French 75 Cocktail (Gin Champagne Cocktail)

If you are a fan of champagne cocktails, you will love the French 75. This classic fizzy cocktail tastes fantastic and is perfect for all kinds of celebrations. 

Another thing I like about this fancy cocktail is that it has history. The French 75 has been around for over 100 years and is still one of the most popular gin cocktails for champagne lovers. 

This is a great cocktail for the holidays and is perfect for Christmas or New Years. 

Read on for the recipe and all the details plus some fun variations to try. 

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Why you’ll love this Gin Champagne Cocktail

The French 75 is:

• A classic cocktail
• Perfect for any celebration
• Great for any occasion
• Easy to make
• Impressive

French 75 Cocktail History

If you are familiar with the movie Casablanca, you may remember the French 75 getting a mention!

This cocktail, known in France as a Soixante- quinze has its origins in World War 1. 

The name comes from the French 75mm light field gun which played a major role in the French army’s artillery during the war. Although it seems strange, at the time, the soixante-quinze gun garenered a lot of press and was well-known throughout France. 

So how did the cocktail come about? It was originally created by a bartender in Paris under the same name but a slightly different recipe than the one we use now. (grenadine was one of the ingredients). 

The most popular recipe that we drink nowadays seems to have been cemented in the 1980s and it has stuck. 

What is the French 75 made of?

Let’s be clear that this is a cocktail that packs a punch. It contains one measure of gin and champagne so it is not for the faint of heart.

• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (you can also use powdered sugar)
• Champagne

You can use sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava if champagne isn’t in the budget. 

However, you don’t need too much champagne for one glass of this cocktail so it is great for a crowd if you want to serve up something a bit special. 

What tools do I need to make the Gin Champagne Cocktail?

You really don’t need much in order to make this cocktail which makes it perfect for any party or large gathering when you want to whip them up in minutes. 

The only tool you’ll need to make this cocktail:

• A cocktail shaker 
• A strainer for pouring the drink without the ice. 

Don’t have the tools you need? 

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a large mason jar works just as well in a pinch.

Use the mason jar lid or a plate to strain the drink if you don’t own a strainer. 

How To Make The French 75 Cocktail

Step 1:Combine all ingredients except the champagne

Place the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds. 

Step 2: Strain 

Strain the drink into a champagne flute

Step 3: Top with Champagne

Pour slowly and then top with cranberries if desired (perfect for the holidays)

French 75 Variations

There are quite a few great French 75 variations you can try. 

 French 75 with Cognac

Switch out the gin for cognac to create a French 125 as it is known

French 75 with vodka

This champagne martini is a twist on the classic French 75

French 75 with Empress Gin

Want to really wow your guests? Use Empress gin in your French 75 cocktail to create a sparkling violet coloured champagne cocktail. This is a great drink to serve at summer events such as bridal showers. 

Mexican 75

A French 75 with tequila is commonly known as a Mexican 75. 

French 95

If you switch out the gin for Bourbon, you get a French 95, a totally different cocktail that tastes amazing. 

Want More fun Cocktail Recipes?

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