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French 75 Gin Recipe

French 75 Gin Recipe

By What’s Baking

A sparkling, citrusy symphony of gin and champagne that delivers sophisticated brightness with every effervescent sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A tall, elegant flute showcasing the French 75's crystal-clear body with rising champagne bubbles catching the golden bar lighting. A delicate lemon twist spirals over the rim, contrasting against the pale straw-colored cocktail. Condensation beads form on the outside of the chilled glass, while ambient light creates a subtle halo effect around the drink. The champagne's effervescence is captured mid-action as tiny bubbles race to the surface, emphasizing the cocktail's celebratory nature and refreshing character.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml London dry gin</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)</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 by filling it with ice water, then set aside. A properly chilled glass maintains the cocktail's temperature and preserves the champagne's effervescence. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes – use fresh, clean ice for the best results as old ice can impart off-flavors. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Measure and add 45ml of London dry gin, 15ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice (strain out seeds), and 10ml of simple syrup to the ice-filled shaker. Fresh lemon juice is essential – bottled versions will compromise the bright, clean flavor profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Secure the top of your shaker and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also creates the proper dilution and integration of flavors. You'll know it's ready when the shaker becomes frosty on the outside. </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 2/3 of the glass. A proper double-strain (using both the shaker's built-in strainer and a fine mesh strainer) will ensure no ice chips or lemon pulp make it into the final drink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Slowly top with 60ml of chilled champagne. Pour along the side of the glass to preserve as much carbonation as possible – the champagne should integrate with the gin mixture while maintaining its effervescence. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, cut a strip of lemon peel about 5cm long. Twist it over the drink to express the essential oils across the surface, then run the peel around the rim of the glass before placing it decoratively in the cocktail. This final aromatic touch completes the sensory experience. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 6 g
🍭 Sugar: 5 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 1 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best type of champagne to use in a French 75?

For the best results, use a dry (Brut) champagne or good quality sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava. The dryness balances perfectly with the sweetness from the simple syrup, while maintaining the cocktail's crisp, celebratory character.

Why is this cocktail called a French 75?

The French 75 was named after the French 75mm field gun used in WWI, as the cocktail was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled by this powerful artillery piece. Created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, it remains a symbol of elegant potency.

Can I batch make this cocktail for a party?

You can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup and refrigerate. When serving, pour the mixture into individual glasses and top with fresh champagne. Never pre-mix with champagne as it will lose carbonation. This method maintains the cocktail's effervescence and freshness.

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