Festive French 75 Cocktail Recipe

A French 75 cocktail just always feels right when I’m after something simple but a little bit fancy. There’s something about that mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne—it’s bright, it’s bubbly, and honestly, it’s hard not to love.

You end up with a festive champagne cocktail that looks classy and tastes super refreshing, but it doesn’t make you jump through hoops to pull together.

I find the French 75 fits pretty much any occasion, whether I’m toasting during the holidays or just hanging out on a Saturday night. It’s got that champagne sparkle, but the gin keeps things grounded and classic.

It’s one of those drinks that somehow feels timeless and totally easy to enjoy.

This recipe lays out exactly how I make a French 75 at home with just a handful of ingredients and some basic tools.

Once you try it, I think you’ll get why it’s stuck around as a favorite for so long.

Festive French 75 Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it’s bright and refreshing, but honestly, it’s also just simple to whip up. The combo of gin, citrus, and sparkling wine gives you a balanced flavor that works whether you’ve got friends over or you’re winding down solo.

Equipment

I like to gather everything before I start—makes mixing smoother and helps the drink come out the same every time.

• Cocktail shaker – I use it to chill and mix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup.
• Strainer – Keeps the ice out when I pour.
• Jigger or measuring tool – So I don’t eyeball too wildly.
• Champagne flute – Tall glass means more bubbles, and it just looks good.
• Bar spoon – Handy for a gentle stir if I need it.
• Small knife and peeler – For getting that lemon twist garnish just right.

Ingredients

I always go for fresh, simple stuff because that’s what makes the flavors pop. The balance of tart, sweet, and bubbly is what makes this cocktail shine.

• 2 oz gin – I lean toward a dry gin for a clean taste.
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice – I squeeze it right before mixing, always.
• 1/2 oz simple syrup – That’s just equal parts sugar and water, dissolved.
• 3 oz dry sparkling wine – Champagne, prosecco, or whatever dry bubbly you’ve got.
• Optional garnish – Lemon twist, cranberries, or sometimes a splash of orange juice if I want a softer citrus thing.

Instructions

I like to keep the steps short so I can get to sipping ASAP.

• Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake it up for about 10–15 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
• Top with dry sparkling wine, pouring slow to keep the bubbles.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or cranberries if you’re feeling festive.

Notes

I’ll use Champagne when I want that classic vibe, but honestly, prosecco or any dry sparkling wine works fine. The trick is picking something that isn’t too sweet so it doesn’t throw off the balance.

If I’m in the mood for a brighter flavor, I’ll splash in a bit of orange juice. It takes the edge off the lemon without hiding the gin.

For garnishes, a lemon twist is my go-to for a clean look. Around the holidays, tossing in a few cranberries just makes it feel more seasonal.

Serving in a chilled flute really does help keep it crisp, I’ve noticed. The narrow glass lets the bubbles rise slow, so every sip feels lively.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the effervescence hits me immediately. Those bubbles really lift everything up and make the drink feel so light—almost playful, honestly.

There’s this sparkle that keeps the gin’s stronger notes in check. I find it refreshing, like it balances out the whole experience.

Then, the lemon juice comes through with a bright, punchy citrus edge. It slices right through the sweetness, which keeps things crisp and lively.

The sugar? It’s just enough to round things out, adding a gentle softness, but thankfully it never gets heavy or cloying.

Gin brings in a clean, herbal backbone. Somehow, it blends right in with the lemon and sugar—nothing’s fighting for attention here.

I always appreciate when the botanicals peek through without going overboard. It’s subtle, but you notice it.

Now, the Champagne finish is where it gets interesting. There’s a dry, slightly fruity note that just sort of ties it all together.

I like how the aftertaste is smooth, but each sip shifts from sharp citrus to those gentle bubbles. Makes you want to go back for more, doesn’t it?

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Citrus brightness
• Light sweetness
• Herbal gin notes
• Dry, sparkling finish