The French 75 Cocktail Recipe

The French 75 is one of the most elegant and enduring classic cocktails, celebrated for its balance of brightness, effervescence, and strength. Combining gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne, this sparkling drink delivers both refreshment and refinement in equal measure. Named after the powerful French 75mm field gun used during World War I, the cocktail is said to pack a similar punch despite its graceful presentation. Associated with Parisian cafés, wartime history, and the glamour of early 20th-century cocktail culture, the French 75 remains a staple of modern mixology. Whether served as an aperitif, celebratory toast, or brunch classic, it continues to symbolize sophistication, resilience, and timeless style.

The French 75 cocktail is a sparkling classic rooted in World War I history and early 20th-century cocktail culture. Its name references the French 75mm field gun, a powerful artillery piece used during the war, reflecting the drink’s surprisingly strong character. The cocktail first appeared in print in the 1920s and is often linked to Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, a legendary hub of expatriate bartending during the interwar years.

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At its core, the French 75 is built on a refined balance of ingredients: gin provides botanical depth, fresh lemon juice adds brightness, simple syrup softens the acidity, and Champagne delivers elegance and effervescence. Some early variations used cognac instead of gin, but the gin-based version has become the modern standard. The result is a cocktail that feels celebratory yet precise, light on the palate but potent in effect.

Serving a French 75 correctly is key to its appeal. The drink is traditionally shaken with ice—excluding the Champagne—then strained into a chilled flute or coupe before being topped with sparkling wine. A thin lemon twist adds aromatic lift without overpowering the drink. High-quality Champagne or dry sparkling wine is essential, as sweetness should remain restrained.

Today, the French 75 is a staple of cocktail bars worldwide, valued for its versatility and timeless charm. Whether enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif, a festive toast, or a brunch cocktail, it continues to bridge history, elegance, and modern mixology.

French 75 Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. of lemon juice

• 1 tsp. of sugar syrup

• 1 ¾ oz of gin

• Champagne

• Ice

• lemon zest

Assembly

Add the lemon juice, sugar syrup, and gin into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well until chilled and then strain into a champagne flute. Top with a little champagne, leave to settle as it will bubble up and then fill up with more champagne. Add a twist of lemon zest as a garnish.