French 75 Recipe

Introduction

Few cocktails command the same reverence as the French 75. Shimmering in a flute, it is the epitome of elegance—a sophisticated, effervescent drink that instantly signals celebration. Its profile is a masterful study in balance: the crisp botanical bite of gin, the bright, sharp kiss of fresh lemon, and the festive sparkle of Champagne, all harmonizing into a single, refreshing symphony. It is a timeless classic, feeling at once historic and perfectly modern.

But behind its delicate appearance lies a potent history and a name that speaks to its surprising power. Born in the creative tumult of World War I Paris and named for a formidable piece of artillery, the French 75 has a story as captivating as its taste. This guide will provide you with everything you need to master this iconic cocktail, from its classic preparation to the expert tips that ensure a flawless, impressive result every time.

Why Make This Classic Cocktail & When to Serve It

The French 75 is more than just a drink; it’s an experience steeped in cultural history. Immortalized in films like Casablanca and a darling of the Roaring Twenties, it carries an aura of glamour and sophistication.

One of its greatest charms is its remarkable ability to win over even those who don't typically favor gin. The perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and bubbles softens the spirit’s edges, creating a cocktail that is universally appealing and dangerously easy to drink. It elegantly bridges the gap between a classic gin sour and a simple glass of Champagne.

This versatility makes it the perfect choice for a wide array of occasions. At brunch, it stands as a more sophisticated and potent alternative to the Mimosa, pairing beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. During the holidays, especially New Year's Eve, its celebratory sparkle makes it the quintessential drink for toasting and merriment.

For life's biggest milestones, such as weddings and anniversaries, the French 75 offers a touch of timeless class. Yet, it is equally at home on a warm summer evening, served as a light and refreshing aperitif to awaken the palate before dinner. For any cocktail enthusiast, mastering the French 75 is a rite of passage—a testament to an appreciation for balance, history, and the art of mixology.

Basic Ingredients (Serves 2 people)

This recipe is for two cocktails and uses the classic gin-based formulation for a bright, crisp, and perfectly balanced result.

3 oz (90 ml) London Dry Gin: This is the botanical backbone of the cocktail, providing essential juniper, citrus, and spice notes that are sharpened and elevated by the other ingredients. While this is the modern classic, historical versions often featured Cognac for a warmer profile.
1.5 oz (45 ml) Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: This is the soul of the drink's freshness, providing a bright, vibrant acidity that bottled juice simply cannot replicate. Using fresh lemons is non-negotiable, as the peel is also essential for the aromatic garnish.
1.5 oz (45 ml) Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio): This is the crucial balancing agent, a simple solution of sugar and water that tames the lemon's tartness and seamlessly integrates the gin's botanicals with the sparkling wine. Making your own is effortless and ensures superior quality.
6 oz (180 ml) Brut Champagne (or other dry sparkling wine), chilled: This provides the celebratory effervescence and the elegant finishing touch. Brut Champagne is ideal for its dryness and complementary yeasty notes, but a high-quality Spanish Cava or French Crémant are excellent, often more affordable, alternatives.
2 Long Lemon Twists: This is the essential aromatic garnish that elevates the drink from great to exceptional. The twist is not just for looks; expressing its oils over the drink releases a fragrant citrus mist that dramatically enhances the first sip.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Chill Your Glassware: First, place two Champagne flutes or coupe glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before you begin. Serving this cocktail in a pre-chilled glass is a non-negotiable professional touch that ensures it stays crisp and effervescent from the first sip to the last, preserving the delicate bubbles of the sparkling wine.
Combine the Base Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, measure and combine 3 oz (90 ml) of London Dry Gin, 1.5 oz (45 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1.5 oz (45 ml) of simple syrup. Adding the less expensive ingredients like the syrup and juice before the gin is a professional habit that ensures precise measurement and minimizes waste.
Shake Until Well-Chilled: Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with high-quality, solid ice cubes. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for a full 10–15 seconds. The goal is to chill and slightly dilute the mixture perfectly; you’ll know it’s ready when a thick layer of frost forms on the outside of the shaker.
Strain into Your Chilled Glass: Remove your prepared glasses from the freezer. Using a Hawthorne strainer over the shaker, carefully pour the shaken mixture, dividing it evenly between the two glasses. For an ultra-smooth, professional texture, perform a "double strain" by also pouring through a fine-mesh strainer to catch any tiny ice shards or citrus pulp.
Top with Sparkling Wine: Uncork your bottle of chilled Brut Champagne or other dry sparkling wine. Gently pour approximately 3 oz (90 ml) into each glass to top off the cocktail. To preserve the maximum amount of carbonation, tilt the glass slightly and pour the sparkling wine slowly down the interior side, allowing it to integrate gently with the base.
Garnish and Serve Immediately: Take one of your long lemon twists and hold it peel-side down over the surface of the drink. Squeeze it firmly to express the fragrant citrus oils onto the cocktail's surface, which adds a wonderful aroma. For a final touch, rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in as a garnish and serving immediately.

