You know those days? Where everything just *clicks* – you nail that tricky project at work, the kids actually do it. If the sun peeks out after a week of clouds, can people eat their vegetables without fuss? Those days deserve something special, a little celebratory, and for me, that always means something very special. French 75 cocktail. Is it funny that this drink, with its elegant name and sophisticated fizz, feels like it should. Can be reserved for black tie events or milestone anniversaries. I like to whip up a French 75 whenever I need to sparkle in my day. How do I toast a good book? What is my secret weapon against the mundane?
What is a French 75 cocktail?
What is this dazzling drink? French 75 is a cocktail made with gin and fresh lemon. Juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. Is it named after the French 75mm field gun, a powerful piece of artillery used during World War I? What makes this drink so good? Think of it as a sophisticated gin fizz that’s been dressed up for supper. Is it tart and sweet? What dances on your tongue? It’s not overly sweet, which I really appreciate, and the gin provides a lovely botanical backbone. What makes it more interesting than a mimosa? Is it the kind of drink that makes you feel instantly more elegant?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons why this French 75 cocktail recipe is so popular? What are some entertaining (and non-entertaining) What is it like to be a vegetarian? It’s bright and zesty from lemon, with just a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup, all of it. Champagne brings together the flavors of Champagne. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a warmer evening. What I love about this French 75 is how surprisingly simple it is to make. Is it necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in mixology? What is the best way to shake a lemon? Is it a lifesaver when unexpected guests pop over? I can have these ready in under five minutes. And the cost-efficiency? Compared to some of the more elaborate cocktails out there, this one uses relatively few, accessible ingredients. Is there a way to play around with Minecraft? While my classic French 75 is my favorite, I’ve found that using a good quality vodka instead of gin is the best way to go about it. I am not a fan of gin, but I do like it. What are some of the best cocktails to serve with your favorite cocktail? Is it *right*?
How do I make a French 75 cocktail?
Quick Overview
How do I make a French 75? What are some ways to shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice? If you have a glass of champagne, strain it into the glass and serve. What happens when you top it off with bubbly? Is it a two-step process that results in an elegant drink? Is it okay to mess up a cocktail recipe?
Ingredients
For the cocktail base:
2 ounces Gin (I love a London Dry style for its crispness)
1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice (always fresh, never bottled)
12 ounce Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine, chilled, for topping.
Lemon twist or Maraschino cherry, for garnish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Chill Your Glassware
This is a crucial step for any good cocktail. If you want to serve champagne, pop your champagne flutes or coupe glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. What makes a glass colder keeps your drink warm for longer and the bubbles stay in the glass.
Step 2: Measure Your Spirits
Grab your jigger or a measuring tool. Carefully measure out 2 ounces of your chosen gin. If you’re not a gin person, you can absolutely substitute with 2 ounces of good quality vodka. I’ve done it many times, and it’s still delicious, just a slightly different character.
Step 3: Add Fresh Lemon Juice
Now for the zing! Measure out 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This is non-negotiable. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant, bright flavor, and it can really throw off the balance of the drink. I usually juice a couple of lemons at the start of the week to have it ready.
Step 4: Sweeten it Up
If you don’t have any pre-made syrup, it’s easy to whip up a batch. Just combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan, heat gently until the sugar is dissolved. If water dissolves completely, then let it cool. I keep a jar of it in my fridge – it’s the game changer!
Step 5: Ice and Shake
Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Pour the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker. Give the lid a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds. If the shaker is really cold, the outside of it should feel frosty.
Step 6: Strain into Your Glass
Retrieve your chilled glasses. Open your shaker and strain the mixture into the prepared glass. You’re looking for a smooth, ice-cold liquid base.
Step 7: Top with Bubbly
Slowly top off your glass with chilled Champagne or your preferred dry sparkling wine. Pour gently to preserve as many bubbles as possible. Watch it fizz up – it’s such a satisfying moment!
