The French 75 is the cocktail for you if you ever struggle to decide between a G&T and a glass of bubbly. Yes, this classic brings together the best of both worlds pairing your favourite gin, with a little bit of Champagne, all mixed together with a hint of fresh lemon juice.
Like many popular cocktails, this recipe was invented at the famous Harry's New York Bar in Paris during World War I, although at the time it was just known as the 75. It is believed to be another variation of a Tom Collins (old Tom gin, lemon and soda water), with the addition of Champagne in place of soda water making it a fancier offering and perfect for special occasions.
Find out how to make the perfect French 75 below, then read our other cocktail recipes for more happy hour recipes at home.
How to make a French 75
Master of Malt shared this French 75 recipe with us which features Hernö gin from Sweden.
The recipe calls for Champagne for a classic French serve, but feel free to swap for Prosecco or Cava and call it an Italian or Spanish 75 instead whether you have this on your Christmas cocktails menu or not.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 15ml lemon juice
- 15ml sugar syrup
- 75–100ml Champagne
Method:
1. Add the gin, lemon and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for around five seconds.
3. Strain into a Champagne flute.
4. Top up with ice cold Champagne or your bubbly of choice.
Other French 75 recipes
The French 75 can easily be adapted with a variety of gins. Use sloe gin for a festive take on this classic in winter months to serve ahead of Christmas dinner, or why not try it with your favourite flavoured gin instead? Elderflower gins work really well, as do berry flavours that complement the Champagne. Alternatively add a dash of fruit liqueur such as Chambord or kirsch for added sweetness and garnish with berries.
More for cocktail lovers:
- The best cocktail shakers
- The best bar carts
- Where to buy alcohol online
- Gin cocktails: 6 easy gin-based cocktail recipes
