French 75
4.6
(18)
Active Time
2 minutes
Total Time
2 minutes
As legend has it, the French 75 cocktail is named after a field gun used by French soldiers during World War I. How exactly that inspired the elegant combination of spirit, sparkling wine, and fresh lemon juice that appeared in Harry Craddock’s 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book is anyone’s guess.
Like many classic cocktails, the French 75’s ingredients can be customized to accommodate your taste, budget, the bottles you already have on your bar cart. Brut Champagne is traditional here, but you can also make a very tasty (and less expensive) French 75 with cava, prosecco, or any dry sparkling wine. The base spirit is similarly negotiable. You’ll see most modern variations made with dry gin, as is ours below, but cognac has its fair share of proponents and makes a toastier, richer version of the drink. Others may cut the gin with a bit of absinthe or add a few dashes of bitters to give their French 75 recipe an herbal twist.
This rendition comes from Eben Freeman, the esteemed New York City bartender and cocktail consultant. His take on the refreshing Champagne cocktail is bright and festive, just the thing for bubbly brunches or New Year’s Eve toasts. The drink tastes best when served very cold, so Freeman recommends chilling both your sparkling wine and glassware before you begin. At the height of summer (or if you don’t have Champagne glasses from which to serve your French 75) drink it from tall collins glasses with ice, as was the historical fashion.
Ingredients
Makes 1
Step 1
Using zester or paring knife, slice peel from 1 lemon in long, thin spiral. Reserve lemon for another use and set peel aside.
Step 2
Combine 1½ oz. gin, ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz. simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 cup ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into chilled Champagne flute and top with 2 oz. dry sparkling wine.
Step 3
Curl reserved lemon peel around finger to create twist at least 6" long. Garnish drink with lemon twist and serve immediately.
Editor’s note: This recipe was first printed in June 2009. Head this way for more of our favorite gin cocktails →
Leave a Review
Reviews (18)
Back to TopThe Major has it right: The original French 75, named after a gun, was 75% cognac and 25% champagne. Best served at the end of the evening in small glasses. People love them though and it's a great drink to serve to guests who will be spending the night!
Elizabeth Stoddard
Maine
12/31/2022
I love this cocktail. Had it in a restaurant recently as a French 95 made with bourbon instead of gin. refreshing and light, but don't drink too many!
KMT
San Antonio, TX
11/24/2021
I love this cocktail, but to prevent another year of drunk math on Christmas Eve, here is the recipe for 6 servings (because who makes just one?!?) Am I the only trying to do math in a crowded kitchen with lemon juice all over my hands and everyone waiting for a drink?: 4.5 oz lemon juice (1/2 cup plus 1 tsp) 3 oz simple syrup (1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs) 12 oz champagne (1.5 cups) 9 oz gin (1 cup plus 1 Tbs) - we use Hendricks Once the simple syrup cools, mix with gin and and lemon juice and put in fridge, up to a few hours. Once ready to serve, divide among 6 champagne glasses and top with champagne. Garnish. No need to look up how many oz in .3337 cup. You're welcome.
ocellot
NYC
11/20/2019
This drink is refreshing and delicious!
krisveil
12/26/2018
I've made and served this drink on many an occasion in Manhattan bars. Without the gin but instead adding brandy or cognac turns it into a King's Peg, though many King's Peg recipe versions omit the lemon and sugar.
Suthnautr
NY, NY
5/7/2018
The ONLY way to make the TRUE French 75 is with cognac, not gin. The Brits got a hold of a good thing and of course, enter gin. They taste pretty good with gin, but try it with cognac: oh, my! This was invented by the WWI French biplane pilots going up to do battle. Courage drink. Named after the French 75 mm howitzers ~ pure French ! : )
rwrlink9508
Bainbridge Island, WA
8/7/2017
Had this today for the first time at a McCormick & Schmick's, made with the recipe as above, with Hendrick's Gin and prosecco. A "summer" drink that went down quite nicely in December, sipped slowly over the course of an hour. Glad I tried it. Want to make it at home!
seavu
12/4/2013
This might very well be my favorite summer drink¿. very refreshing and drinkable, with a kick!!! I like to make these for guest, I haven¿t found a person who didn¿t like it¿ fresh lemon and good gin make this drink¿ I¿m going to try putting ginger in it now! Enjoy! You need to try this drink!
hcarnocki
Seabeck, WA
7/6/2013
I loved this cocktail and so did my guests. I wrapped the lemon twists around a chop stick to make a spiral and hung them in the drink from the edge of the glass. They were beautiful!
Anonymous
Washington DC
12/16/2009
Was the original French 75 a spawn of World War One using 25% Cognac and 75% Champagne? The reference was to the famous field gun and something about blowing your head off?
major_d
7/21/2009
Delish! I made this to try out my new cocktail shaker and it's the perfect blend of sweet and bitter. Will definitely be making this one again. ^_~
champagnenomad
Zürich
8/25/2008
Love, love, love this drink! I am a diehard champagne drinker but sometimes I crave a different taste and this gets it perfectly. It's also perfect for anyone who loves lemondrop but finds them too sweet! I accidently muddled a touch of fresh ginger with my homemade scratch mix and added it to my French 75 and couldnt believe how amazing the new flavor twist was.
jenaras
Hawaii
8/17/2008
I've been wowing my guests with this drink for years. Like drinking liquid gold. However, I've always made it with triple sec instead of simple syrup, and only a scant squeeze of lemon juice. Try it!
worldbeat
8/16/2008
it's okay, but the recipe I picked up in Paris used Cognac not gin and tastes much better.
magicjim
St. Augustine, Fl
8/16/2008
These are absolutely delicious - I have been a French 75 fan for years. Give it a try with Hendrick's gin (Scottish gin infused with cucumber and rose petals.) Perfection!
karasmith42
Seattle, WA
8/15/2008
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