French "75"

Pro tips

• Chill your glass before building the drink to maintain temperature and prevent the champagne from losing carbonation.
• Shake the gin, lemon juice, and sugar vigorously with ice to properly dissolve the sugar and chill the base before topping with champagne.
• Add the champagne last and gently—pour slowly to preserve carbonation and prevent overflow.
• Taste the base (gin, lemon, sugar) before adding champagne; the balance should be tart-sweet with no cloying finish.

Substitutions

• Champagne → Prosecco or dry sparkling wine (lighter, slightly less complex)
• Mr. Boston Dry Gin → any London Dry gin or Plymouth gin (maintains botanical profile)
• Powdered sugar → simple syrup, ½ to ¾ oz (easier to dissolve, adjust to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

French 75 cocktails are best served immediately after preparation; do not store. Prepare components ahead and assemble to order.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · champagne flute or coupe glass · jigger

What type of gin works best in a French 75?

Dry gin like Mr. Boston Dry Gin or London Dry style gins work best. Choose a quality dry gin with juniper-forward botanicals to balance the sweetness and champagne.

Can I make a French 75 without champagne?

You can substitute prosecco or sparkling wine, though champagne provides the best flavor and tradition. Avoid using still wine—the carbonation is essential to the cocktail.

Should I use fresh lemon juice or bottled?

Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and complexity needed for a balanced French 75.

How do I properly chill a French 75?

Shake the gin, lemon juice, and powdered sugar with ice, then strain into a chilled glass before topping with champagne. Pre-chilling the glass ensures the cocktail stays cold.

What's the best glassware for serving?

Serve in a champagne flute or coupe glass to showcase the bubbles and allow the aromatics to develop properly.