Deep dive into the French 75 cocktail
In the world of cocktails, few drinks are as elegant and historically rich as the French 75. This de...
French 75 Cocktail recipe
Cocktail recipe
Rating
4.65 / 5
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French 75 is a bright, celebratory gin-and-bubbles sour that drinks like a sparkling lemonade with a kick. You’ll often hear...
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French 75 is a bright, celebratory gin-and-bubbles sour that drinks like a sparkling lemonade with a kick. You’ll often hear it linked to the First World War, with the name commonly associated with the punch of the French 75mm field gun. Beyond that broad origin story, it sits firmly in the family of early 20th‑century cocktails that marry a spirit base with citrus, sugar, and sparkling wine for something both bracing and elegant.
On the palate, gin brings crisp botanical lift that cuts cleanly through the Champagne or prosecco’s fizz and fruit. Lemon juice adds a sharp, refreshing snap, while sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding the acidity into a balanced, lightly sweet-tart core. The result is lively and aromatic, with the bubbles carrying the gin and citrus right up front.
Serve it in a Champagne glass when you want something festive but not heavy—ideal for aperitif moments, toasts, and warm-weather gatherings. You’ll enjoy it if you like sparkling drinks that stay dry-leaning, with citrus brightness and a spirit backbone that still feels polished.
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Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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193 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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14.67% | 2.64 units of alcohol *
Champagne glass
Ingredients
oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
Cocktail Colin says:
5/5
Gin leads with crisp botanicals lifted by Champagne/prosecco fizz, while lemon juice brings a bright snap and sugar/simple syrup rounds it into a sparkling, lightly sweet-tart sip. It works because the bubbles lighten the syrup’s sweetness and the lemon keeps the gin from feeling heavy; ideal for anyone who likes citrusy, refreshing cocktails with a dry, effervescent finish.
Method
How to make a French 75
Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
- Gin 30ml, Champagne / prosecco 120ml, Lemon juice 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml
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- Stir the sugar syrup, lemon juice and gin into an ice-filled mixing glass
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- Strain into a champagne flute and top up with champagne
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- Garnish with a lemon slice and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use fresh, cold-pressed lemon juice for the brightest and most authentic citrus flavor.
- For added complexity, consider using an herb-infused simple syrup, like rosemary or lavender.
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FAQ's
What is the history behind the French 75 cocktail?
The French 75 cocktail has a storied history that traces back to World War I. Named after the French 75mm field gun, which was known for its power and precision, the cocktail is said to have the same punch as the artillery. It was first created in Paris, and the combination of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar was meant to cater to American soldiers stationed in France. The exact origin is a bit murky, but the cocktail is often associated with the famous barman Harry MacElhone, who popularized it at his New York Bar in Paris in the early 20th century.
Can I use other spirits instead of gin in a French 75?
Traditionally, the French 75 is made with gin as its base spirit. However, you can substitute gin with other spirits like vodka or cognac if you prefer. Using vodka will make a smoother drink, while cognac will give it a richer, more rounded flavor. The key is to maintain the balance between the strength of the spirit and the other ingredients to preserve the character of the cocktail.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the French 75?
Yes, there is a non-alcoholic version of the French 75, often called a 'French 75 Mocktail'. To make it, replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or seedlip and use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or a sparkly grape juice instead of champagne or prosecco. Keep the lemon juice and sugar syrup for that authentic French 75 taste. This version allows everyone to enjoy the celebratory feel of the original cocktail without alcohol.
What is the best champagne or prosecco to use in a French 75?
For a French 75, you want to use a dry (Brut) champagne or prosecco to balance the sweetness of the sugar syrup and the tartness of the lemon juice. A quality Brut champagne will give the cocktail a crisp, refined edge, while a good prosecco can make the drink a bit lighter and fruitier. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired final taste of the cocktail.
How important is the glass choice for serving a French 75?
Serving a French 75 in a champagne glass is not just about tradition; it also enhances the drinking experience. The tall, narrow shape of the champagne glass (flute) helps preserve the carbonation of the champagne or prosecco, ensuring that the cocktail maintains its effervescence. Moreover, the elegant presentation of the drink in a champagne flute adds to the overall enjoyment and celebration feeling that the French 75 embodies.
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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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