french 75 cocktail on a boho bar cart
Cocktail Recipes

Master the French 75 Cocktail with 4 Simple Ingredients

Updated On:

Inside: Learn how to make a classic French 75 cocktail with gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne. Simple steps, pro tips, and everything you need to sip in style!

L et’s talk about the French 75—because, friends, this cocktail is a vibe.

It’s like the Audrey Hepburn of drinks: elegant, timeless, and somehow makes you feel a tiny bit cooler just by holding it. Whether you’re channeling a chic Parisian soirée or just want to sip something that screams, “I am fancy, and I deserve this,” the French 75 has you covered.

And the best part? You don’t need a tuxedo or a ball gown to make it. This cocktail is super simple and delivers maximum glam for minimal effort.

pin it to remember

french 75 cocktail in a champagne flute on a boho bar cart with gin and plants

Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, and just so you know, I earn from qualifying purchases through Amazon and some other cool programs. Thanks for the support, party pal!

What is a French 75?

Before we get to shaking things up, let’s break it down:

A French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines gin (or sometimes cognac), lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It’s bubbly, citrusy, and packs just enough punch to make you forget the three dozen emails waiting for you. The drink got its name because it was said to have the same kick as a French 75mm field gun during World War I. That’s right—this drink is as historical as it is delicious.

pin it to remember

french 75 cocktail on a boho bar cart

What You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of a French 75: you probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen.

  • Gin (or cognac if you’re feeling extra cozy)
  • Fresh lemon juice (please, for the love of all things holy, use fresh lemons—not the stuff in the plastic lemon bottle)
  • Simple syrup (easy to make at home: just dissolve equal parts sugar and water over low heat)
  • Champagne (or any sparkling wine that makes your wallet happy)
  • Lemon twist for garnish (because aesthetics matter)
french 75 cocktail on a marble table

French 75

Yield: 1 Drink

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz gin
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • champagne

Instructions

  1. Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Shake for 30 seconds then strain into a champagne flute
  3. Top with champagne

Pro Tips for the Perfect French 75

Gin or Cognac?
Traditionalists go with gin, but if you’re in a fall or winter mood, swap it for cognac—it adds a warm, rich depth.

Don’t skimp on the bubbles.
Champagne is ideal, but a good sparkling wine (like Cava or Prosecco) works just as well.

Keep it cold.
Chill your glass ahead of time for that crisp, refreshing first sip.

A Festive Variation
For a more festive spin on your sparkling cocktails, the pomegranate champagne cocktail makes a stunning choice, just like the classic French 75 we covered.

How to Set Up a French 75 Cocktail Station for Parties

If you’re hosting a party and want to impress your guests without spending the entire night playing bartender, a French 75 cocktail station is the move. It’s chic, interactive, and way easier than you’d think. Here’s how to pull it off like a pro.

pin it to remember

french 75 diy cocktail station
create a French 75 DIY cocktail station with a recipe card

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Ingredients: Gin, fresh lemon juice (pre-squeezed), simple syrup, chilled champagne, lemon twists.
  • Tools: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and plenty of champagne flutes.
  • Instructions: Provide a printed recipe card.

Add a cute sign, keep champagne on ice, and let guests mix their own bubbly perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Drink

A French 75 is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you should be wearing red lipstick and reciting poetry in a smoky jazz club. It’s light enough for brunch, fancy enough for date night, and strong enough to get you through Aunt Karen’s unsolicited life advice at Thanksgiving.

So, grab your shaker and give it a try. And don’t forget to raise your glass to yourself—because you’re fancy, and you deserve it. 🥂

A Year of Parties, Planned for You.

Get your free guide with 48 party themes and signature cocktails so good, your friends will RSVP in seconds. Plus you’ll get my weekly email.

Next Up, You You’ll Probably Like…

Leave a Comment

hey there

I'm Stefanie—Founder & Writer for Revel & Delight

I believe the secret to hosting exceptional gatherings, from lively celebrations to cozy get-togethers, is thoughtfulness and a little bit of prep. Craft the right atmosphere, attitude, then then sit back and savor the moment you've made.

free download

get a free aperol spritz sign

Join my daily newsletter filled with cocktail making tips, and I'll send you a free printable Aperol Spritz station sign. Set it up at your next party for your guests to make their own drinks.

Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00
Skip to Recipe