There’s something extra special about a drink that’s both elegant and easy to make. The Blackberry-Thyme French 75 is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but comes together with just a few fresh ingredients. It’s fruity, crisp, and has a lovely herbal note from fresh thyme. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially for summer get-togethers-and it always disappears fast. Here’s everything you need to make it at home.
Blackberry-Thyme French 75
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Champagne flute or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 4-5 fresh blackberries
– 2 fresh thyme sprigs (plus more for garnish)
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Champagne (or sparkling wine), to top
– Ice
Method
- Muddle the fruit and herbs: In a cocktail shaker, gently mash the blackberries and thyme using a muddler or the back of a spoon. You’re looking to release the juices and oils-not pulverize everything into mush.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it up: Fill the shaker with ice, pop on the lid, and shake well for about 15 seconds. The shaker should feel nice and cold.
- Strain and pour: Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass. A fine mesh strainer helps catch the blackberry seeds and thyme bits.
- Top it off: Slowly pour in champagne to fill the glass. Be gentle so you keep those bubbles intact.
- Garnish and serve: Add a sprig of thyme and a fresh blackberry to the glass for a pretty, aromatic finish.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh thyme and ripe blackberries make all the difference in flavor and aroma.
– Chill your glass: Stick your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It keeps the drink extra cold and crisp.
– Muddling tip: Don’t overdo it-just enough pressure to break the berries and release the thyme oils.
– Balance the sweetness: If your blackberries are super sweet, you can cut back a little on the simple syrup.
– Make it ahead: You can muddle the fruit and herbs with the lemon juice and syrup ahead of time. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to a day. Just add gin, shake with ice, and top with bubbles when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredient Swaps
– Gin: Swap for vodka if you want a more neutral base.
– Blackberries: Raspberries or blueberries work great too.
– Thyme: Try basil or mint for a different herbal twist.
– Simple syrup: Use honey or agave for a natural sweetener.
Flavor & Serving Notes
The Blackberry-Thyme French 75 is lightly sweet, a little tart, and has that fresh garden-herb finish from the thyme. The champagne adds a crisp sparkle that makes it feel instantly celebratory. I thought I’d share this cocktail because it’s become a favorite of mine for warm evenings-it’s refreshing without being too heavy, and it pairs beautifully with all kinds of food.
Food Pairings
– Soft cheeses: Brie, goat cheese, or Camembert on a cheese board are perfect alongside this drink.
– Grilled chicken or salmon: The herbal and fruity notes play well with simply seasoned grilled meats.
– Berry desserts: A slice of blackberry tart, lemon bars, or even a pavlova makes a stunning match.
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best made fresh, but you can prep part of it in advance:
– Muddle blackberries, thyme, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time.
– Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
– When ready to serve, shake with gin and ice, then strain and top with bubbly.
Try These Variations
Raspberry-Rosemary French 75
– Swap blackberries for raspberries
– Use rosemary instead of thyme
– Keep the rest of the recipe the same
Blueberry-Basil French 75
– Use vodka instead of gin
– Swap lemon juice for lime juice
– Try agave syrup instead of simple syrup
– Use blueberries and fresh basil
Strawberry-Mint French 75
– Use strawberries and mint
– Sweeten with honey
– Top with prosecco for a softer sparkle
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Use a non-alcoholic gin or just sparkling water
– Follow the same steps and top with your favorite non-alcoholic bubbly
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, just thaw them first. They’ll be a bit softer but still work well.
What if I don’t like thyme?
Try mint, basil, or even rosemary. Each adds a different twist.
Is there a best type of gin to use?
A floral or citrus-forward gin works best. Look for one with botanical notes to match the thyme.
Can I use prosecco instead of champagne?
Absolutely. Prosecco or cava are both great choices and often more affordable.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut the simple syrup in half or use a touch of lemon juice to brighten it up.
This drink is one of those recipes that’s easy to personalize. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, relaxing on the patio, or looking for something special to kick off the weekend, the Blackberry-Thyme French 75 is a sparkling choice. Cheers!
