French 75

French 75 is bright, brisk, and celebratory, combining botanical gin, fresh lemon, and a touch of sweetness with the lift of chilled Champagne. The result is elegant and refreshing, with fine bubbles and a clean citrus finish.

Nutrition · per serving

129kcal

0.1gProtein

6.8gCarbs

0gFat

0gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

6 items

Cocktail base

gin60 ml

fresh lemon juice30 ml

simple syrup20 ml

ice cubes200 g

To finish

Champagne or dry sparkling wine, well chilled120 ml

lemon peel2 strips

Tips

•For a classic balance, use a London dry gin and a brut Champagne or other dry sparkling wine.
•If you prefer a slightly tarter drink, reduce the simple syrup to 15 ml total.
•Very cold sparkling wine is essential: it foams less and keeps the cocktail crisp.
•A coupe gives a vintage look, while a flute preserves bubbles longer.

Steps

1
Chill 2 flute or coupe glasses in the freezer for a few minutes if possible. Meanwhile, prepare the garnish by cutting 2 thin strips of lemon peel, avoiding too much white pith so the garnish stays aromatic rather than bitter.
2 strips lemon peel
2
Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
200 g ice cubes60 ml gin30 ml fresh lemon juice20 ml simple syrup
3
Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold. This both chills and lightly dilutes the drink; proper chilling keeps the sparkling wine lively when added later.
200 g ice cubes60 ml gin30 ml fresh lemon juice20 ml simple syrup
4
Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled glasses, leaving room at the top for the sparkling wine.
60 ml gin30 ml fresh lemon juice20 ml simple syrup
5
Top each glass with the chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine. Pour slowly to preserve the bubbles, then twist a strip of lemon peel over each drink to release its oils and drop it in or rest it on the rim. Serve immediately.
120 ml Champagne or dry sparkling wine, well chilled2 strips lemon peel

Origin & History

The French 75 is a classic cocktail named after the powerful French 75mm field gun, a reference to the drink's brisk kick. It emerged in the early 20th century and became especially associated with Paris, later gaining international fame through classic cocktail books and hotel bars.

french cocktail champagne gin classic beginner party

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Steps

Chill 2 flute or coupe glasses in the freezer for a few minutes if possible. Meanwhile, prepare the garnish by cutting 2 thin strips of lemon peel, avoiding too much white pith so the garnish stays aromatic rather than bitter.

2 strips lemon peel

Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.

200 g ice cubes60 ml gin30 ml fresh lemon juice20 ml simple syrup

Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold. This both chills and lightly dilutes the drink; proper chilling keeps the sparkling wine lively when added later.

200 g ice cubes60 ml gin30 ml fresh lemon juice20 ml simple syrup

Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled glasses, leaving room at the top for the sparkling wine.

60 ml gin30 ml fresh lemon juice20 ml simple syrup

Top each glass with the chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine. Pour slowly to preserve the bubbles, then twist a strip of lemon peel over each drink to release its oils and drop it in or rest it on the rim. Serve immediately.

120 ml Champagne or dry sparkling wine, well chilled2 strips lemon peel