Classic French 75 Cocktail

Are you familiar with the delightful world of French cocktails? If not, then it’s time to get acquainted with the French 75, a sparkling and zesty gin-based drink perfect for celebrations and special events. This remarkable concoction is both refreshing and potent, making it the go-to choice when a sparkling cocktail is in order.

The French 75, named after the French 75-mm field gun used during World War I, combines gin and champagne, creating a powerful yet elegant beverage. In a unique twist, this classic cocktail features honey instead of sugar in its simple syrup, adding a subtle sweetness and harmonizing perfectly with the fresh lemon and herbal gin. Of course, if you prefer, you can always stick to the original recipe and use sugar. One thing is for sure, this French 75 will always leave an impression!

French 75 Ingredients & Helpful Hints

Simple Syrup Tips

You’ll need to make a simple syrup for your French 75 cocktail using either sugar or honey. It only takes about 5 minutes to prepare on the stove. Remember to let it cool down a bit before using it in your drink. You can also store the simple syrup in the fridge for several days if you’re preparing in advance.

Selecting the Right Gin

You can use a standard dry gin, like Beefeater, in your French 75. However, you might want to try Hendrick’s, which has a unique cucumber and rose flavor profile. Choose the gin based on your personal preferences.

French 75 Twists

If you’re looking to add a creative twist to the classic French 75, give the Clementine or Earl Grey versions a shot. The Elderflower Champagne Cocktail is another excellent alternative.

Creating the Perfect French 75 Cocktail

Remember to share your thoughts on how your French 75 turned out in the comments. Hopefully, they’re a hit!

Looking for a change? You can try Bee’s Knees or Tom Collins cocktails for a similar lemony gin experience. If you want something different, opt for classic mimosas or Moscow mules. Cheers!

Classic French 75 Cocktail

Delightful cocktail
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine French
Servings 2
Calories 177 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ ounces gin
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice approximately ¾ of a medium lemon
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup recipe below
  • 2 to 3 ounces chilled Champagne enough to fill the glass
  • Lemon peel for garnish
  • ¼ cup honey or sugar
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the simple syrup: Combine the honey (or sugar) and water in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey or sugar is dissolved in the water. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.
  • Mix the cocktail (can be made in multiples): Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Make sure the shaker's lid is secure and shake well until chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain the mixture into champagne flutes and top with Champagne.
  • Garnish and serve: Twist the lemon peel and hold it for a few seconds to keep its shape. Place the lemon twist garnish onto your glass and enjoy the French 75 cocktail while it's cold!

Notes

Measuring tips: 1 ½ ounces is equal to 3 tablespoons, and ¾ ounce is equal to 1 ½ tablespoons.
Vegan option: Substitute vegan sugar for honey.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free gin like Hendrick's, but double-check to ensure it is gluten-free.
Variations: Try substituting the lemon juice for other fresh citrus juices, such as clementine or blood orange. Alternatively, you can use St. Germain elderflower liqueur instead of simple syrup, and use lemon as the citrus.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal
Keyword classic french 75 cocktail
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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s inside a classic French 75 cocktail?

A classic French 75 cocktail contains the following ingredients:

  • Gin
  • Lemon juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Champagne

How can I create a French 75 using cognac?

To make a French 75 with cognac, simply replace the gin with an equal amount of cognac. Follow these steps:

  1. Combine 1 oz of cognac, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of simple syrup in a shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice, then shake well.
  3. Strain into a flute or coupe glass.
  4. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

What sets a French 75 apart from a French 57?

The main difference between a French 75 and a French 57 is the choice of base spirit. A French 75 uses gin or cognac, while a French 57 traditionally uses vodka.

Is it possible to prepare a French 75 with Prosecco?

Yes, you can substitute Champagne with Prosecco in a French 75. The drink will still be delicious, but it might have a slightly different flavor profile due to the Prosecco’s unique characteristics.

Was the original French 75 made with gin or cognac?

The original French 75 is believed to have been made with cognac. However, gin became a popular substitute later on, and both versions are enjoyed today.

How does a French 75 differ from a French Martini?

A French 75 is a sparkling cocktail made with gin or cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. In contrast, a French Martini is a fruity and creamy cocktail that combines vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord, a raspberry liqueur. The French Martini does not contain any sparkling wine.

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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
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