The French 75

Few cocktails capture the spirit of celebration quite like the French 75. Effervescent, elegant, and effortlessly balanced, this classic drink is where gin meets Champagne in a marriage of citrus, sparkle, and style. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year, toasting at brunch, or simply elevating an ordinary evening, the French 75 delivers sophistication in every sip.

A Toast with History

The French 75’s story begins in the early 20th century, and like many great cocktails, its exact origin is a bit hazy. Most agree that it first appeared around World War I. The drink takes its name from the French 75-millimeter field gun, a weapon famed for its speed and precision — and, legend has it, for packing the same punch as this deceptively smooth cocktail.

The earliest printed recipe appeared in Harry MacElhone’s 1927 book, Barflies and Cocktails, but variations had already been circulating in bars across Paris and London. At the legendary Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, the French 75 became the choice of stylish expats and artists — a symbol of joie de vivre in a postwar world ready to celebrate again.

Simple Ingredients, Elegant Results

At its core, the French 75 is a sparkling gin sour: a blend of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with Champagne. The result is a drink that feels simultaneously fresh and indulgent — bright citrus balanced by botanicals and effervescence.

• 1 oz gin

• ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 3 oz chilled Champagne (or another quality sparkling wine)

• Lemon twist, for garnish

Shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into a flute or coupe, then top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist. Pro Tip choose a London Dry gin for crisp, clean notes, or a floral gin for a softer, more aromatic twist. And while Champagne is traditional, a well-made Cava or Prosecco works beautifully too.

Variations Worth Exploring

The French 75’s formula invites endless creativity. Swap gin for cognac to create a warmer, richer profile — a nod to earlier recipes that predate the gin version. Some bartenders infuse the syrup with herbs like thyme or lavender, while others experiment with seasonal fruits such as pomegranate or pear for color and depth. However you adapt it, the essence of the drink remains the same: bright, bubbly, and undeniably French.

Why It Endures

Over a century later, the French 75 remains a staple of cocktail culture because it embodies the best of both worlds — refreshing yet luxurious, simple yet refined. It’s a drink that invites celebration but doesn’t need an occasion.

So the next time you pop a bottle of sparkling wine, take a moment to craft a French 75. With just a few ingredients and a little care, you’ll have a cocktail that’s as timeless as the toast itself: to good company and even better taste.