Rosemary French 75 Cocktail Recipe

If you’re into classic cocktails but want something that feels a bit new, this French 75 riff might be right up your alley. The Rosemary French 75 brings together gin, lemon, and champagne, with a little rosemary syrup for a crisp, aromatic kick.

It’s actually pretty simple to throw together, but somehow still feels fancy enough for a celebration or just a slow evening at home.

Personally, I think the rosemary is what makes this drink pop—it’s subtle and herbal, never too much, and just kind of floats behind the citrus and bubbles. It’s the sort of twist that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Let’s get into what you’ll need, and how to pull this off without any stress. I’ll lay out the ingredients, tools, and steps, so you can just follow along and not overthink it.

Rosemary French 75 Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I reach for a Rosemary French 75 when I’m craving something light and refreshing, but I want a little flair, too. It’s got that herbal rosemary thing going on, plus the bright lemon and the sparkle from champagne or prosecco.

There’s something classic about it, but the twist is enough to keep it interesting.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – This is what I use to mix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup before the bubbles go in.
• Jigger or measuring tool – Keeps things in balance, so I don’t end up with a drink that’s all gin.
• Fine mesh strainer – Helps me avoid those annoying ice chips or bits of rosemary.
• Bar spoon – Good for stirring the syrup in, and for that gentle mix before topping with champagne.
• Champagne flute – The narrow glass keeps the bubbles alive and looks just right.
• Small saucepan – Needed if I’m making the rosemary simple syrup myself.
• Citrus juicer – Makes squeezing lemons way less of a hassle.
• Peeler or knife – For that finishing touch with a lemon twist.

I’ll admit, having the right tools on hand makes this a lot smoother. If I skip the shaker or use the wrong glass, it just doesn’t hit the same.

Ingredients

• 2 oz London Dry Gin (or another dry gin)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup (just simmer equal parts sugar and water with a couple rosemary sprigs)
• 3 oz brut champagne, prosecco, or any dry sparkling wine
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Rosemary sprig for garnish
• Lemon twist for garnish

I’m partial to brut champagne for its crisp, dry finish. Prosecco or cava will totally work if that’s what you’ve got. The rosemary syrup brings in an herbal sweetness that really plays well with the citrus and bubbles.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add gin, lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
• Shake for about 10–15 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain the mix into a champagne flute.
• Top it off with brut champagne, prosecco, or cava.
• Give it one gentle stir to combine.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon twist.

I always add the sparkling wine last—keeps the fizz alive. One gentle stir is all it needs, otherwise you’ll lose those bubbles.

Notes

London Dry Gin is my go-to here because it’s clean and crisp, which works perfectly for a French 75. But if I’m in the mood for a softer edge, I’ll sometimes swap in brandy, which is actually closer to the old-school French 75.

You can make the rosemary syrup in advance and stash it in the fridge for a week or so. I usually simmer a cup of sugar and a cup of water with two rosemary sprigs for about five minutes, then let it cool down.

For the sparkling wine, I stick with brut or another dry style. Sweet ones just make the drink feel a bit heavy. The rosemary garnish isn’t just for looks—it actually adds a nice aroma every time you take a sip.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the crisp bubbles from the champagne hit me right away. Honestly, the sparkle is refreshing—it really keeps the drink feeling light.

Then there’s the rosemary. It brings this gentle herbal note that balances out the citrus. Not too strong, but it sort of lingers, giving the drink a fresh, earthy edge that’s hard to miss.

I notice the lemon juice most clearly at the start. Its tartness cuts through any sweetness, so the cocktail never feels heavy or syrupy.

The gin is there too, adding a subtle warmth in the background. It blends in with the rosemary and lemon, giving everything a bit more depth without ever taking over.

Every sip is a mix of citrus, herbal, and sparkling notes. They just work together, making the cocktail feel bright and clean.

Flavor Highlights:

• Bright citrus from lemon
• Herbal freshness from rosemary
• Light sweetness balanced with tartness
• Crisp bubbles from champagne
• Smooth warmth from gin