Tips for the Perfect French 75

Ingredient Quality is Paramount
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: This is the single most important factor for a vibrant, refreshing cocktail. The bright, zesty flavor of freshly squeezed lemon is the heart of the drink, whereas bottled juice imparts a dull, often metallic taste due to preservatives.
- Choose the Right Gin: A classic London Dry Gin is the traditional and often best choice, as its prominent juniper and citrus notes are the perfect canvas for this cocktail. That said, feel free to experiment with more contemporary floral or herbaceous gins to see how they interact with the Champagne's profile.
- Don't Skimp on the Bubbly: You don't need a top-shelf vintage bottle, but you should avoid the cheapest sparkling wine. A quality Brut Champagne, Crémant, or Spanish Cava will provide the dry, crisp profile needed for balance. Using a sweeter Prosecco will create a sweeter final drink, which may require you to reduce the amount of simple syrup.
Technique and Balance
- Make Your Own Simple Syrup: It is incredibly easy to make by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. This gives you complete control over the quality and sweetness. For a richer texture, you can try a 2:1 simple syrup (two parts sugar to one part water), but remember to use less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness.
- The Importance of Temperature: Every single component of your French 75 should be cold. Chill your gin in the freezer, keep your sparkling wine well-refrigerated, and always use pre-chilled glassware. This minimizes ice melt during shaking and keeps the final drink vibrant and bubbly for much longer.
- The Art of the Garnish: The lemon twist is far more than a simple decoration. A long, elegant twist looks beautiful, but its primary function is aromatic. Expressing the citrus oils over the drink's surface adds a crucial sensory dimension that elevates the entire experience from the very first sip.
Expert-Level Variations
- Consider the Cognac Version: For a richer, warmer, and arguably more historically French interpretation, substitute the gin with a good VS or VSOP Cognac. This creates a completely different yet equally sophisticated cocktail with notes of fruit and spice.
- Try the Collins-Style Serve: For a wonderfully refreshing, less formal version, serve the drink over fresh ice in a tall Collins glass. This presentation pays homage to the drink's historical link to the Tom Collins and is perfect for a summer afternoon.

