French 75 Recipe | Classic Champagne Gin Drink (Cocktail)

Name: French 75 Cocktail Recipe (Classic Champagne Cocktail)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 oz gin (London dry preferred); ½ oz fresh lemon juice; ½ oz simple syrup; 3–4 oz Champagne (or dry sparkling wine); Ice cubes; Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)

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With a special French main course, you can try or serve a French cocktail as a drink, which offers an extraordinary experience. Today, we will discuss one such classic champagne cocktail called the French 75 Cocktail or French 75 recipe. This iconic champagne cocktail with gin is crisp, lightly sweet, citrus-forward, and finished with elegant bubbles—perfect for brunch, celebrations, weddings, and effortless entertaining.

The French 75 drink is more than just another sparkling cocktail. It’s a time-tested favorite that combines premium gin, fresh lemon juice, balanced simple syrup, and chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine. The result? A refreshing, sophisticated drink that feels festive without being heavy or overly strong. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make a bar-quality French 75 cocktail recipe —clearly, confidently, and without unnecessary complexity.

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Yield: 1 Cocktail

French 75 Cocktail Recipe (Classic Champagne Cocktail)

The French 75 Recipe is a timeless, elegant cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. Light, crisp, and celebratory, it’s a high-end classic often served at weddings, brunches, New Year’s Eve parties, and upscale gatherings. This cocktail is known for its refreshing citrus notes, balanced sweetness, and sparkling finish.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 oz gin (London dry preferred)
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
3–4 oz Champagne (or dry sparkling wine)
Ice cubes
Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

Chill your glass: Place a champagne flute in the freezer for 5 minutes (optional but recommended).
Shake the base: In a cocktail shaker, add gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.
Shake well for about 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into the chilled champagne flute.
Top with Champagne slowly to preserve bubbles.
Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail cherry.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Choose a dry Champagne or Brut sparkling wine to avoid excess sweetness.
For a smoother taste, slightly reduce the lemon juice.
Always add Champagne last to maintain carbonation.
Chill all ingredients for a more refined, bar-quality cocktail.

Variations & Substitutions

Vodka French 75: Swap gin with vodka for a cleaner flavor.
Elderflower French 75: Replace simple syrup with elderflower liqueur.
Low-Alcohol Version: Use less gin and more sparkling wine.
Non-Alcoholic French 75: Use alcohol-free gin and sparkling grape juice.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for brunch menus, wedding cocktail hours, and holiday parties
Pairs well with seafood appetizers, cheese boards, and light desserts
Ideal as a signature cocktail for celebrations

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 94Sodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 0g

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What Is a French 75 Cocktail?

The French 75 cocktail is a classic, sparkling alcoholic drink made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. It’s light, crisp, refreshing, and famously elegant—often described as the perfect balance between a gin cocktail and a Champagne cocktail.

Traditionally served in a champagne flute, the French 75 recipe is known for its bright citrus flavor, subtle sweetness, and bubbly finish. The drink gets its name from the powerful French 75 field gun used in World War I—because this cocktail hits hard despite tasting smooth and refreshing.

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How to Make a French 75 Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Making a classic French 75 cocktail at home is surprisingly easy. This step-by-step method delivers a bar-quality champagne cocktail with gin—balanced, bubbly, and perfect for brunch, parties, weddings, and New Year’s celebrations.

Chilled champagne flute for French 75 cocktail

Step 1: Chill the Glass

Place a champagne flute in the freezer for 5 minutes. A chilled glass keeps the sparkling wine cocktail crisp and preserves carbonation. This small step makes a big difference in premium cocktail recipes.

Gin lemon juice and simple syrup in cocktail shaker

Step 2: Add Ingredients to a Shaker

In a cocktail shaker, add gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Fresh citrus is essential for the best French 75 recipe—it creates a clean, bright, high-end flavor.

Step 3: Shake Until Well Chilled

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the mixture is ice cold. Proper shaking balances acidity and sweetness, a key technique used in professional bartending and luxury cocktail bars.

Straining French 75 cocktail into champagne flute

Step 4: Strain Into the Glass

Strain the mixture into your chilled flute. This ensures a smooth texture without ice shards—essential for an elegant champagne cocktail.

Step 5: Top With Champagne

Slowly top with dry Champagne or premium sparkling wine. Adding it last keeps the bubbles lively, giving this classic French cocktail its signature fizz.

French 75 cocktail garnished with lemon twist

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly. This easy champagne cocktail is perfect for celebrations, brunch menus, and high-end party drinks.

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French 75 Recipe Variations You Should Try

With a few smart swaps, you can transform this classic gin and Champagne drink into something lighter, stronger, sweeter, or even alcohol-free—without losing that iconic bubbly elegance.

Vodka French 75

The Vodka French 75 is perfect if you love a clean, neutral flavor. Replacing gin with vodka removes botanical notes, letting the lemon and Champagne shine.

Elderflower French 75

This floral twist swaps simple syrup for elderflower liqueur, creating a slightly sweet, aromatic profile that feels luxurious and modern. The Elderflower French 75 performs extremely well on social platforms and is often recommended as a signature wedding cocktail or a high-end cocktail for celebrations.

Cognac French 75 (French 125)

Known as the French 125, this variation replaces gin with cognac for a richer, warmer cocktail. It’s stronger, deeper, and ideal for evening sipping or holiday entertaining.

