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MixologyRecipe
Wine & ChampagneEasy

French 75

Named after the powerful French 75mm field gun used in World War I, this cocktail packs a similarly impressive punch beneath its elegant exterior. Created at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, it combines gin, lemon, and sugar with champagne for a sparkling, celebratory drink. It is the perfect cocktail for ringing in a new year or toasting a special occasion.

The French 75 is pure liquid elegance in a glass—a cocktail that transforms four simple ingredients into something transcendent. Named after the mighty French 75mm artillery gun, this sparkling masterpiece delivers sophistication with every sip. What makes it truly special is its perfect balance: the botanical complexity of gin, the bright acidity of fresh lemon, gentle sweetness, and effervescent champagne that lifts everything skyward. Born in the glamorous cocktail lounges of 1920s Paris, the French 75 has remained a symbol of celebration for over a century, proving that sometimes the most timeless cocktails are also the most deceptively simple.

5 min
6 oz
🥃Champagne flute or coupe
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French 75 cocktail served in a Champagne flute or coupe

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Lemon twist

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake for 10-12 seconds until well chilled.

  3. Strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass.

  4. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.

  5. Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

CitrusyEffervescentSweet

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Channel Knife/Peeler

Channel Knife/Peeler

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Always use fresh lemon juice—bottled juice will flatten the cocktail's bright, zesty character that makes this drink shine

  • 2

    Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup vigorously with ice before straining, then top with champagne to preserve the bubbles and prevent over-dilution

  • 3

    Use a quality London Dry Gin with strong juniper notes to provide the botanical backbone that balances the citrus and effervescence

  • 4

    Serve in a chilled champagne flute or coupe to maintain the bubbles longer and showcase the drink's elegant appearance

  • 5

    Express the oils from the lemon twist over the drink before dropping it in—this adds aromatic complexity that enhances each sip

📜 History & Origin

The French 75 emerged from the creative genius of Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s, though its exact origins remain delightfully murky. Some cocktail historians trace its roots to the Gin Fizz family, while others point to earlier champagne cocktails. The drink's explosive name came from its reputation for delivering a kick as powerful as the French 75mm field gun used in World War I—a piece of artillery so effective it was nicknamed 'the gun that won the war.' The cocktail quickly became a favorite among American expatriates in Paris, including literary luminaries like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. During Prohibition, it represented the sophistication and freedom that Americans sought abroad. The French 75 gained further fame when it appeared in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, cementing its place in cocktail canon. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transform a simple gin sour into something celebratory and effervescent, making it the perfect drink for toasting life's special moments.

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Fancy Hat Fizz

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a French 75 taste like?

The French 75 has a citrusy, effervescent, sweet flavor profile. Named after the powerful French 75mm field gun used in World War I, this cocktail packs a similarly impressive punch beneath its elegant exterior. Created at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, it combines gin, lemon, and sugar with champagne for a sparkling, celebratory drink. It is the perfect cocktail for ringing in a new year or toasting a special occasion.

What ingredients do I need for a French 75?

A French 75 requires 5 ingredients: London Dry Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Club Soda, Simple Syrup, Lemon Twist.

How long does it take to make a French 75?

A French 75 takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a French 75?

A French 75 is traditionally served in a Champagne flute or coupe, garnished with Lemon twist.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a French 75?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the French 75 by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the French 75?

The French 75 emerged from the creative genius of Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s, though its exact origins remain delightfully murky. Some cocktail historians trace its roots to the Gin Fizz family, while others point to earlier champagne cocktails. The drink's explosive name came from its reputation for delivering a kick as powerful as the French 75mm field gun used in World War I—a piece of artillery so effective it was nicknamed 'the gun that won the war.' The cocktail quickly became a favorite among American expatriates in Paris, including literary luminaries like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. During Prohibition, it represented the sophistication and freedom that Americans sought abroad. The French 75 gained further fame when it appeared in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, cementing its place in cocktail canon. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transform a simple gin sour into something celebratory and effervescent, making it the perfect drink for toasting life's special moments.