Celebrate the season with fresh and zesty French 75 cocktails. This lemony gin and champagne drink is bubbly, bright, and so easy to make.
French 75 is a fun yet sophisticated drink that evokes the jazz-age Paris of its origins! Serve this fancy drink with some equally as fancy appetizers like baked brie or bite-sized Caprese skewers!
What is a French 75?
Only four ingredients go into this fizzy cocktail recipe: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and either champagne, prosecco or any kind of sparkling wine. A popular variation uses cognac in place of the gin.
This elegant drink is named for the 75-millimeter field gun that the French army used in World War 1 and was invented around the same time period. True to its name, this hybrid of a martini and champagne cocktail packs a hefty punch, so sip it slowly for maximum enjoyment!
How to Make a French 75
It’s easy to mix a French 75. Use a cocktail shaker as this drink is best served icy cold.
- Place gin, syrup and lemon juice in a shaker of ice cubes and shake until cold.
- Pour into chilled champagne flutes and top with sparkling wine of your choice.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon and serve.
As with any drink, you can vary the proportions to your guests’ preferences, (or how advanced the evening is!)
To Make Simple Syrup
Whatever you do, don’t go out and buy simple syrup. It’s so fast, easy and inexpensive to make at home. All you need is one-part sugar to one part water.
- Place one cup of water and one cup granulated sugar in a pot.
- Heat until sugar melts.
- Cool and place in an easy pour glass or plastic bottle for dispensing.
Store simple syrup in the fridge and it will keep for several weeks. So simple, right?!
Can a French 75 Be Made in Bulk?
You can mix up most or part of the ingredients in advance, but not the sparkling wine; that should be added to the glass. You don’t want all that fun fizz gone by the time you serve it!
Also, if you don’t know your guests well, I recommend mixing a pitcher of the lemon juice and syrup only, so you can add the higher proof spirits to order.
Now get that champagne on ice! With French 75s in the offering, you’ll be the toast of the party!
More Classic Holiday Cocktails
- Moscow Mule – spicy, fizzy, and delicious
- Classic Martini – just 3 simple ingredients!
- Spiked Eggnog Latte – a twist on a classic drink
- Homemade Apple Cider – yummy spiced & spiked!
- Cozy Hot Toddy – warm you up from the inside out!
French 75
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 4-5 ounces champagne or prosecco/sparkling wine
- ice
Instructions
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well chilled.
- Pour into a champagne flute and top with champagne or prosecco.
- Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beverage
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