Step 8: Garnish with Flair
For the perfect finishing touch, garnish your French 75 with a long, elegant lemon twist. You can express the oils from the peel over the drink by giving it a gentle twist before dropping it in. A maraschino cherry is also a classic and beautiful addition if you prefer.
Step 9: Sip and Enjoy
Give it a gentle stir if needed, but usually, the bubbles do the work. Now, sit back, relax, and savor your delicious, homemade French 75 cocktail!
What is the best way to serve it?
The beauty of a French 75 cocktail is that it’s so versatile! While it’s a classic aperitif – meaning it’s perfect for sipping before a meal to whet your appetite – I find myself enjoying it in all sorts of settings. For breakfast? Okay, maybe not a full French 75 every morning, but if I’m feeling particularly indulgent on a weekend, it’s lovely with a side of flaky croissants and fresh fruit. For brunch, it’s an absolute must-have. Imagine serving it alongside a beautiful spread of avocado toast, smoked salmon blinis, or even a Quiche Lorraine. It just elevates the whole experience. As a dessert cocktail, it’s fantastic. Instead of a heavy, sweet dessert, a lighter, bubbly drink like this can be just the ticket. It’s especially good with fruit tarts or lemon-based desserts where its brightness cuts through any richness. And for those cozy snack moments, perhaps with some good cheese and crackers? It’s a simple pleasure that feels incredibly luxurious. My family often requests it when we have guests, and it’s always a hit.
How do I make a French 75 cocktail?
I’ve been making French 75 cocktails for years, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference. First, about the gin: don’t skimp here. A good quality gin, particularly a classic London Dry style, provides a much cleaner, crisper flavor that stands up beautifully to the lemon and bubbles. If you use something too floral or sweet, it can overpower the delicate balance. Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable, as I mentioned. I learned that the hard way early on when I tried using bottled stuff and the drink tasted… well, less than stellar. It was way too acidic and lacked that bright, fresh quality. Always, always juice your own lemons. For the simple syrup, I’ve found that a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water is perfect. Some recipes call for a 2:1 ratio for a richer syrup, but I find that can make the French 75 too sweet. You can adjust this to your personal taste, of course. If you like it a bit sweeter, start with ¾ ounce of syrup and go from there. When it comes to shaking, make sure you shake hard! You want that mixture to be super chilled. A weak shake means a less cold drink, and that’s just sad. I learned this after a few watery, lukewarm cocktails early in my mixology journey. And the bubbly! Make sure it’s well-chilled, and pour it gently. Too vigorous a pour will make all the carbonation escape at once. I’ve experimented with different sparkling wines, and while Champagne is the traditional choice, a good quality Prosecco or Cava works wonderfully and is often more budget-friendly. The key is that it should be dry (Brut) – anything labeled “sweet” or “doux” will make your cocktail cloying.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This is a cocktail meant to be enjoyed fresh, so storing and reheating isn’t really a typical thing for a French 75 in the way you might store leftovers of a dish. However, if you’ve mixed up a larger batch of the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup base (which you absolutely can do if you’re expecting a crowd!), it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to keep the Champagne separate until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to make a drink from your pre-mixed base, simply pour the chilled base into your shaker with ice, give it a quick shake (just to re-chill), strain into your glass, and top with fresh, chilled bubbly. The key is to keep the sparkling wine unmixed until the last possible second to maintain its effervescence. The base mixture will stay perfectly fine in the fridge, but don’t expect the finished, bubbly drink to last long – it’s meant to be consumed right away to appreciate its fizz and flavor!
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my go-to recipe for a French 75 cocktail. It’s such a simple drink, but the way the gin, lemon, and bubbles come together is truly magical. It’s elegant without being stuffy, and it always manages to make even an ordinary moment feel a little more special. I really hope you give this a try the next time you’re looking for a little something to brighten your day. It’s the kind of recipe that just keeps on giving, and I’m so excited for you to experience that perfect sip. If you make it, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below – I’d love to hear your thoughts or any variations you try! Happy sipping!
French 75 Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Champagne or Prosecco chilled
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled Champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top with chilled Champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
