In the world of cocktails, few drinks are as elegant and historically rich as the French 75. This de...
French 75Cocktail recipe
Rating
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
The French 75 is a symphony of sophistication, seamlessly blending the sharp, refreshing tartness of lemon with the herbal complexity of gin. The effervescent sparkle of champagne not only elevates the brightness of the citrus but also bridges the robust sweetness of the sugar syrup, crafting a celebratory drink that's as articulate in its flavor as it is in its luxurious presentation.
Method
How to make a French 75
-
- Stir the sugar syrup, lemon juice and gin into an ice-filled mixing glass
-
- Strain into a champagne flute and top up with champagne
-
- Garnish with a lemon slice and serve
Power tips
Elevate the French 75 with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
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.
- Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
French 75 masterclass
Master the craft of the French 75 cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses
Your private tasting notes
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Featured in
Mad Men - the American drama based on a Manhattan advertising agency set in the 1960's, is chock fill of...
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.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub
The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.
Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.
Let's goCreate your own cocktail menu!
Use our interactive cocktail menu creator for free, and create wonderful looking cocktail menus for your next party, gathering or bar.
Great looking pre-built designed themes, group your cocktails, choose what to show on them and a host more options.
Get creatingYou might also like
Singapore Sling
The iconic cocktail, Singapore Sling, is believed to have originated in Singapore's Raffles Hotel in the early 20th century. Its...
Alexander
First seen in Hugo Ensslins 1915 book "Recipes for Mixed Drinks", this classic cocktail can now be seen the world...
Monkey Gland
The Monkey Gland is a classic cocktail that harks back to the Roaring Twenties. It's a vibrant mix, notably combining...
Lavender French 75
The Lavender French 75 is a fragrant twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, renowned for its sophisticated blend of...
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Comments
Love it! Prosecco de luxe
Yeah just so simple, yet elevates the normal prosecco and adds an intriguing twist!
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register