Cocktail Art
French 75
The French 75 is a sophisticated, effervescent cocktail that combines the botanicals of gin with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, balanced by simple syrup and topped with crisp champagne. It tastes wonderfully refreshing, tart, and bubbly, making it a perfect choice for brunches, celebratory toasts, or elegant evening parties. Named after a powerful French artillery gun from World War I, this classic drink has stood the test of time.
- GlassChampagne flute
- MethodShake
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 24% ABV
How to make a French 75
Shake it in a champagne flute with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.
- Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the liquid into a champagne flute.
- Top up with champagne and stir gently to combine.
Bartender’s tips
- Ensure your champagne flute and the champagne itself are thoroughly chilled before preparation to keep the drink bubbly and crisp.
- If you do not have gin, you can use genever as a traditional alternative, or swap champagne for prosecco for a lighter style.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsFrench 75 questions
Which spirit is used in a French 75?
A classic French 75 is made with gin, though some historical variations use cognac instead.
Can I substitute the champagne in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute champagne with prosecco or another dry sparkling wine if needed.
How strong is a French 75?
This cocktail has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 24%, making it moderately strong due to the combination of gin and sparkling wine.