similar ingredients. For instance, if you replace champagne with club soda and omit the lemon twist, you can make a Tom Collins. If you just use gin, lemon juice and simple syrup without the champagne, you get a Gin Sour.

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