Barsys
French 75
Sparkling, Zesty, and Effortlessly Chic
About
The French 75 is a sparkling gin cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. It is crisp, elegant, citrusy, and one of the best classic cocktails for celebrations, brunch, dinner parties, and special occasions.
Gin gives the cocktail its botanical backbone. Its herbal and citrus notes create a clean base that works beautifully with fresh lemon juice. The lemon brings brightness and acidity, while simple syrup softens the sharp edges and gives the drink balance.
Champagne or sparkling wine adds the signature lift. It brings bubbles, dryness, and a polished finish that turns a simple gin sour-style base into something celebration-ready. The drink feels light in the glass, but it still has a proper cocktail structure underneath.
The French 75 has roots in the early 20th century and became strongly associated with classic cocktail culture. Its name is often linked to the French 75mm field gun, a nod to the drink’s bright, lively kick.
Despite its elegant look, the French 75 is easy to make. The secret is balance: enough lemon to keep it fresh, enough syrup to round it out, and just enough sparkling wine to lift the drink without washing it out.
Served in a flute or coupe with a lemon twist, the French 75 is sharp, sparkling, and timeless.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken, then topped. Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice to chill and blend the citrus base. Add Champagne or sparkling wine only after straining so the bubbles stay fresh and lively.
What You'll Need
For one French 75 cocktail:
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 15 ml Simple Syrup
Ice: Cubed
Glass: Flute glass or coupe glass
Finish: Top with Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Garnish: Lemon twist or lemon peel
Pro tip: Do not overdo the bubbles. Add just enough Champagne or sparkling wine to lift the drink while keeping the gin, lemon, and syrup in balance.
How to Make It
- Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for about 10 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled flute or coupe glass.
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Using Barsys?
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
A French 75 looks simple, but the balance is delicate. The gin needs to stay present, the lemon should feel fresh, and the sparkling wine should lift the drink without taking over.
Barsys keeps the gin pour precise, helping the cocktail stay crisp, elegant, and repeatable every time.
Sip Setting
The French 75 is made for moments that need sparkle. It fits brunches, weddings, rooftop evenings, holiday parties, dinner celebrations, and any occasion where a regular glass of Champagne feels too simple.
It is bright enough for daytime and polished enough for evening.
Garnish Game
A lemon twist is the classic finish. It adds citrus aroma and gives the drink a clean, elegant look.
Express the lemon peel over the glass before dropping it in or resting it on the rim. That small burst of citrus oil makes the first sip feel sharper and more refined.
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FAQs
What is a French 75?
A French 75 is a sparkling cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne or sparkling wine.
Is a French 75 shaken or stirred?
It is shaken, then topped. The gin, lemon, and syrup are shaken with ice, while Champagne is added after straining.
Can I use prosecco instead of Champagne?
Yes. Prosecco will make the cocktail slightly fruitier and softer, while Champagne gives a drier and more refined finish.
What glass is used for a French 75?
A flute glass or coupe glass works best for a French 75.
Is the French 75 sweet?
It is lightly sweet, but the lemon juice and sparkling wine keep it crisp and refreshing.
Does Barsys work with this recipe?
Yes. Barsys helps measure the gin accurately, keeping the cocktail balanced before adding lemon, syrup, and sparkling wine.