Low-Alcohol French 75

If you want something lighter, reduce the gin and increase the sparkling wine. The low-alcohol French 75 is a favorite for low calorie cocktails and mindful drinking options that still feel festive and elegant.

Non-Alcoholic French 75

This version uses alcohol-free gin and non-alcoholic sparkling wine or soda. The non-alcoholic French 75 Recipe is perfect for mocktails that feel premium rather than childish or overly sweet.

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🥂 When to Serve a Classic French 75 Recipe

The French 75 cocktail is one of those rare drinks that fits almost any occasion. It’s light yet sophisticated, bubbly but balanced—making it perfect for both daytime events and elegant evening celebrations.

🍳 Brunch & Daytime Gatherings

A French 75 is an excellent brunch cocktail. The fresh lemon juice keeps it bright, while Champagne adds a light sparkle without feeling heavy. It’s ideal for late mornings, bridal showers, and upscale weekend brunch menus where guests want a refreshing, low-calorie champagne cocktail.

💍 Weddings & Signature Cocktails

Planning a wedding or engagement party? The French 75 works beautifully as a wedding signature cocktail. It looks elegant in a flute, feels celebratory, and appeals to guests who enjoy premium cocktails without overly strong alcohol flavors.

🎉 Holidays & Special Celebrations

From New Year’s Eve to anniversaries, this classic champagne cocktail shines at celebrations.

🍸 Cocktail Parties & Happy Hour

If you’re hosting a cocktail party or planning a classy happy hour, the French 75 adds instant polish. It’s a smart alternative to heavier gin cocktails and works well for guests who prefer smooth, premium alcohol drinks with bubbles.

❤️ Romantic Evenings & Date Nights

Light, citrusy, and elegant, the French 75 is a wonderful choice for romantic dinners, Valentine’s Day, or intimate celebrations. It offers a uniquely satisfying feeling without being overly intense, which has established it as one of the best champagne cocktails for date nights.

🌞 Warm Weather & Summer Events

Thanks to its refreshing profile, this drink is perfect for summer parties, garden gatherings, and outdoor events. Served well-chilled, it competes strongly with other popular summer cocktails and sparkling wine drinks.

French 75 Cocktail Recipe – Frequently Asked Questions

Is the French 75 a strong cocktail?

Yes, the French 75 is considered a moderately strong cocktail. Even though it tastes light and refreshing, it combines gin and Champagne, which increases the alcohol content. Compared to many classic champagne cocktails, the French 75 delivers a noticeable kick while still feeling smooth and easy to drink. This balance makes it popular among people searching for elegant yet effective party cocktails and premium alcohol drink recipes.

Can I make a French 75 with Prosecco instead of Champagne?

Absolutely. While traditional recipes use Champagne, many home bartenders use Prosecco or other sparkling wines. Prosecco creates a slightly sweeter French 75, which some people prefer. If you are choosing Prosecco, reduce the simple syrup slightly to maintain balance. This substitution is common in budget-friendly champagne cocktail recipes and party drink ideas.

How much alcohol is in a French 75 cocktail?

A standard French 75 contains approximately 11–14% ABV depending on the gin and Champagne used. This places it higher than wine but lower than straight spirits. Because it is bubbly and citrus-forward, it often feels lighter than it actually is, which is why it’s frequently listed among classic high-end cocktails and wedding signature drinks.

Is the French 75 considered a brunch cocktail?

Yes, the French 75 is one of the most popular brunch cocktails alongside mimosas and bellinis. Its citrus notes, sparkling texture, and moderate alcohol content make it ideal for daytime events, bridal showers, and upscale brunch menus. Many restaurants feature it as a premium brunch cocktail option.

What type of gin is best for a French 75?

A London dry gin works best because it provides clean botanical notes without overpowering the Champagne. Avoid overly floral or sweet gins, as they can clash with the citrus and bubbles. Choosing a high-quality gin improves flavor balance and positions this drink among premium cocktail recipes often searched by home bartenders.

Can I make a French 75 ahead of time?

You can prepare the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, always add Champagne just before serving to preserve carbonation. This method is ideal for parties, weddings, and events where fast cocktail service matters.

Is there a low-calorie or healthier French 75 option?

Yes. To make a lower-calorie French 75, reduce the simple syrup or use a natural low-calorie sweetener. Brut Champagne also contains less sugar than sweet sparkling wines.

Can I make a non-alcoholic French 75?

Yes, a non-alcoholic French 75 can be made using alcohol-free gin and sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. While it won’t have the same alcohol content, it keeps the signature citrus and bubbly character, making it perfect for sober celebrations and mocktail menus.

What glass should a French 75 be served in?

A champagne flute is the traditional choice because it preserves carbonation and enhances presentation. Some modern bars also serve it in a coupe glass for a vintage look. Glassware choice impacts aroma, bubbles, and overall drinking experience, especially in upscale cocktail settings.

Why is it called a French 75?

The cocktail is named after the French 75mm field gun used during World War I, referencing the drink’s powerful impact despite its elegant appearance. This historical connection adds to its reputation as a classic cocktail with both strength and sophistication.

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French 75 Cocktail Recipe – Classic Champagne Drink With Gin (Bar-Quality at Home)