French 75
Updated: Oct 3
French 75—bubbly, boozy, and dangerously charming, like a Champagne toast with a plot twist.
Why You Will Love the French 75
Four simple ingredients: gin, lemon, syrup and Champagne
Celebration-ready: elegant enough for any toast
Light enough for brunch: strong enough for an evening out
Endlessly adaptable: try cognac, Prosecco or Cava
At a Glance
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep: 3 minutes
Why I Love a French 75: The Cocktail That Fires with Style
Ah, the French 75—a drink so effortlessly elegant, it could saunter into a soirée, leave with three admirers, and never spill a drop. It’s crisp, refined, and packs just the right amount of punch, much like its namesake—the French 75mm field gun of the First World War, famous for its speed and precision.
Picture a Parisian café, a crisp white tablecloth, the faint hum of a jazz band in the distance. The waiter sets down a chilled flute, bubbles lazily rising, carrying the perfume of botanical gin, bright citrus, and Champagne. You take a sip—sharp, citrusy, just a hint of sweetness—and then that glorious dry sparkle. It doesn’t just refresh—it invigorates.
A Drink with History and a Bit of Drama
This cocktail wasn’t named after a cuddly lapdog. It takes its name from that rapid-firing field gun, which could manage around 15 rounds a minute, and it appeared in print in the years after the war, becoming a classic in the bars of Paris and London. Like its namesake, the French 75 hits hard and fast, but with undeniable style.
Effervescent Elegance in a Glass
Champagne, my dear friend, is not just a beverage—it’s a statement. While some cocktails lounge lazily in a rocks glass, the French 75 stands tall in a flute, its bubbles whispering promises of glamour and good decisions (or at least memorable ones).
Gin brings the backbone, lemon adds the bite, simple syrup softens the edges, and Champagne lifts it all with an air of sophistication.
Adaptability for Every Occasion
Feeling indulgent? Use cognac instead of gin for a richer, deeper drink. Want to shake things up? Try it with Prosecco or Cava. The French 75 isn’t fussy—it simply insists on being fabulous.
A Final Thought
Don’t rush it. This isn’t a shot—it’s an experience. Use a proper Champagne flute. Sip, don’t chug—unless, of course, you’re dramatically toasting to victory. And revel in the fact that you’re drinking a cocktail that has been enjoyed for about a century.
Because the French 75 isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a declaration that life should always have a bit of sparkle, a touch of history, and just the right amount of punch.
Classic French 75
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep: 3 minutes
Ingredients
1 ounce gin
½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup
3 ounces Champagne or other dry sparkling wine, chilled
Ice, for shaking
Lemon twist, to garnish
Instructions
Combine the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a Champagne flute.
Gently top with the Champagne.
Express a lemon twist over the drink to release its oils, drop it in, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Chill the Flute
A cold glass keeps the bubbles lively for longer.
Top Gently
Pour the Champagne slowly down the side of the glass so it doesn’t foam over.
Use Fresh Lemon
Bottled juice flattens the drink. Squeeze it just before shaking.
Make Simple Syrup
Stir equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved, then cool. It keeps in the fridge for a few weeks.
When to Serve a French 75
New Year’s Eve and celebrations
Weddings and toasts
Brunch
Oysters and smoked salmon canapés
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a French 75?
It’s named after the French 75mm field gun used in the First World War, a nod to its kick.
Gin or cognac?
Both have a long history. Gin is crisper and brighter; cognac is richer and rounder.
Can I use Prosecco instead of Champagne?
Yes. Prosecco is a little sweeter, so you may want to reduce the syrup slightly. Cava is a great dry option.
Should a French 75 be served over ice?
Traditionally it’s served straight up in a flute, though some bars serve it in a Collins glass over ice.
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Recommended Equipment
Make this recipe easier with the right tools: Cocktail Shaker, Jigger, and Champagne Stopper.
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