French 75 – A Beautiful Mess

The French 75 is a classic cocktail, and for good reason! With the combination of bubbly champagne, the lightness of fresh lemon, and the botanical juniper notes of gin, this drink has stood the test of time and is a fan favorite at cocktail hours everywhere.

Although it looks fancy, French 75s are easy to make (you can even make your own lemon twist at home) and we’ve got a video to show you exactly how to do it!

Related: Peach Bellini (Only 3 Ingredients!), Rosemary Grapefruit Sparkler, Gin and Tonic Cocktail, Strawberry Mojito

How did the French 75 get its name?

While there are different theories on when it first appeared, it is said that the French 75 was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris by bartender Harry MacElhone. The drink had suck a kick that it was named after a French 75mm field gun in World War I that was known for speed and accuracy.

What’s the best champagne to use in a French 75?

While you can use your personal favorite champagne in a French 75, it is suggested that choices like Brut champagne or Spanish Cavas will make the best drink. If you like your drinks a little sweeter though, feel free to use a Prosecco or a sweeter sparkling wine.

How do you make a lemon twist?

To make a lemon twist, simply cut a round slice of lemon about 1/4″ thick and use a small knife to cut away the peel from the lemon flesh. Try remove as much of the white rind as you can from the yellow outer layer and then curl your thin lemon strip up a straw and hold it there for 10-15 seconds until the curl holds. Slide off and place into your drink!

Ingredients

• Gin – You’ll use gin to give this classic cocktail a slight botanical flavor note.
• Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds a brightness to the drink and you can use the peel to make a fun lemon twist
• Simple Syrup – Add a little sweetness to your cocktail with simple syrup (which you can buy or easily make your own).
• Champagne or Sparkling Wine – You’ll add bubbles and lightness to your drink with champagne! Play around with different varieties to see which you like best for your cocktail.

The best glassware for a classic French 75 is a tall champagne flute, but you can also serve it in a shorter coupe glass for a different look.

Directions

Grab a shaker with ice in it and pour in your gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.

Shake until well chilled and then pour your drink into a champagne flute.

Top off your drink with champagne and add a lemon twist for an optional garnish.

Tips for Making

• Play around with different varieties of champagne until you find the perfect sweetness level for your taste in drinks.
• If the champagne you have on hand is too dry for your taste, you can add a little extra simple syrup to add in more sweetness.
• Try serving these at your next brunch instead of mimosas!

French 75 Variations

• Peachy 75: Try adding in some peach juice instead of lemon for a fresh twist on the classic.
• Cognac 75: Instead of gin, try adding cognac to your drink for a fan favorite substitution.
• Cider 75: Swap out the champagne for a dry sparkling cider for delicious treat.