This is one of those cocktails that instantly makes you think of sunshine, patio chairs, and good company. The Raspberry-Lime French 75 is a bright, bubbly twist on the classic French 75-bringing in fresh raspberries and lime for a fruity, zesty kick. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of fancy without being fussy.
Raspberry-Lime French 75
I’ve made this drink countless times, especially when I want something a little special but still super easy to pull off. Here’s how to make it your new go-to.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Champagne flute or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 5-6 fresh raspberries (or ½ oz / 15 ml raspberry purée)
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin (dry gin works best)
– ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice (about ½ a lime)
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Champagne, to top (or dry sparkling wine like prosecco)
– Ice
– Optional garnish: raspberry or lime twist
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the raspberries until they’re juicy and broken down. If you’re using purée, you can skip this step.
- Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10-15 seconds-until the outside feels nice and cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe. A fine mesh strainer helps catch the raspberry seeds if you want a smoother sip.
- Top it off with chilled champagne. Pour slowly so the bubbles don’t overflow.
- Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a fresh raspberry or a twist of lime peel.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh raspberries when possible-they bring out a brighter flavor and a lovely deep pink hue.
– Chill your champagne ahead of time so your drink stays crisp and refreshing.
– Don’t over-muddle the raspberries-just enough to release the juices.
– Too sweet? Cut back a little on the simple syrup or try a splash of soda water for balance.
– No simple syrup? You can make it by combining equal parts sugar and water, heating until dissolved. Or swap in honey or agave syrup (they’ll add a touch of their own flavor, too).
Substitutions
– Gin: Try vodka for a cleaner base, or even elderflower liqueur for a floral spin.
– Simple syrup: Honey, agave, or even maple syrup can work-just use a bit less if they’re thicker or sweeter.
– Champagne: Prosecco, cava, or any dry sparkling wine will do the trick.
Make-Ahead Note
You can mix the raspberry, gin, lime, and syrup ahead of time-just don’t add ice or champagne until you’re ready to serve. Store the mix in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
– A creamy cheese platter-think brie, goat cheese, and a few salty crackers
– Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or scallop ceviche
– Fresh salads with fruit, nuts, or citrusy vinaigrettes
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch. It’s fun, unfussy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Variations to Try
Switch up the berries to give this drink a new twist:
Strawberry-Lime French 75
– Replace raspberries with 2 medium strawberries, hulled and muddled
Blueberry-Lime French 75
– Use 10-12 blueberries instead of raspberries
Blackberry-Lime French 75
– Swap in 4-5 blackberries for a deeper, jammy flavor
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Replace gin with sparkling water and champagne with non-alcoholic bubbly. You still get the fizz and fruit, minus the alcohol.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh. If you need to prep ahead, make the base (everything but the champagne and ice) and store it covered in the fridge for up to a day. Give it a quick shake before pouring and topping with bubbles.
FAQs
What gin should I use?
A dry gin (like London Dry) works best-it balances the sweetness of the raspberries and lime.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Just thaw them first so they’re easier to muddle. They may be a bit juicier, which isn’t a bad thing.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the simple syrup or use a drier sparkling wine. You can also try a splash of soda water to mellow it out.
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
Use a mason jar with a tight lid. Just be sure to strain well when pouring.
Can I make this for a group?
Absolutely! Multiply the base ingredients (raspberries, gin, lime juice, syrup) by the number of servings. Shake in batches or mix in a pitcher and pour into glasses, topping each with champagne individually.
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Whether you’re making one just for you or a round for friends, the Raspberry-Lime French 75 is a fresh, fizzy way to toast to any occasion. Cheers!
