French 75 Cocktail

The French 75 cocktail is a classic drink that combines the bright citrus of lemon with the crispness of gin and the effervescence of champagne. Elegant and refreshing, it’s the perfect drink for celebrations or a sophisticated evening at home. Whether you’re toasting to a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined sip, this cocktail brings a touch of timeless charm to any gathering.

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 bubbles or fizz.

This history of the French 75

A version of this classic cocktail was first made in the early 1900s. It became popular during World War I. They say that it’s 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 in a saucepan 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 small bottles, you will be limited to whatever brand your liquor store offers.
• You could also use Prosecco if you prefer.
• 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 on one side of each rind. Cut out the lemon pulp and toss. Set aside your lemon peels.

After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – dry London gin, brut champagne, simple syrup, and lemon. (A)

Step two

Measure 2 ounces of gin. (B) I use Bombay Sapphire because it is a solid mid-level brand. Hendrick’s gin is also a great choice.

Step three

Measure 1.5 ounces of lemon juice. (C)

Step four

Measure 2 teaspoons of simple syrup. (D)

Step five

Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain, pour, and divide the liquid between the two glasses. You want a good amount of space between the level of liquid to the top of the glass.

Step six

Open your champagne bottle.

Pour the 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 peel around something thin like a chopstick and hold it in place for a minute.

Place a lemon twist in each glass.

Let’s look at the vertical view of the French 75.

Doesn’t that look good?

I hope you enjoyed this French 75 cocktail recipe. It’s rather refreshing and perfect for New Year’s Eve.

Other popular champagne cocktails

• Night and day
• Red velvet
• Airmail

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!

Originally published in July of 2017.