Classic French 75 Recipe (Plus a Batch for Parties)

The French 75 is the easiest way to make Champagne feel fancy: gin, fresh lemon, a little sugar and bubbles. Here's the classic French 75 recipe, how to make it step by step, gin vs. cognac, and a pitcher version for parties.

Classic French 75 Recipe

Makes: 1 drink | Time: 3 minutes | Glass: Champagne flute (or a coupe)

Ingredients

1 oz (30 ml) gin ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, stirred until dissolved) 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine Garnish: long lemon twist

How to Make a French 75

Chill your flute in the freezer for a few minutes. Shake. Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10–15 seconds. Strain into the chilled flute. Top with bubbles. Pour the sparkling wine in slowly, tilting the glass so it doesn't foam over. Garnish. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.

Never shake the Champagne — always add it last.

Gin vs. Cognac: Which Is the "Real" French 75?