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French 75 - Champagne (with Gin) Recipe

French 75 - Champagne (with Gin) Recipe

By What’s Baking

A sophisticated collision of botanical gin, bright lemon, and effervescent champagne that delivers crisp elegance with each celebratory sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant flute glass photographed against a dark mahogany bar, capturing the dynamic effervescence of rising champagne bubbles carrying subtle golden hints in crystal-clear liquid. In dramatic low lighting, delicate beads of condensation form on the tall, slim glass while a spiral of lemon peel wraps artfully around the outer rim, casting a citrus shadow. The frame includes blurred background elements suggesting a luxurious setting with vintage champagne bottles and silver bar tools just visible, emphasizing the cocktail's refined heritage and festive character.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml gin (London dry style)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml chilled champagne (or dry sparkling wine)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon twist for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Champagne flute or coupe glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Peeler or paring knife (for lemon twist)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your champagne flute or coupe glass thoroughly by filling it with ice and cold water, then setting aside while you prepare the cocktail. A properly chilled glass will keep your French 75 colder longer and maintain the champagne's effervescence.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes – larger cubes are ideal as they melt more slowly, preventing over-dilution of your cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to your ice-filled shaker. The balance between these ingredients is critical – the gin provides botanical complexity, while the lemon and syrup create the perfect sweet-tart foundation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This proper shaking not only chills the mixture but also creates the ideal dilution and integration of flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Empty the ice water from your glass and strain the shaken mixture into it, filling about halfway to leave room for the champagne. A smooth, controlled pour will help maintain the cocktail's elegant presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Slowly top with chilled champagne, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. The champagne should integrate with the gin mixture without excessive foaming – if it foams too much, wait a moment and continue pouring.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Create your lemon twist by using a peeler to remove a strip of lemon peel, about 5cm long. Twist it over the drink to express the essential oils onto the surface, then run the colored side around the rim before dropping it into the cocktail or hanging it elegantly on the edge of the glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while the champagne is still effervescent and the drink is perfectly chilled. You should notice a beautiful harmony between the botanical gin notes, bright citrus, and elegant bubbles in every sip.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 10 g
🍭 Sugar: 8 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 1 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Which type of gin works best for a classic French 75?

London Dry gin is traditional and provides the perfect botanical backbone for a French 75. Premium options like Tanqueray, Beefeater or Sipsmith work exceptionally well, balancing juniper notes with the citrus and champagne. Avoid heavily flavoured or sweet gins that might overpower.

Can I substitute champagne with other sparkling wines in this cocktail?

Absolutely! While champagne is traditional, any dry sparkling wine works brilliantly. Prosecco offers a fruitier profile, Cava provides excellent value with similar dryness to champagne, and Crémant presents a French alternative. Avoid sweet sparkling wines that would unbalance the cocktail.

Why is proper shaking technique important when making gin and champagne cocktails?

Proper shaking (12-15 seconds until frosty) ensures optimal temperature, dilution, and integration of the gin, citrus and syrup. However, the champagne should never be shaken as this would destroy its effervescence. Always add champagne last, after straining the shaken ingredients.

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