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This French 75 recipe is the perfect cocktail for any occasion – light, refreshing, and always a hit. Having a go-to drink is a must during the holidays and a good champagne cocktail is a must for toasting the New Year!
I don’t know about you, but when New Year’s Eve rolls around I have champagne on the brain. It’s my favorite this time of year! Normally I grab a brut or an Asti if I want something a little sweet, but this year I’m making a champagne cocktail instead! It’s going to be me and my family at home watching the ball drop, so why not have a little fun and treat ourselves?! Sparkling cider for the kids and a bubbly French 75 cocktail for the adults.
Why is it called a French 75?
This cocktail’s name supposedly comes from the iconic 75mm Howitzer field gun used by the French and Americans in WWI. This cocktail is said to have a kick like being hit by this gun and called “the most powerful drink in the world.”
I don’t know about all that, but it’s delicious and a couple of glasses will definitely leave you a bit tipsy.
Champagne Cocktail Ingredients and Tips
- Gin – Pick a good quality gin, something you enjoying drinking regularly. I’m really partial to Drumshanbo Gunpowder gin and Bombay Sapphire gin.
- Champagne – If you don’t want to drop the dollar on a good bottle of French champagne, a California Méthode Champenoise will work just fine – AKA Korbel or the like.
- Simple Syrup – Make your own or grab a pre-made bottle from the store.
- Lemon Juice – You really want to fresh squeeze the juice for this champagne cocktail. It’ll make a difference. I like to use a Julep strainer to help catch any seeds.
How to make a French 75
This is a crazy easy cocktail! The hardest part of this French 75 recipe is the garnish.
- Measure. Starting with the spirits, measure the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into a champagne flute.
- Pour. Fill the glass almost all the way full with champagne. Pour slowly so it doesn’t bubble over.
- Peel. Use a paring knife to cut a thin slice of lemon peel from the fruit. Try to avoid getting any of the pith (the white stuff between the yellow skin and the fruit inside). Curl the lemon peel and then rub the outside of the peel around the rim of the glass.
- Serve. Add the lemon curl to your cocktail and enjoy!
If you want to make those really thin curls that look like the garnish at your favorite bar, this fruit carver is your tool. But for at home, no-frills cocktail making a paring knife will work just fine.
Is a French 75 a girly drink?
Nope. Sure it’s served in a champagne flute, but this drink is sophisticated and simple. A great champagne cocktail for a gentleman or lady to enjoy.
What does a French 75 taste like?
Refreshing. That’s the best word for it. The gin and lemon play together beautifully and the champagne adds a fizzy dry bite. You’ll love this French 75 recipe – It’s fantastic!
More Cocktail Party Favorites
If you’re planning to serve these divine cocktails up for New Year’s Eve, be sure to pair them with some of my favorite tasty appetizers! You can’t go wrong with Cranberry Brie Bites, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Marinara Meatball Poppers.
And if you want to fill out your bar menu for the holidays, these cocktails are great options! A Sgroppino stays with the bubbles theme, a Bourbon Flip is all about holiday vibes, and The Brown Derby is a classic prohibition-style cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion!
French 75 Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3 ounces champagne
- Lemon curls
Instructions
- Pour gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into a champagne flute.
- Fill the glass almost to the top with champagne.
- Use a paring knife to slice a thin layer of lemon peel from the fruit and then roll into a curl.
- Rub the outside of the lemon peel around the rim of the glass before placing it in the cocktail. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Sounds good. I will give it a try. I love Champagne.
Thank you for stopping by Rebecca.