Recipe

French 75 Cocktail

A classic, citrusy gin cocktail topped with Champagne for a crisp, celebratory sip.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A pale golden French 75 cocktail in a chilled coupe glass with tiny bubbles and a lemon twist on a light stone countertop

There are cocktails that whisper, and cocktails that sparkle. The French 75 is firmly in the sparkle category. It is bright and lemony up front, botanical from the gin, and finished with a Champagne topper that makes the whole thing feel like you put on real pants for dinner even if you absolutely did not.

I love it because it is equal parts low effort and high reward. Shake three things, strain, top with bubbles, and suddenly it is brunch, New Year’s, date night, or a random Tuesday where you decided joy is on the menu.

Gin, fresh lemons, a small bottle of simple syrup, and a bottle of Champagne arranged on a kitchen counter with a jigger and cocktail shaker

Why It Works

Balanced and bright: Fresh lemon keeps it snappy, simple syrup smooths the edges, and gin brings the herbal backbone.
Perfect texture: Shaken base gets ice-cold and slightly aerated, then Champagne adds that clean, fizzy finish.
Easy to scale: Make a small pitcher of the base ahead of time, then top each glass to order so the bubbles stay lively.
Flexible: Use Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or any dry sparkling wine you like. Brut keeps the sweetness in check.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

French 75 is best freshly built, but you can absolutely set yourself up for success.

Make-ahead base

Mix (do not shake) the gin + lemon juice + simple syrup and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Lemon is brightest on day one.

Once topped with Champagne

If a finished French 75 sits, it goes flat. If you have leftovers in the glass, call it what it is: a snack for the cook. For parties, top each serving right before handing it off.

Simple syrup storage

Homemade 1:1 simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) keeps in the fridge in a clean, sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Label it, and toss it early if it turns cloudy, smells off, or shows any signs of mold.

Common Questions

What is a French 75 made of?

A classic French 75 is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne (or other dry sparkling wine). It is usually served in a flute or coupe with a lemon twist.

Is there one “correct” French 75 ratio?

Not really. There are a few widely published specs, and they range from more spirit-forward to more citrus-forward. This is my preferred ratio for a bright, balanced drink that still feels bubbly and light.

Can I use Prosecco instead of Champagne?

Yes. Champagne is traditional, but Prosecco or Cava works great. For the crispest French 75, choose a brut (or drier, like extra brut). If your sparkling wine is sweeter, reduce the simple syrup a touch so the drink stays snappy.

How strong is a French 75?

It is stronger than it tastes. You have a full ounce of gin plus sparkling wine, and the lemon makes it dangerously easy to sip. Treat it like a celebratory cocktail, not lemonade.

Should I shake a French 75?

Shake the gin, lemon, and simple syrup with ice. Then strain and top with Champagne. Do not shake the Champagne unless you want a sticky ceiling and a dramatic life lesson.

Can I make it with cognac or vodka?

Yes. A cognac French 75 is a well-known variation and tastes warmer and rounder than gin. You can also use vodka, and it will still be good, but it will not taste like a classic French 75. If you use vodka, consider adding a thin lemon twist and maybe a tiny splash of elderflower liqueur for some personality.

What glass should I use?

A flute is classic and keeps bubbles longer. A coupe feels fancy and lets the aroma pop. At home, I use whatever is clean and makes me feel like the main character.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring spoons
Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for extra-smooth)
Citrus juicer
Champagne flute, coupe, or small wine glass

I have a soft spot for recipes that feel like a magic trick, and the French 75 is one of them. It tastes like you planned ahead and lit a candle. In reality, you squeezed a lemon, shook a tin, and let the bubbles do the heavy lifting. It is my go-to when I want something bright and celebratory without turning my kitchen into a bar program.