The French 75: A Bubbly Classic with a Wartime Past

Light, bubbly, and beautifully refined, the French 75 is a cocktail that never goes out of style. Born in the early 1900s and named after a powerful WWI artillery piece, this drink combines the botanical bite of gin with the bright freshness of lemon and the elegance of Champagne. Whether you’re toasting at brunch, ringing in the New Year, or simply elevating an evening at home, the French 75 is a sparkling choice. In this post, you’ll learn how to make the perfect French 75—from crafting the citrus base to choosing the right bubbly for a crisp, celebratory finish.

5/8/20251 min read

Ingredients (1 serving):

1 oz gin (London Dry preferred)
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio sugar to water)
3 oz Champagne (or any good-quality dry sparkling wine)
Ice

Garnish:

Lemon twist or lemon peel

🍋 Simple Syrup (Optional Homemade):

Ingredients:

½ cup sugar
½ cup water

Instructions:

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan.
Heat gently and stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
Let cool before using.
Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Champagne flute or coupe glass

🍹 How to Make a French 75:

In a shaker, combine:
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
Add ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to chill.
Strain into a chilled Champagne flute or coupe.
Top with Champagne (about 3 oz).
Garnish with a twist of lemon.

✨ Tips for the Perfect French 75:

Chill your glass beforehand to keep the bubbles crisp.
Don’t overshake—just enough to chill and blend the citrus and gin.
You can swap gin for cognac to create a variation that was common in the 1920s.