French 75 Cocktail
This French 75 cocktail recipe is fabulous. It’s a delicious and balanced combination of gin, lemon, and champagne. It’s a classic cocktail that will make you feel classy drinking it.
This delicious cocktail is so perfectly balanced that you can’t quite discern the ingredients when you sip it, though you can tell there is champagne because of the fizz.
This history
A version of this cocktail was first made in the early 1900s. It became popular during World War I. They say that it’s a based on the Tom Collins. It just replaces soda water with another (some might say, better) form of carbonation: champagne.
It was named the French 75 because it is known to pack such a punch that when you imbibe it, it feels like being hit by the French 75mm field gun! Weird, but interesting.
Helpful tips
- If you are only making a few of these cocktails, I recommend you buy the 4 pack of small bottles of champagne. Or if you love champagne and know you will drink the bottle, then get the big bottle and enjoy.
- Always use fresh lemon juice. I recommend you wash your lemon thoroughly. Here’s how: Use a natural, unscented hand soap, squirt some in your hand and rub over the fruit. Next, run cold water over the lemon as you use a vegetable brush on the skin.
- Simple syrup is very easy to make. Save yourself some money by making your own. Here’s how: combine equal parts of water and white sugar to a sauce pan and heat on medium heat until it boils. Stir and lower heat to a simmer and cook for five minutes. Let syrup cool completely before using.
- I don’t like super sweet cocktails, so I don’t use a lot of simple syrup. Try it with my recommended amount and if you don’t find it sweet enough, add another teaspoon per cocktail and stir gently with a spoon.
- Use your favorite gin and champagne, but if you are buying champagne in the small bottles, you will be limited to whatever brand your liquor store offers.
- I like to use differently shaped glassware. If you entertain a lot, they are must-haves. It’s impressive serving cocktails this way and it usually sparks conversation, too.
How to make the French 75 cocktail
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Take out two champagne glasses. For the garnish, cut two thin lemon wheels. Put a slice in the side of each rind. Cut out the lemon pulp and toss. Set aside your clean rinds.
After measuring out the ingredients, pour into cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – gin, champagne, simple syrup, and lemon.
Step two
Measure 2 ounces gin. I use Bombay Sapphire because it is a solid mid-level brand.
Step three
Measure 1.5 ounces of lemon juice.
Step four
Measure 2 teaspoons of simple syrup.
Step five
Cap shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain and divide between the two glasses.
Open your champagne bottle.
Step six
Pour champagne to top off each glass. You don’t have to measure, just pour it in. I find that each one takes about 3 ounces of the bubbly.
To make a lemon twist garnish, wrap the lemon rind around something thin like a chop stick and hold for a minute.
Place a lemon twist in each glass.
Let’s look at the vertical view of the French 75 cocktail.
Doesn’t that look good?
I hope you enjoyed this French 75 cocktail recipe. It’s rather refreshing.
Other popular champagne cocktails
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Fabulous French 75 Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounce gin
- 1.5 ounce lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon simple syrup 1 – 2
- 6 ounces champagne
Garnish
- 2 lemon twists
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup2 ounce gin, 1.5 ounce lemon juice, 2 teaspoon simple syrup
- Cap shaker and shake at least 10 seconds
- Divide and strain between the champagne flutes
- Pour champagne up to the top of the glass and add the lemon twist6 ounces champagne, 2 lemon twists
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- If you are only making a few of these cocktails, I recommend you buy the 4 pack of small bottles of champagne. Or if you love champagne and know you will drink the bottle, then get the big bottle and enjoy.
- Always use fresh lemon juice. I recommend you wash your lemon thoroughly. Here’s how: Use a natural, unscented hand soap, squirt some in your hand and rub over the fruit. Next, run cold water over the lemon as you use a vegetable brush on the skin.
- Simple syrup is very easy to make. Save yourself some money by making your own. Here’s how: combine equal parts of water and white sugar to a sauce pan and heat on medium heat until it boils. Stir and lower heat to a simmer and cook for five minutes. Let syrup cool completely before using.
- I don’t like super sweet cocktails, so I don’t use a lot of simple syrup. Try it with my recommended amount and if you don’t find it sweet enough, add another teaspoon per cocktail and stir gently with a spoon.
- Use your favorite gin and champagne, but if you are buying champagne in the small bottles, you will be limited to whatever brand your liquor store offers.
- I like to use differently shaped glassware. If you entertain a lot, they are must-haves. It’s impressive serving cocktails this way and it usually sparks conversation, too.
Nutrition
Originally published in July of 2017.
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
This is a perfectly beautiful cocktail. The balance of flavors is just right!
Thank you Ginny. Much appreciated!
This is a treat for cocktail lovers, crisp and fresh! BTW your board looks so good:)
Thanks Jagruti! I appreciate the feedback as I wasn’t sure about this board!
What a cute story, Elaine! My Mom grew up during the depression too! To this day, she will still look for the best deal! I love the sound of this cocktail and how it looks on your beautiful board! Another winner!
Thank you so much Beth! I appreciate your kind words!
This is absolutely divine! So nice!
Love this cocktail, and our moms are similar, she’s put an item on the grocery list when there were less than 2 ‘backups’ in the cupboard.
I’ve never heard of this cocktail, but it sounds wonderful. I could sure use one tonight!
Thank you Mary! 🙂
This cocktail looks amazing!
Thanks so much Pamela!
I feel classier already! Love the story of stocking up, I admit, I tend to do that too
Hehe Laura. I wish you could have seen my mom’s ‘stores’. I got a 5 gallon jug of molasses that I used up years ago, but wish I could buy it in bulk like that!