The French 75 is a classic French cocktail with a bright, citrusy base and a lively sparkling finish. Gin, lemon, and simple syrup make the drink crisp without masking the bubbles.
This version keeps the proportions balanced and refreshingly dry. Shake the gin, lemon, and syrup with ice, then strain into a flute and top with chilled sparkling wine.
Chill the glass and sparkling wine before mixing. Add the bubbles slowly at the end so the drink stays lively and the lemon aroma remains fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an aperitif with salted almonds, oysters, smoked salmon, or small cheese toasts. A lemon twist is enough garnish to keep the drink clean and elegant.
Recipe Notes
Adjust the simple syrup slightly depending on the sweetness of the sparkling wine. For a lower-alcohol version, replace half the gin with chilled soda water.
Classic French 75 Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Strainer
- Champagne flute
Ingredients
French 75
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz chilled sparkling wine
- 1 twist lemon peel for garnish
- 1 cup ice for shaking
Instructions
Shake:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds, until the shaker is cold.
Finish and Serve:
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
- Top slowly with the sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the cleanest, brightest flavor.
- A dry sparkling wine keeps the cocktail crisp and balanced.
- For a sweeter drink, add another 1/4 ounce of simple syrup.