Elevate any occasion with the fizz and fun of this oh-so-sophisticated drink that combines gin and champagne—ooh la la!
Anything labeled French feels instantly more sophisticated. Whether it’s bread, wine, or a beret, the mere fact that it comes from France gives a thing an extra soupçon of cosmopolitan flair. This French 75 cocktail recipe embraces that generalization with more than a little je ne sais quoi.
To begin with, a key ingredient is champagne—one of the most recognizable and respected French wines. Plus, the drink was born in Paris amid World War I, a time many of us romanticize from the distance of more than 100 years. The name of the cocktail references the Canon de 75 modèle 1897, a rapid-fire artillery piece used by French forces in the war. Early bar patrons enjoying the concoction were surprised by its powerful kick, saying it felt as lethal as being hit by that powerful weapon.
Gallows humor aside, this strong cocktail lends an upscale vibe to any celebration with fizz and flair. Every sip delivers bright citrusy notes from the lemon juice, herbaceous hints from the gin, and the delightful vibrancy of sparkling wine.
Whether you’re toasting a major milestone or simply adding a sense of sophistication to happy hour, a French 75 cocktail will have your guests saying “ooh la la!”
Champagne vs. sparkling wine for this drink
Champagne is the traditional topper for this drink, but it’s not exactly de rigueur. You can sub in other sparkling wines—such as cava or prosecco—for a variation that’s just as wonderful and perhaps more affordable. The key is to choose a dry style—noted as “brut” on bottles—to keep the drink refreshing and vibrant. Avoid very sweet sparkling wines, sometimes noted as “sec,” “demi-sec,” or “doux.” These selections can tip the balance into an overly cloying sip. Prosecco brings a fruitier finish and lighter bubbles, ideal if you prefer a softer, more approachable cocktail. Cava or other dry sparkling wines also deliver great results, often with floral, pear, or nutty flavor notes.
How do I store leftovers?
A fully assembled French 75 cocktail does not store well—refrigerated or frozen —as the sparkling wine will quickly lose its fizz and leave the drink tasting flat. At best, it’ll keep for a day or 2 in the fridge if it’s tightly covered—but expect significantly less carbonation and some dilution within just a few hours.
To prep ahead for a party, batch just the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This mix will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days or in the freezer for several weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for 30-60 minutes, swirling occasionally to help it liquefy evenly. When you’re ready to serve, portion the base into chilled glasses and top with cold, freshly opened champagne.
Serving suggestions
Serve French 75 cocktails alongside sophisticated dishes that emulate a trip to France. For a light bite at an afternoon gathering, pair them with French Macarons or this surprisingly quick and easy French Crêpe Recipe. For a full French-inspired meal, great choices include Coq Au Vin, Salmon Meuniere, and this Poulet Rôti Recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup or 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 ounces brut champagne chilled
- Lemon twist optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup (or sugar).
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. If using sugar, make sure it's fully dissolved.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top with champagne and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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