French "75"

Name: French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 Juice of a Lemon; 2 tsp Powdered Sugar; 1 cube Ice; 2 oz Mr. Boston Dry Gin; Fill Champagne

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The French 75 is a classic gin-based cocktail built with fresh lemon juice, powdered sugar, and topped with champagne for effervescence and elegance. Named after a WWI artillery gun, it's a timeless aperitif known for its balance of citrus, spirit, and bubbles.

🏷️Equipment: collins glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Stir well in 12 oz.
2
Tom Collins glass.
3
Then add 2 oz.
4
Boston Dry Gin and fill with Champagne.
5
Decorate with slice of lemon, orange and a cherry.
6
Serve with straws.

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Tips & Notes

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

Common Questions

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.