French 75 Cocktail

The French 75 is a classic cocktail made with gin and lemon. This drink recipe is classy and perfect for celebrations of all kinds!

Here’s one of the most sophisticated and refreshing cocktails around: the French 75! It’s tangy, bubbly, and a bit botanical, and it makes every occasion more festive! Perfect for entertaining, this classic French-born cocktail is ideal for anything from a brunch to a dinner party with friends. Really, any occasion is better with this drink in hand!

What is a French 75?

A French 75 is a champagne cocktail made with gin, lemon and simple syrup. It’s a classic alcoholic drink on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. What does it taste like? It’s complex and tangy, with a bubbly mouthfeel and botanical notes from the gin. Here’s what’s in a classic French 75 cocktail:

• Gin
• Lemon juice
• Simple syrup
• Champagne

You also can substitute pure maple syrup instead of simple syrup as a naturally sweet option. In fact, we prefer the flavor: it’s a gentler sweetener than sugar. We use this trick in many of our classic cocktails, from our gin fizz to classic daiquiri to whiskey sour. But of course you can use simple syrup instead if you prefer!

Why is it called French 75?

Most sources say that French 75 was invented in 1915 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, a popular bar where other famous classic cocktails were born (like the Bloody Mary, Sidecar, Between the Sheets, and more). It got this name because it was as powerful as a French 75mm field gun.

Is French 75 a girly drink?

Drinking a delicious champagne cocktail has nothing to do with gender! Yes, cocktails made with champagne are sometimes called “girly.” But the French 75 is something anyone can drink. And that’s a fact!

Love champagne or sparkling wine? Check out our Easy Champagne Cocktails, including The Classic Champagne Cocktail, Chambord & Champagne, St Germain Champagne Cocktail and more.

Can you make a non-alcoholic French 75?

Yes, you can make a French 75 without alcohol! Just substitute non-alcoholic sparkling cider, grape juice, or wine for the champagne, and tonic water with a few dashes of cocktail bitters for the gin. These days there are some great non-alcoholic sparkling wine options on the market. Check your local grocery to see what is available.

Making mocktails or 0 proof cocktails are great for including people who don’t drink alcohol, pregnant women, or kids. Our son always wants to drink what we’re having. So make up a batch of kiddie French 75 cocktails for the young ones! (How cute would that be?)

Wondering how to make a lemon twist?

Half of the fun of a French 75 is the garnish. How to make a lemon twist for a drink? Alex figured out a way to make this classic garnish using no special tools. Go to How to Make a Lemon Twist (with a Knife!).

Any cocktail shaker recommendations?

If you make cocktails often, it’s worth buying a cocktail shaker! It quickly chills cocktails by shaking them against ice. It has a strainer so you can easily strain out the cocktail without the ice. Here’s the cocktail shaker we use: Favorite Cocktail Shaker | Amazon

What’s a substitute for a cocktail shaker? If you want to make this French 75 without one, here’s what you can do: Use a glass mason jar instead! Place the cocktail in the jar and fill it with ice. Then screw on the top and shake. When you pour out the cocktail, use a mesh strainer to keep the ice inside the mason jar.

When to serve a French 75

This classic champagne cocktail is festive and makes any occasion more celebratory! Here are some great times to serve a French 75:

• Brunch drink (Mother’s Day, etc)
• New Year’s Eve drink
• Holiday drink or Christmas cocktail
• Bridal shower, bachelorette party or girls night drink
• Celebration drink (you got that job or promotion, had a baby, etc!)
• Romantic dinner or dinner party drink

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Last updated: January 2021