The French 95 Cocktail Recipe

There’s something about mixing a few simple ingredients that just feels right—classic, yet still a little surprising. The French 95 does that perfectly. It brings together bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne, and somehow lands right in that sweet spot between smooth, tart, and bubbly.

Here’s how I make a French 95 that tastes fancy but doesn’t take a ton of effort.

You get the depth of whiskey with that sparkling Champagne finish—honestly, it’s a little bit of magic in a glass. I’ll make one for a quiet night in, or when I want to celebrate something small.

Once you realize how easy it is, you might get hooked and start making them for all sorts of occasions.

The French 95 Cocktail Recipe

For me, the French 95 is all about that blend—bourbon whiskey, bright lemon juice, and crisp Champagne. It’s an easy mix, but the end result feels way fancier than the effort it takes.

You don’t need anything wild or expensive to pull it off at home. Just a few basics.

Equipment

Here’s what I use when I make a French 95 at home. These tools help with mixing, measuring, and making the drink look good.

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
• Strainer – It catches the ice before I pour the drink into my glass.
• Jigger – I like to measure so everything stays balanced.
• Champagne flute or coupe glass – Either one works, honestly.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice matters.
• Bar spoon – Sometimes I use this if I want to stir gently.
• Peeler or knife – For a nice lemon twist or peel garnish.

Chilled glassware keeps things crisp. I always grab fresh ice and clean tools—it just makes everything taste better.

Ingredients

The French 95 uses just a handful of ingredients, but they work together really well.

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey – I usually pick a smooth, mid-range bourbon.
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice – Squeeze it yourself; it’s worth it.
• ½ oz simple syrup – Sometimes I make my own, so I can tweak the sweetness.
• 2 oz dry champagne or sparkling wine – This adds the fizz.
• Ice cubes – For shaking and chilling.
• Lemon twist or lemon peel – Makes it look sharp.
• Optional: maraschino cherry for a little old-school vibe.

If my bourbon is on the sweeter side, I’ll use less syrup. Dry champagne keeps things from getting too sugary.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually make a French 95.

• Pour the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice and shake for about 10–15 seconds until it feels nice and cold.
• Strain everything into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
• Slowly top with dry champagne or sparkling wine—don’t rush it, or you’ll lose the bubbles.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry if you’re feeling fancy.

I always add the champagne at the end to keep the fizz going. Pouring slowly helps avoid too much foam and keeps the drink clear.

Notes

There’s something special about how bourbon and champagne work together here. The bourbon brings warmth, and the lemon plus bubbles keeps it bright.

Fresh lemon juice really does make a difference. I like making my own simple syrup so I can get the sweetness just where I want it.

If I’m craving more bourbon flavor, I’ll use a little less champagne. Sometimes, I go lighter and add more sparkling wine instead.

The French 95 fits in at brunch or as an evening sipper. I usually serve it cold with a thin lemon peel for that crisp finish.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip of a French 95, I get hit with this bright burst of citrus and bubbles. The champagne brings a crisp sparkle that really lifts everything, while the bourbon lays down a warm, smooth base.

The flavor kicks off sweet and tangy thanks to the lemon juice and simple syrup. It wraps up with a light oak note from the whiskey, which I find pretty satisfying.

As the ice melts, I notice the balance shifts a bit—softening the bourbon’s edge just enough. Sometimes I catch a gentle aroma of vanilla and caramel wafting up from the glass.

The effervescence keeps things lively, so the drink always feels refreshing, never heavy.

If I line it up next to a French 75, the French 95 comes across as a bit richer and deeper because of the whiskey. It still feels elegant, but there’s more body and warmth—perfect for those cooler evenings, honestly.

Flavor highlights:

• Sweetness: mild and balanced
• Acidity: fresh lemon brightness
• Body: medium, smooth texture
• Finish: clean with a touch of spice