Champagne Cocktails
I love champagne. I love it's crisp, bright flavor. It's fun bubbles. But even more than champagne, I love champagne cocktails.
Last year for New Year's Eve, instead of drinking plain champagne we had Grapefruit Mimosas, and we loved them. So, this year, we tried a French 75 and love it too!
An alternative to champagne is Prosecco an Italian sparkling wine. I tend to use them interchangeably, but I'm sure some cocktail purists would not agree with me!
Ingredients in a French 75 Cocktail
- Gin - We used a London Dry Gin.
- Champagne - pick your favorite.
- Lemon juice - fresh squeezed. Preferably organic because you'll be using a twist of the peel for garnish.
- Simple syrup - equal parts water and sugar heated until the sugar dissolves. Will keep in the fridge for about a month.
How to Make this Sparkling Cocktail
Pour 1 ounce of gin into a cocktail shaker.
Add ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
Add ½ ounce of simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
Add ice to cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds, then strain into cocktail glass. A tall flute glass is recommended so you can see the bubbles!
Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist!
The French 75 cocktail was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, by Harry MacElhone. The bar was later renamed Harry's New York Bar. The name of the cocktail comes from the idea that it has such a kick to it that it felt like being shelled by a French 75mm field gun!
Yes, it's potent, but it goes down so easy! It's also so easy to make! It's one of our favorite cocktails.
It's great for New Year's Eve, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, brunch or any time you want a sparkling cocktail.
French 75 Cocktail Variations
The two most common variations of the French 75 Cocktail are the French 76 Cocktail and the French 77 Cocktail.
The French 76 Cocktail replace the gin in the French 75 with vodka. It lets the flavor from the sparkling wine shine through a bit more.
The French 77 Cocktail uses elderflower liqueur in place of the gin. This is my favorite variation, softly floral, really elegant.
French 75 Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 4 ounces champagne
- lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to cocktail shaker. Shake for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a flute glass and top with the champagne.
- Run the lemon peel around the edge of the glass and then drop into the cocktail.
Notes
Video
Nutrition
This was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for 2020.
Amy Liu Dong says
That cocktail looks really delicious, a perfect drink to make for Valentine's Day!
Audrey says
This was a huge hit with my friends, everyone loved this drink.
Jerika says
I love classic cocktails!:) I'm so excited to try this French 75 Cocktail.:) Thanks!
TillyEats says
So refreshing and not overly sweet like some cocktails, perfect on a hot day!
Pam Greer says
It's really refreshing!
Colleen says
Such a delightful and refreshing cocktail. I can't wait to try this.
Pam Greer says
You'll have to let me know what you think!
Mindy says
Im a fan of any drink that has champagne in it and this looks amazing!!
Pam Greer says
Me too!
Caroline says
I only came across the French 75 relatively recently which is strange since it's one of the old classic cocktails. But it's one I keep meaning to try as I love all the components. Looks great, so elegant!
Pam Greer says
It is elegant and I love how easy it is!
Cathy says
This cocktail sounds delicious and refreshing! Also enjoyed this informative post about a 1915 cocktail! Thanks!
Pam Greer says
It is so refreshing and delicious!
Ann says
Now that's a cocktail I fancy making and hopefully I can find a ginger flavoured gin locally.
Pam Greer says
Any flavored gin would probably be good!