French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Andi Healey
Web Manager
The French 75 is the most elegant cocktail ever invented - a perfect marriage of gin, fresh lemon, and champagne. Named after the French 75mm field gun for its kick, this sophisticated drink has been the symbol of celebration since the 1920s. Simple to make but devastatingly effective.
🥂 Effortlessly Elegant: The French 75 is sophistication in a glass without any fussiness. Perfect for Valentine's Day, special dinners, or any moment that deserves champagne bubbles!
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 30ml gin (London Dry is traditional)
- 15ml fresh lemon juice
- 10ml simple syrup (or 1 tsp caster sugar)
- 90ml Champagne or Prosecco, chilled
- Ice cubes
For Garnish
- Lemon twist or lemon peel
- Optional: fresh mint sprig or edible flower
Method
Preparing the Glass
- Place your Riedel champagne flutes in the fridge or freezer to chill while you make the cocktail.
Making the French 75
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until icy cold.
- Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into your chilled champagne flute. You should have about 2-3cm of liquid in the bottom.
- Slowly pour the chilled champagne down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- Express a lemon twist over the drink (twist to release the oils), then either drop it in or hang it on the rim.
- Serve immediately while the champagne is still fizzing.
Mixologist's Tips
Champagne or Prosecco? Traditionally Champagne, but Prosecco works beautifully and is more budget-friendly. Cava is another excellent option. Whatever you choose, make sure it's properly chilled and dry (not sweet).
Fresh Lemon Essential: Bottled lemon juice has no place in a French 75. Squeeze fresh lemons and strain out any pips.
Never Shake Champagne: Always add the gin mixture first, then top with champagne. Never shake champagne or you'll lose all the bubbles!
Glass Choice: Traditionally served in a champagne flute for elegant presentation, but martini or coupe glasses work beautifully and show off the drink better.
Batch the Base: Making these for a party? Mix the gin, lemon, and syrup in advance. Keep chilled, then just add to individual glasses and top with champagne.
Watch the Strength: These taste dangerously easy to drink but pack proper punch. The champagne bubbles get alcohol into your system faster - pace yourself!
The History of the French 75
The French 75 was created during World War I and named after the French 75mm field gun - supposedly because the drink has a similar kick. It became the signature cocktail of the roaring twenties and has remained a symbol of sophistication ever since.
Originally made with cognac, the gin version became standard during Prohibition when gin was easier to come by. Today both versions exist, but the gin variant is more common.
Why This Cocktail Works for Valentine's Day
Because it's effortlessly elegant without trying too hard. The French 75 is sophisticated, celebratory, and romantic - champagne always is. It's the kind of cocktail that makes any moment feel special, whether you're starting a romantic dinner or ending a perfect evening.
Plus, there's something wonderfully intimate about cocktails that fizz. The bubbles add levity and celebration to everything. Make these before your Valentine's dinner starts, or serve them as a pre-dessert treat. Either way, they set exactly the right tone.
Fair warning: the combination of gin and champagne is potent, but the lemon juice and bubbles make it taste far lighter than it actually is. These slip down very easily indeed. Consider that a feature, not a bug.
🍾 Variations to Try: French 76 (vodka instead of gin), French 95 (bourbon instead), or the original Soixante Quinze (cognac instead). Each brings a completely different character!
- Lower alcohol: Use half the gin (15ml) and top up with more champagne
- Non-alcoholic: Use alcohol-free gin and alcohol-free sparkling wine (both readily available now)
- Sugar-free: Skip the simple syrup if you prefer a drier, more tart cocktail
- Vegan: Already vegan-friendly (check your champagne brand to be sure)
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