There’s something special about the French 75-it’s crisp, bubbly, and just the right mix of citrus and sparkle. This classic cocktail has been my go-to for summer get-togethers and celebratory brunches. It’s light, refreshing, and always feels a little fancy without being fussy. If you’ve never made one at home, you’re in for a treat-it’s simpler than it sounds and easy to tweak to your taste.
Elderflower French 75
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Champagne flute or coupe
Ingredients
– 30 ml (1 oz) dry gin
– 15 ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice
– 15 ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup (see tip below)
– 90 ml (3 oz) chilled champagne or sparkling wine
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Tip: You can make simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well-about 10-15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top gently with the champagne. Don’t stir-let the bubbles do the mixing.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in or perch it on the rim.
I’ve made this drink countless times-one thing I’ve learned is to chill your glass ahead of time. It keeps the bubbles crisp and the drink refreshing longer.
Storage Tips
– You can mix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
– When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick shake with ice and top with bubbly.
– Don’t add champagne until the last second-it’ll lose its fizz if it sits too long.
Make It Yours: Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions:
– No champagne? Use Prosecco or any dry sparkling wine.
– Swap gin for vodka if you want a smoother, more neutral flavor.
– Try honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a natural sweetness.
– Prefer a less sweet version? Use just a splash of syrup or skip it altogether.
Fun Variations:
Winter 75
– Use brandy instead of gin.
– Add a splash (about 10 ml) of orange liqueur before topping with champagne.
– Garnish with an orange twist.
Rosemary 75
– Muddle a small sprig of rosemary with the lemon juice and syrup before shaking.
– The herb adds a cozy, earthy note.
Elderflower 75
– Replace simple syrup with elderflower cordial.
– It gives the drink a floral, slightly sweet twist.
Blush 75
– Use sparkling rosé instead of champagne.
– It adds a hint of berry flavor and a lovely pink hue.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix 15 ml lemon juice with 1 tsp sugar in a flute.
– Stir to dissolve, then top with chilled sparkling water.
– Garnish with a lemon twist.
What It Tastes Like
Think fizzy lemonade with a kick. It’s citrusy and light, with a gentle warmth from the gin and a dry, bubbly finish from the champagne. The balance of sweet and tart makes it super drinkable-just be careful, it’s stronger than it tastes!
Why It Works
Each ingredient plays a role:
– The gin brings a botanical bite.
– Lemon juice adds brightness.
– Simple syrup softens the acidity.
– Champagne lifts it all with bubbles and a dry edge.
It’s a drink that dances on your tongue-light, zesty, and celebratory.
Perfect Pairings
Brunch Favorites
– Eggs Benedict
– Smoked salmon on toast
– Spinach and goat cheese quiche
The acidity in the drink cuts through rich dishes beautifully.
Charcuterie Boards
– Cured meats
– Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese
– Crackers and olives
The bubbles cleanse your palate between bites.
Fruit-Based Desserts
– Lemon tart
– Berry pavlova
– Sorbet
The citrus in the drink echoes the fruit flavors and keeps dessert from feeling too heavy.
Helpful Tips
– Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Chill all your ingredients-especially the champagne.
– Don’t shake or stir the champagne. Pour it in slowly to keep the fizz alive.
– If using a coupe glass, drink it quickly-the wider rim means it’ll go flat faster.
FAQs
Can I use Prosecco instead of champagne?
Yes! It’s slightly sweeter, but still works beautifully.
Is the French 75 a strong drink?
Yes, it’s deceptively light-tasting, but between the gin and sparkling wine, it packs a punch.
What’s the best gin for this?
A dry London-style gin works best. Look for one with clean, crisp botanicals.
Can I make it ahead?
You can mix the gin, lemon, and syrup ahead and keep it chilled. Add the bubbles when serving.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the syrup or try using a dry sparkling wine to balance it out.
Why is it called a French 75?
It’s named after the French 75mm field gun from World War I-because the drink has a surprisingly strong “kick” for something so elegant.
The French 75 is one of those drinks that never goes out of style. It’s classy but unfussy, bright but balanced, and perfect for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve. Once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Cheers!
