French "75"

Pro tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—bottled juice dulls the brightness and balance of the drink.
• Dissolve powdered sugar fully in the shaker before adding champagne; add champagne last and stir gently to preserve bubbles.
• Serve immediately after mixing; the cocktail loses effervescence quickly if not consumed right away.
• Chill all ingredients and glassware beforehand to avoid over-dilution from melting ice.

Substitutions

• Champagne → Prosecco or cava (drier, more affordable alternative with slightly different flavor)
• Powdered sugar → Superfine sugar or simple syrup (easier to dissolve; use 0.5 oz simple syrup in place of 0.5 tsp powdered sugar)
• Gin → Vodka or cognac (shifts the spirit profile but maintains the effervescent structure)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · champagne flute or coupe glass · bar spoon or stirrer

Can I make a French 75 without champagne?

Yes—substitute prosecco, cava, or dry sparkling wine for a similar effect, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Should I chill the glass first?

Yes. Pre-chill a coupe or flute glass with ice or by refrigerating for 15 minutes to keep the drink cold longer.

What's the correct ratio?

Standard proportions are 0.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 tsp powdered sugar, topped with 2–3 oz chilled champagne.

Can I batch French 75s ahead?

Mix gin, lemon juice, and sugar in advance, but add champagne only when serving to preserve carbonation.