French 75
The French 75 is a sophisticated classic cocktail known for its bright lemon flavor, botanical gin, and lively sparkling wine finish. Often described as a Tom Collins with Champagne, this elegant drink combines fresh citrus, simple syrup, and London Dry gin before being topped with crisp Brut sparkling wine.
It’s refreshing, celebratory, and surprisingly simple to make—provided you get the temperature, dilution, and carbonation right.
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
1½ oz London Dry gin
¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
3 oz chilled Brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine
1 long strip of fresh lemon peel, for garnish
Ice
Instructions
1. Chill the Glass: Place a Champagne flute or coupe in the freezer while you prepare the cocktail. A thoroughly chilled glass helps preserve the drink's delicate carbonation.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Add the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Do not add the Champagne yet.
3. Shake: Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with hard ice. Shake vigorously for approximately 15 seconds, until the shaker is frosty and the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
4. Double Strain: Double-strain the cocktail into your chilled Champagne flute or coupe using a fine-mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips and lemon pulp, creating a smoother drink and helping preserve the bubbles.
5. Add the Sparkling Wine: Slowly top with approximately 3 oz of chilled Brut Champagne or sparkling wine. Pour gently to prevent excessive foaming and preserve the carbonation.
6. Garnish: Hold the lemon peel over the surface of the drink and gently express the citrus oils over the top. Twist the peel and place it into the glass.
Serve immediately and enjoy your classic French 75.
Notes
Gin or Cognac?
London Dry gin is the most recognizable modern version of the French 75, bringing juniper, citrus, and botanical notes that work beautifully with sparkling wine. Cognac is also a historic variation and creates a warmer, richer cocktail.
Choose a Dry Sparkling Wine
Look for Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wine rather than sweeter styles. Champagne is traditional, but a quality French Crémant, Spanish Cava, or dry Italian Prosecco can also work beautifully.
Fresh Lemon Juice Is Essential
Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the French 75 its signature bright acidity. Fine-straining the juice removes excess pulp and creates a cleaner cocktail with better bubble retention.
Temperature Matters
Keep both the glass and sparkling wine thoroughly chilled. Cold liquids hold carbonation better, helping your French 75 stay lively from the first sip to the last.
Never Shake Champagne
Always shake only the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Carbonated ingredients should never go into a cocktail shaker—the pressure can cause the shaker to open unexpectedly.
Pro Tips
Chill your Champagne flute or coupe before serving.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Fine-strain the citrus mixture for a cleaner finish.
Keep your sparkling wine refrigerated until the moment you need it.
Pour the Champagne slowly to preserve the bubbles.
Serve immediately after topping with sparkling wine.
Why You'll Love This Classic French 75 Recipe
Bright, citrusy, and beautifully effervescent
Ready in just 4 minutes
Elegant enough for celebrations and dinner parties
Made with simple, high-quality ingredients
A timeless sparkling cocktail that's easy to recreate at home
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make French 75s ahead of time?
You can prepare the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Shake each portion with ice just before serving, then top with chilled sparkling wine.
What is the difference between a French 75 and a Tom Collins?
Both combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, but a Tom Collins is served over ice and topped with club soda, while a French 75 is shaken, served without ice, and finished with sparkling wine.
Can I use honey syrup instead of simple syrup?
Yes. A 1:1 honey syrup adds floral sweetness and creates a beautiful variation with the botanical gin and sparkling wine. It's a particularly elegant option if you enjoy a softer, more aromatic French 75.