How to Make the Perfect French 75: Effortless Sparkle in a Glass
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Light, bubbly, and quietly glamorous — the French 75 is the cocktail that turns any moment into a celebration. It’s crisp, citrusy, and beautifully effervescent, with just enough gin to keep things interesting. Whether you’re hosting brunch, clinking glasses at a party, or kicking off a date night, the French 75 always feels like the right choice.
What You’ll Need
A French 75 is simple to make but feels elevated thanks to fresh citrus and the sparkle of champagne.
1 oz Gin
A bright, botanical gin works beautifully.
½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
½ oz Simple Syrup
Adjust sweetness to taste.
3 oz Champagne (or any dry sparkling wine)
Chilled.
Lemon Twist for garnish
Ice
How to Make It
The French 75 is built in two steps: shake for balance, top for bubbles.
1. Shake the base.
Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until chilled.
2. Strain into a champagne flute or coupe.
A tall flute gives you elegance; a coupe gives you a vintage feel.
3. Top with champagne.
Pour slowly so the bubbles settle beautifully.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.
A gentle twist over the glass releases citrus oils for a fresh aroma.
Make It Your Own
The classic French 75 is perfect as-is, but a few playful twists never hurt:
French 95: Swap gin for bourbon.
Elderflower 75: Add ¼ oz St-Germain for a floral note.
Rosé 75: Top with sparkling rosé for a blush-pink finish.
Citrus Swap: Try grapefruit juice instead of lemon for a softer, rounder profile.
When to Serve It
This is a cocktail that suits any moment you want to feel a touch more special:
Brunch gatherings
Bridal showers
New Year’s Eve
Dinner parties
“Just because” Friday nights
It’s refreshing, celebratory, and always a crowd favourite.
A Host’s Tip
Hosting a bigger group? Pre-shake your gin, lemon, and simple syrup and keep the mix chilled. When guests arrive, pour 2 oz into each glass and top with bubbly. Fast, consistent, and effortlessly elegant.