French 75

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A classic cocktail combining gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne for a perfectly balanced, refreshing, and elegant drink.

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Champagne Flute

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Recipe

1 cocktail (190ml)

London Dry Gin
40 ml
Lemon Juice
20 ml
Simple syrup (1:1)
10 ml
Brut Champagne
75 ml
Lemon Peel
1 twist

Recipe credit: Classic recipe, standardized with metric measurements

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill a champagne flute or coupe glass in advance for optimal temperature and presentation.

Step

In a cocktail shaker, combine 40ml gin, 20ml fresh lemon juice, and 10ml simple syrup.

Step

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

Step

Strain the mixture into the chilled glass using a hawthorne strainer.

Step

Gently top with 75ml of chilled brut Champagne, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.

Step

Express a lemon peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in or twist and hang on the rim as garnish.

Equipment

Shaker

Hawthorne Strainer

Jigger

Citrus peeler

Description

The French 75 is a legendary cocktail that originated in Paris during World War I, named after the French 75mm field gun to reflect its potent yet smooth character. This effervescent classic combines London Dry gin with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and brut Champagne to create a drink that is both refreshing and sophisticated. The cocktail represents the perfect marriage of citrus brightness, botanical complexity, and sparkling elegance, making it an ideal choice for celebrations and special occasions.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (190ml)

Calories

155

ABV

17.2 %

Alcohol

16.8 g

Carbs

4.5 g

Carbs from Sugar

4.2 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0.1 g

Sodium

2 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Allergens

Sulfites

Tips & Notes

Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor - bottled juice will compromise the drink's crisp character.
Ensure all components, especially the sparkling wine, are well chilled to maintain effervescence and prevent flat bubbles.
Pour the Champagne slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and prevent excessive foaming.
The key to a perfect French 75 is balancing the tartness of lemon, sweetness of syrup, gin botanicals, and Champagne dryness.
For batch preparation, mix the base ingredients in a pitcher and top each glass individually with Champagne just before serving.

Can I substitute gin with another spirit in a French 75?

Yes, cognac is a classic alternative that creates a French 75 Cognac version with a richer, rounder profile. Vodka can also be used for a cleaner, more neutral base, though this changes the cocktail’s traditional character.

What type of sparkling wine works best if I don't have Champagne?

Brut Prosecco, Crémant, or any quality dry sparkling wine works excellently. The key is choosing a brut (dry) style to maintain the cocktail’s balance – avoid sweet sparkling wines which will make the drink cloying.

Should I use a flute or coupe glass for serving?

Both work beautifully – flutes preserve bubbles longer and showcase the effervescence, while coupes offer a classic, elegant presentation. Choose based on your preference and the occasion’s style.

How can I make simple syrup for this cocktail?

Combine equal parts sugar and water (e.g., 50g sugar + 50ml water), heat gently while stirring until sugar completely dissolves, then cool before use. Store refrigerated for up to one month.