French 75: The Ultimate Champagne Cocktail

A glass of French 75 is on the tray with lemons

French 75 is a classic cocktail with a history as sparkling as its taste. I enjoy its crisp, light, and effervescent flavor. This cocktail brings a touch of class to any occasion.

French 75 recipe

French 75 is a variation of the Tom Collins. It is made with gin (or cognac), lemon juice, syrup, and Champagne. The drink balances the strength of gin with Champagne’s effervescence. Lemon juice adds bright acidity to the cocktail. Simple syrup contributes a hint of sweetness. This combination creates a refreshing and invigorating drink.

French 75 cocktail is garnished with lemon peel

The French 75 is named after the 75mm field gun from World War I. The name reflects the cocktail’s strong and impactful flavor. This timeless cocktail is often chosen for celebrations and brunches.

Here is how to make the French 75 cocktail:

A glass of French 75 is on the tray with lemons

Classic French 75

The French 75 combines the bright citrus notes of fresh lemon juice with the botanical complexity of gin, sweetened with simple syrup and topped with crisp champagne. It's a sophisticated and effervescent cocktail.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine French
Servings 1
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz (30 ml) gin
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup or sugarcane syrup
  • 2-3 oz (60-90 ml) chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Lemon twist or peel for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add gin, lemon juice, and sugarcane syrup. Shake well for 15-20 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
  • Top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist or peel. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 9gSugar: 8g
Keyword alcoholic drinks, classic cocktail, French 75, French recipe, homemade cocktails, New Year recipe
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How to pair

The French 75 can be paired well with a variety of foods. You can try these excellent food pairing suggestions:

  1. Seafood Dishes
    • Smoked salmon complements the citrus notes.
    • Cocktail sauce complements lemon juice in the cocktail.
    • Ceviche works well. The bubbles in the cocktail enhance the delicate flavors of the dish.
    • Oysters enhance the drink’s effervescence.
  2. Appetizers
    • Prawn cocktail pairs beautifully with the drink.
    • Soft cheeses and fruits create a delightful combination with citrus notes.
    • Canapés with smoked salmon, caviar, or pâté matches the cocktail’s profile.
  3. Savory Dishes
    • Salmon tartare complements the cocktail’s refreshing qualities.
    • Turkey pastry puffs offer a savory option for holiday gatherings.
    • Prosciutto-Wrapped Avocado Bites complements the cocktail’s bright notes.
  4. Sweet Dishes
    • Delicate pastries enhance the French 75’s sweetness.
    • Fresh fruit salads with citrus fruits harmonize with the drink’s flavors.
    • Croissants make an elegant pairing with the drink.
    • Brie Crostini with Honey works well with the drink’s citrusy brightness.

Variations

Here are some notable variations of the popular French 75:

  1. Flavorful Liqueurs incorporate flavored liqueurs such as Blue Curaçao or peach liqueur. This adds both sweetness and color to the cocktail.
  2. French 76 substitutes vodka for gin. It combines vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. This cocktail appeals to vodka lovers.
  3. French 78 includes limoncello with traditional ingredients. Limoncello adds a rich lemon flavor.
  4. Elderflower French 75 replaces sugar with elderflower liqueur. This drink adds floral notes and brings a sophisticated feeling.
  5. Citrus Variations experiment with different citrus juices. For instance, using lime juice instead of lemon can create a zesty variation
  6. Fruit-Infused Versions adds fruit purees or juices, such as peach or berry-infused gin. This enhances the flavor profile significantly. This variation adds sweetness and introduces vibrant colors to the drink.
  7. Sparkling Wine Swaps uses other sparkling wines like prosecco or cava for a different taste experience.
  8. Bourbon French 75 substitutes bourbon for gin for a rich and warming version.

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