French 75: ‘Elevated Bubbles’ in an Iconic Cocktail

BY: Manu Valet

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updated 8 Feb 2023

IBA Cocktail

With a name evoking artillery speed, the French 75 packs surprising finesse alongside its light carbonation. This early 20th-century concoction delivers a bubbly twist on classic Gin cocktails. Don’t let the refined look fool you: beneath its playful fizz lies a smart balance of tartness, subtle sweetness, and a dash of spirited punch.

French 75: ‘Elevated Bubbles’ in an Iconic Cocktail

The French 75 is a sparkling, gin-based cocktail that marries lively Gin with fresh Lemon Juice, a touch of Sugar or Simple Syrup, and a top-off of dry Champagne. The result is a bright and effervescent drink, featuring floral Gin notes that mingle elegantly with tangy citrus and crisp bubbles. While its appearance may exude sophistication—especially when served in a Champagne flute—its flavour leans refreshingly direct: the sharp zest of Lemon is tempered by the slight sweetness of the syrup, which in turn helps reveal the herbaceous qualities of the Gin.

A hallmark of the French 75 is its dynamic contrast: from the first sip, you get the fizzy pop of Champagne followed by a gentle botanical warmth. It’s an interplay between the dryness of the sparkling wine and the lively citrus that keeps the experience smooth yet invigorating. Though it’s centuries younger than some cocktails, the French 75 has found timeless appeal. Whether served at a weekend brunch or as a stylish evening aperitif, it pairs an easy-drinking profile with just enough bite to ensure it stands out. Many bars offer variations with different base spirits, but Gin remains the traditional choice for that classic, crisp undertone.

It’s also one of the select cocktails included in the IBA official list, reflecting its enduring popularity and recognition among bartending professionals worldwide. With every pour, the French 75 invites you to celebrate life’s zestier moments—one sparkling glass at a time.

French 75 Video | @StevetheBartender_ | 0:46

“

an elegant burst of bright Lemon and botanical spirit crowned by crisp Champagne.

”

Did you know that French 75...

... was named after the swift 75 mm field gun used by French forces during World War I?

Who invented this cocktail

The French 75 is often credited to Harry MacElhone at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, around 1915, combining gin’s botanical edge with a Champagne finish.

The origin and history of "French 75"

Early references to Gin and Champagne cocktails date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but the French 75 crystallised into its modern form in Paris during World War I. At Harry’s New York Bar, bartenders experimented with lively combinations to amuse both locals and expatriates alike. Harry MacElhone is frequently associated with naming or refining the drink, introducing the fresh Lemon, sugar, and Gin base that would become its calling card.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the French 75 found popularity on both sides of the Atlantic, appearing in cocktail guides and capturing attention with its blend of refined bubbles and distinctive botanical backbone. Fans raved about how a single glass delivered a brisk, citrusy thrill, reminiscent of more potent gin-based recipes, yet tempered by Champagne’s soft effervescence. The drink’s moniker, nodding to the fast-firing “Soixante-Quinze” artillery piece, hinted at its lively kick. Over the decades, the recipe evolved to feature both dry and sweeter Champagnes, but always remained rooted in that delicate interplay of gin’s juniper, lemon’s tang, and sparkling wine’s effervescence. Even in modern times, bars worldwide keep the French 75 on their menus as a toast to vintage glamour and well-crafted simplicity.

Bartender Tips for making the perfect "French 75"

To make the perfect French 75, try these tips:

Opt for a London Dry Gin to accentuate classic botanical elements.
Use fresh-squeezed Lemon Juice for a natural citrus brightness.
Adjust Simple Syrup sparingly—a little goes a long way to highlight Champagne’s crisp finish.
Chill your Champagne beforehand to maintain lively effervescence.
Serve in a Champagne Flute or a slender Collins glass for an elegant presentation.

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"French 75" Variations

Cognac 75 – Replaces Gin with Cognac, adding deeper, richer notes to the classic formula.
Rosé 75 – Pours in Rosé Champagne for a delicate pink hue and a softer fruit profile.
Floral 75 – Incorporates a dash of Elderflower Liqueur or Lavender Syrup for a more aromatic twist.
Tropical 75 – Adds a spoonful of Passion Fruit purée and an optional Rum float for exotic flair.
Low-Alcohol 75 – Uses dry sparkling Prosecco and a lighter serving of Gin to dial down the ABV, perfect for daytime sipping.

Delicate bubbles, a whisper of botanical zest, and a bright citrus spark—this is the French 75. Each glass invites a moment of refined fun, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations can exude a timeless sophistication. Let its balanced interplay of flavours remind you that elegance and vibrancy can coexist, flute in hand.

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Current Comments: 4

Tom.R

7 Jul 2024

Less gin would make it more balanced. The citrus is lovely though.

Expert_47

25 Jun 2024

Perfect amount of lemon. Light and bubbly with a nice gin kick.

Sophia

13 Jun 2024

Used prosecco instead of champagne. Still delicious and more affordable.

dog_lover

1 Jun 2024

Elegant and refreshing. The gin and champagne complement each other nicely.