Light, floral, and a little fizzy-this Elderflower French 75 is one of those cocktails that feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s elegant, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just winding down on a warm evening, this drink always hits the right note. I’ve made this drink countless times, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks to really perfect it.
Elderflower French 75
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup (see tip below)
– Champagne, to top (or use prosecco for a slightly sweeter version)
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Optional substitutions:
– Swap gin for vodka if you prefer a smoother base
– Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a richer, floral note
– Try prosecco in place of champagne for a more budget-friendly fizz
What You’ll Need
– Cocktail shaker
– Strainer
– Champagne flute or coupe glass
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
Method
- Chill your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink. A cold glass keeps the bubbles crisp and refreshing.
- In your shaker, combine:
- 1 oz (30 ml) gin
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed makes all the difference!)
- 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Put on the lid and shake well-about 10-15 seconds-until the outside feels frosty.
- Dump the ice from your chilled glass and strain the mixture in.
- Top with champagne, pouring slowly to keep the fizz. Leave a little room at the top so it doesn’t overflow.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in for garnish.
Tips & Tricks
– For your simple syrup: Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Don’t skip the shake! It chills and blends the ingredients before adding the bubbly.
– Pour champagne gently down the side of the glass to keep the carbonation from fizzing out too fast.
– Taste before serving-if you like it a bit sweeter, add a tiny splash more syrup.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time. Store the mix in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just shake with ice, strain, and top with champagne.
Storage
This cocktail’s best made fresh, but the base (without champagne) can be refrigerated for a day. Once you add the bubbly, drink it right away for the best fizz and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner pairings: this cocktail with a lemon tart. The citrus-on-citrus combo is bright, balanced, and downright addictive.
Other great pairings:
– Cheese: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie work beautifully
– Seafood: Try it with shrimp cocktail, oysters, or scallops
– Fruit-based desserts: Berry pavlova, lemon bars, or peach cobbler
Variations
Raspberry Elderflower French 75
– Muddle 2-3 fresh raspberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients
– Shake, strain, and top with bubbly as usual
Lavender Elderflower French 75
– Replace the simple syrup with lavender syrup for a fragrant floral twist
Ginger Elderflower French 75
– Use ginger syrup instead of simple syrup to give the drink a spicy kick
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Replace the gin with sparkling water
– Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine or more sparkling water instead of champagne
– Keep the elderflower liqueur if it’s non-alcoholic, or use elderflower cordial
FAQs
What does an Elderflower French 75 taste like?
It’s crisp, light, and bubbly with floral sweetness from the elderflower and a bright citrusy finish from the lemon.
Can I use prosecco instead of champagne?
Absolutely. Prosecco gives you a slightly sweeter and fruitier version that’s just as lovely.
What’s elderflower liqueur?
It’s a sweet, floral liqueur made from elderflower blossoms. St-Germain is the most popular brand and adds a delicate, almost honey-like flavor.
How can I make a healthier version?
Cut back the simple syrup or swap it for a touch of honey. The drink is still delicious with less sugar.
What foods go well with this cocktail?
Cheese boards, seafood starters, and fruity desserts all complement the drink’s light, floral character.
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Whether you’re toasting a milestone or just enjoying a slow afternoon, this Elderflower French 75 brings a little sparkle to any moment. Once you’ve tried the classic version, experiment with the variations-there’s a version for every season and mood. Cheers!
