I love putting a fresh twist on classic cocktails. The French 75 is one of my favorites to experiment with.
By adding honey and lavender, I’ve found a way to give this drink a softer sweetness and a light floral note that really makes it stand out. This Honey Lavender French 75 takes a timeless cocktail and turns it into something refreshing, balanced, and easy to enjoy.
You don’t need to be an expert to make it at home. With just a few simple ingredients and the right steps, you can mix a drink that feels special, but doesn’t require much fuss.
The combination of gin, lemon, honey, lavender, and sparkling wine creates a flavor that feels elegant but approachable. It’s kind of amazing how just a couple tweaks can make a classic feel so new.
Honey Lavender French 75 Cocktail Recipe
I like this drink because it blends the classic French 75 with a floral twist. The mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling wine pairs beautifully with lavender syrup.
You end up with a light and refreshing champagne cocktail that’s perfect for spring or really, any time you want something a little different.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix the gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
- Jigger – Helps me measure each ingredient accurately.
- Fine mesh strainer – I strain the mixture to keep it smooth and free of ice shards.
- Champagne flute or coupe glass – I prefer a flute for a traditional look, but a coupe works too.
- Bar spoon – I use this for stirring gently if needed.
- Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference, so I like to juice it right before mixing.
- Paring knife or peeler – I need this to cut a lemon twist for garnish.
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup
- 3 oz champagne (or sparkling wine like prosecco)
- Lemon twist for garnish
- Optional: a few dried lavender buds for decoration
I like using a London dry gin for balance, but floral gins also work well. The lavender syrup adds sweetness and a light floral note.
Fresh lemon juice keeps the drink bright, while champagne or prosecco gives it a crisp finish. I think it’s best when everything’s as fresh as possible.
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
- Shake for about 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top with champagne or prosecco.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and, if you want, a couple of lavender buds.
I like to pour the sparkling wine slowly, just to keep it from foaming over. The garnish adds a nice aroma, especially if I twist the lemon peel over the glass first.
Notes
The type of sparkling wine really changes the flavor. Champagne makes it crisp and dry, while prosecco brings in a little more fruitiness.
If the drink tastes too sweet, I just cut back on the lavender syrup. If it feels too tart, I’ll add a touch more syrup.
I recommend making the lavender syrup at home with sugar, water, and dried lavender buds. It keeps in the fridge for about two weeks.
This cocktail works best served cold, so I always chill the glass before pouring.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lavender simple syrup
- 3 oz champagne or sparkling wine like prosecco
- lemon twist for garnish
- dried lavender buds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
- Shake for 10–15 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top with champagne or prosecco.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and, if desired, a few dried lavender buds.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip, the gentle floral aroma from the lavender jumps out at me. It really softens the sharper gin notes and makes the whole drink feel calm, almost soothing.
The honey syrup brings in a light sweetness that balances the citrus. I love how it smooths out the edges and gives the cocktail this warm, round finish.
The fresh lemon juice keeps things bright. It adds a crisp, tart flavor that cuts right through the sweetness and keeps everything refreshing.
I definitely notice the sparkling wine at the end. Those bubbles lift the flavors and give the cocktail a lively, almost playful texture—makes it way too easy to sip, honestly.
Here’s a quick way I’d sum up the balance of flavors:
- Aroma: Floral and citrusy
- Taste: Lightly sweet, crisp, and herbal
- Finish: Effervescent with a touch of honey warmth

