Why is it called a French 75?

The cocktail is named after the French 75mm field gun used in World War I — the drink's kick was said to feel like being shelled by the powerful artillery piece.

Can I use prosecco instead of Champagne?

Yes — any dry sparkling wine works well. Prosecco will give a slightly fruitier, softer result, while Cava is another excellent budget-friendly option.

Can I make a French 75 with cognac instead of gin?

Absolutely — the cognac version is actually the original recipe from the 1920s. It's richer and warmer, while gin gives a more botanical, refreshing drink.

What gin works best for a French 75?

A classic London dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray works perfectly. You want clean juniper notes that won't overpower the Champagne.

Can I batch French 75s for a party?

Mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour the mix into glasses and top with Champagne. Never add the sparkling wine to the batch ahead of time.

French 75

Name: French 75
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 cocktail
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 oz London dry gin; ½ oz fresh lemon juice; ½ oz simple syrup; 3 oz chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine; Lemon twist, for garnish