Serving Ideas

Glassware Choices
- Champagne Flute: The modern classic and the most popular choice. Its tall, slender shape is specifically designed to preserve carbonation by minimizing the surface area, showcasing the beautiful stream of rising bubbles and enhancing the visual appeal.
- Coupe Glass: The vintage, romantic choice. This wide-bowled glass evokes the glamour of the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition-era speakeasies where the French 75 first gained fame. While bubbles dissipate faster, it offers an undeniably elegant presentation.
- Collins Glass: The historical purist's choice. Serving the French 75 over fresh ice in a tall Collins glass connects it directly to its origins as a Tom Collins variation and transforms it into a refreshing long drink perfect for a casual gathering.
Creative Garnishes
- Classic Lemon Twist: A long, elegant spiral of lemon peel is the non-negotiable classic that provides essential citrus aroma.
- Add a Berry: For a pop of color and a subtle hint of fruity sweetness, drop a single fresh raspberry or a high-quality brandied cherry into the bottom of the glass before pouring.
- Floral and Herbal Notes: For a unique aromatic twist, garnish with a delicate edible flower or a small sprig of rosemary or thyme, which will beautifully complement the gin's botanicals.
Perfect Food Pairings
- Seafood: The cocktail's bright acidity and effervescence are a perfect match for briny and delicate seafood. Serve it alongside freshly shucked oysters, classic shrimp cocktail, or smoked salmon on blinis to create a truly luxurious experience.
- Cheese and Charcuterie: Pair the drink with creamy, rich cheeses like Brie or a tangy goat cheese. The bubbles work wonderfully to cleanse the palate between bites of rich cured meats and cheeses on a well-appointed board.
- Light Appetizers: The French 75 shines alongside elegant finger foods. It is excellent with tomato and stone fruit caprese skewers in the summer or light, buttery French madeleines for a classic pairing.

Tips for Keeping Fresh

Keeping Ingredients Fresh
- Opened Sparkling Wine: The biggest challenge is preserving the bubbles. The old tale of using a silver spoon is a myth that has been repeatedly debunked. The only effective method is to use a dedicated airtight Champagne stopper that clamps onto the bottle to seal it. Store the re-sealed bottle upright in the coldest part of your refrigerator to slow the loss of CO2. It should stay acceptably fresh for 1–3 days.
- Homemade Simple Syrup: Store your cooled simple syrup in a sterilized, airtight glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator. A standard 1:1 syrup will last for up to one month, while a richer 2:1 syrup can last for up to six months, as the higher sugar content acts as a natural preservative. Adding a tablespoon of vodka per cup can further extend its shelf life.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best used immediately. If you must prepare it in advance, store it in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. After that, it will begin to lose its vibrant flavor and oxidize.
Serving Tips
- Serving Immediately: A freshly made French 75 should always be served and enjoyed immediately to experience its peak chill and effervescence. The quality of the drink diminishes quickly as it warms and the bubbles dissipate, so do not let it sit.
- Batching for a Party: To serve a crowd without being stuck behind the bar, you can pre-batch the base. In a large pitcher, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Crucially, you must also add water to account for the dilution that would normally come from shaking with ice; a good rule is to add about 20-25% of the total liquid volume in water. Keep this base mixture tightly covered and chilled in the refrigerator.
- The Final Pour: When your guests are ready for a drink, simply pour the pre-mixed, chilled base into a glass. Top with the chilled sparkling wine just before serving. This two-step process ensures that every single glass is perfectly fresh and bubbly.

Conclusion

The French 75 is far more than just a recipe; it is a timeless symbol of celebration, resilience, and effortless elegance. With its potent kick, sparkling charm, and a history as captivating as its flavor, it remains a titan in the world of classic cocktails. Now that you have the blueprint for perfection, it's time to chill your glasses, shake with confidence, and raise a toast to this legendary drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the drink called a "French 75"?

A: It was named after the French 75mm field gun, a famously fast-firing and effective piece of artillery used in World War I. The cocktail was said to have such a powerful kick that drinking it felt like being hit by the potent weapon.

Q: Can I use Cognac instead of gin?

A: Absolutely. Using Cognac is a classic and historically significant variation that some argue is more authentically French. It creates a richer, warmer cocktail with notes of fruit and spice and is the preferred spirit in many cocktail circles, especially in New Orleans.

Q: What is the best type of sparkling wine for a French 75?

A: A dry (Brut) Champagne is the traditional and ideal choice, as its crispness and yeasty notes perfectly balance the cocktail's other ingredients. However, a high-quality dry Spanish Cava or a French Crémant are excellent and often more affordable alternatives that work beautifully.

Q: Should the cocktail be served in a flute or a different glass?

A: While a Champagne flute is the modern standard for showcasing and preserving bubbles, it is not the only correct option. A vintage coupe offers timeless elegance, while serving it over fresh ice in a tall Collins glass is a historically accurate method that creates a wonderfully refreshing long drink.