French 75 Cocktail Recipe: The French 75 cocktail is a classic and elegant drink that dates back to World War I. It’s a refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne, creating a bubbly, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor. Named after the French 75mm field gun, this cocktail delivers a powerful kick while maintaining sophistication.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect French 75 cocktail, including variations, tips, and serving suggestions.
What is a French 75 Cocktail?
A French 75 is a gin-based cocktail that is both crisp and celebratory. It’s known for its bubbly texture, citrus-forward flavor, and perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The combination of gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates an invigorating drink suitable for any occasion.
History of the French 75
The French 75 originated during World War I and was first created at the New York Bar in Paris, which later became the famous Harry’s New York Bar. It was named after the French 75mm Howitzer field gun, known for its powerful yet smooth firing mechanism—much like the cocktail itself!
This drink gained popularity over the years and became a staple in classic cocktail bars worldwide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a perfect French 75 cocktail, you’ll need:
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin – Preferably London Dry Gin
- ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) Champagne – Brut works best
- Lemon twist or cherry for garnish
- Ice cubes
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Champagne flute or coupe glass
- Jigger (for measuring)
How to Make French 75 Cocktail – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready. Fresh lemon juice is crucial for the best flavor, so squeeze it just before making your drink.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
A French 75 is traditionally served in a Champagne flute or coupe glass. Chill your glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- In a cocktail shaker, add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes to chill the ingredients properly.
Step 4: Shake and Strain
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to ensure the flavors blend well.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled Champagne flute.
Step 5: Add Champagne and Garnish
- Slowly top with 2-3 oz of chilled Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry for an elegant finish.
Best Gin for a French 75
The choice of gin can affect the overall taste of your French 75. Here are some recommended options:
- London Dry Gin (e.g., Beefeater, Tanqueray) – Classic choice with a juniper-forward profile.
- Plymouth Gin – Slightly softer and more citrus-forward.
- Hendrick’s Gin – Offers floral and cucumber notes for a unique twist.
French 75 Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these variations:
- French 75 with Cognac – Use Cognac instead of gin for a richer, smoother taste.
- French 95 – Replace gin with bourbon for a deeper flavor.
- French 76 – Swap gin for vodka for a cleaner, milder drink.
- French 125 – Substitute gin with dark rum for a tropical twist.
Best Occasions to Serve a French 75
The French 75 is a versatile cocktail suitable for various occasions:
- Brunch gatherings – Its light and bubbly nature makes it perfect for daytime celebrations.
- Weddings & anniversaries – A sophisticated alternative to a traditional Champagne toast.
- New Year’s Eve parties – A festive drink to ring in the new year.
- Dinner parties – Impress your guests with this elegant and refreshing cocktail.
Tips for the Perfect French 75
- Use high-quality Champagne – A Brut or Extra Brut Champagne balances the sweetness.
- Always use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant citrus flavor.
- Shake the gin mixture well – Proper shaking blends the flavors and chills the drink.
- Pour Champagne slowly – This prevents excessive fizz and ensures a smooth pour.
- Garnish elegantly – A simple lemon twist enhances the presentation and aroma.
FAQs about French 75 Cocktail Recipe
1. What is a French 75 cocktail?
The French 75 is a classic cocktail with a sparkling twist, combining gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. It’s known for its delightful balance of citrus and sweetness with a bubbly finish, making it a popular choice for celebrations.
2. What type of gin is best for a French 75?
A dry gin is typically recommended for a French 75 because its herbal notes complement the sharpness of the lemon and the sweetness of the syrup. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or a local dry gin from your region are excellent choices.
3. Can I substitute champagne in a French 75?
Absolutely! While traditionalists prefer champagne, you can also use other sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava. The key is to use a dry (brut) variety to maintain the cocktail’s signature taste.
4. How do I make simple syrup for a French 75?
Simple syrup is easy to make by mixing equal parts sugar and water, then heating them until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool it down before using it in your cocktail for the best integration of sweetness.
5. What’s the best way to serve a French 75?
Serve your French 75 in a chilled flute to enhance its elegant presentation and effervescence. Garnish with a lemon twist to add an aromatic flair to this festive drink.
6. Is there a non-alcoholic version of the French 75?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic French 75 by substituting the gin and champagne with non-alcoholic spirits and a sparkling white grape juice or a sophisticated non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
7. How do I adjust the sweetness of my French 75?
The simple syrup can be adjusted to taste. Start with less syrup and add more as needed, tasting as you go, to customize the cocktail to your preference.
8. What are the best occasions to serve a French 75?
The French 75 is perfect for any celebration, especially weddings, anniversaries, and New Year’s Eve parties. Its festive nature makes it a hit at any event where champagne is appropriate.
The French 75 cocktail is a timeless and elegant drink that’s easy to make and perfect for any celebration. With its crisp, citrusy flavor and sparkling finish, it’s sure to impress your guests or elevate your next special occasion.
