• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch and Swirl
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Recipes » Drinks » Cocktail Recipes

    French 75 Cocktail

    Published: Dec 24, 2015 · Modified: Dec 20, 2019 by Marissa Stevens · 28 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    French 75 Cocktails served in Champagne coup glasses

    If you've ever wondered about the French 75 Cocktail history, it was first poured in 1915 at a bar in Paris, a mixture of Champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar. It was said to have the kick of a French 75mm field gun, thus the name.

    French 75 cocktails with lemons and Champagne in the background

    A few years ago, Keith and I went to a craft cocktail bar in Seattle. We asked our server what we should order, with the caveat that it not be very sweet. "I don't know," she said, "I like my cocktails to taste like sugar."

    I like my cocktails to taste like alcohol.

    The good news is that the French 75 cocktail can go either way. If you're a sweet-cocktail person, add more Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup; if not, add less.

    Just as in my homemade tonic water recipe, I prefer the zing of fresh citrus that's lost once you involve heat. So, instead of making a traditional simple syrup on the stove top, I whisked superfine sugar into fresh Meyer lemon juice and let it dissolve. With a vigorous whisk, sugar dissolves quickly in the acidic juice leaving you with a zesty-fresh and sweet syrup.

    (If you love bubbly cocktails, you should also check out this Peach Bellini recipe. And if you're a rhubarb fan, this Rhubarb Cocktail is amazing.)

    Cheers!

    Meyer Lemon French 75

    Marissa Stevens
    First poured in a Paris bar in 1915, the French 75 is a delicious mix of Champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar.
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine French
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Calories 225 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup

    • Juice of 1 Meyer Lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
    • 2 tablespoons superfine sugar

    For 1 French 75 Cocktail

    • 1 ounce Gin
    • ½ ounce Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup
    • 2 ounces Champagne

    Instructions
     

    To make the Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup:

    • In a small bowl, whisk Meyer lemon juice and sugar until sugar has dissolved. (Makes enough syrup for 4 cocktails)

    To make one French 75 cocktail:

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ounce Gin and ½ ounce Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup. Shake well and strain into a Champagne glass and top with Champagne. Stir gently and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Cocktail Recipes

    • Rhubarb Cocktail
    • Peach Bellini Recipe
    • The Last Word Cocktail Recipe
    • Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Vincent says

      November 04, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      I just made one of these, using your exact measures and proportions, only substituting drinkable, affordable, small-bottle prosecco for the champagne, and it’s a keeper. A smashing sweetish cocktail. The lemon chases the sugar down like a dachshund after a hare.

      I have syrup left. Excuse me while I go make another.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        November 05, 2019 at 8:49 am

        Love it! Thanks, Vincent!

        Reply
    2. J. J. says

      February 16, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Can you recommend a champagne for this cocktail please?

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        February 18, 2019 at 10:50 am

        Hi J.J.! I typically go for a sparkling wine (Champagne, Cava, prosecco, etc.) that is in a middle price range, i.e., good enough that I would drink it straight, but nothing fancy.

        Reply
    3. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      May 21, 2018 at 1:04 pm

      I don't like my cocktails sweet either and know I would enjoy this one.

      Reply
    4. Jen GoBlue! says

      December 02, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Marissa
      Thanks so much for this recipe. I'm attending a craft cocktail party next weekend where everyone needs to make a cocktail. After trying it tonight, this is the winner!
      I also need to bring an appetizer to complement it. Any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 02, 2016 at 3:00 pm

        I love that, Jen! Sounds like a great party to me...

        For the appetizer, I'd go with something salty / creamy / rich. The Crostini with Brie, Cherry Preserves and Arugula from this post would be nice or even just buttery popcorn with a generous sprinkle of truffle salt.

        Cheers!

        Reply
        • Marissa says

          December 02, 2016 at 3:05 pm

          Oh! Or Feta and Lemon Crostini - fun to tie in the lemon and add a little kick. 🙂

          Reply
    5. Savory Spicerack says

      February 04, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      LOL I love it and totally agree, "I like my cocktails to taste like alcohol" This looks so tasty and I am in love with Meyer lemon recipes right now. I went to my favorite specialty shop that sells lovely olive oils, balsamic vinegars, etc. and they just put out a meyer lemon infused olive oil! I grabbed two! Pinning this beautiful drink for later!

      Reply
    6. ken whitley says

      January 23, 2016 at 5:19 pm

      I haven't tried this drink, yet !! But, surely I will. I am now logged on to pinchandswirl. And, like all Marissa, I think you are beautiful. Bless you.

      Reply
    7. Mon Petit Four (@byMonPetitFour) says

      January 01, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      I love the way you think, Marissa! 😉 I don't like my cocktails too sweet either. This recipe sounds and looks absolutely fantastic! I'm tempted to go mix up the drink right now, but I'll try to wait until I have a couple of friends over so I'm not drinking alone 😉 Also, I love the photography - gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        January 04, 2016 at 10:23 am

        Thank you so much, Beeta! And, yes, it's definitely one of those celebration-type cocktails to enjoy with friends!

        Reply
    8. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

      January 01, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      Ooh ... wish I'd checked out this recipe yesterday! Looks beautiful, Marissa!
      Happy New Year! May 2016 be filled with lots of happiness ... and Meyer lemon french 75s!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        January 04, 2016 at 10:22 am

        Thank you, Helen! And Happy New Year to you... 🙂

        Reply
    9. Maggie says

      December 31, 2015 at 2:46 am

      I love all my drinks to taste boozy! I love champagne cocktails and this one sounds so refreshing and tasty! Can't wait to make it tonight. It sounds like a great brunch drink too 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 31, 2015 at 11:16 am

        I like the way you think, Maggie! 😉

        Reply
    10. annie says

      December 29, 2015 at 7:45 am

      oh mon Diue! Gin and citrus are well loved in our home. A refreshing cocktail is perfect this time of year. With everyone cranking up the heat and the heavy holiday food, a light fizzy drink is what we all need.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 29, 2015 at 9:26 am

        I agree, Annie! Thank you.

        Reply
    11. Holly | Beyond Kimcheeh says

      December 28, 2015 at 6:54 pm

      Wow, I had to stare at your beautiful photo for a moment at first. Then, it made me feel thirsty and I needed a glass of cold drinks just like yours. Lovely!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 29, 2015 at 9:26 am

        haha, thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    12. shashi at runninsrilankan says

      December 28, 2015 at 6:58 am

      Gorgeous photos Marissa! And an absolutely refreshing drink!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 29, 2015 at 9:25 am

        Thank you, sweet Shashi! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Sabrina says

      December 24, 2015 at 4:24 pm

      Yum, this is my kind of cocktail! And love the photo!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 29, 2015 at 9:25 am

        Thanks, Sabrina! xo

        Reply
    14. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      December 24, 2015 at 4:24 pm

      Hehe I must admit that I like a mix of refreshing and sweet for my cocktails so this sounds like it would be the perfect choice! A very Merry Christmas to you and Keith Marissa! I hope you have a wonderful one! 😀

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 29, 2015 at 9:26 am

        Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Mr. NQN. xoxo

        Reply
    15. Dorothy Dunton says

      December 24, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      Hi Marissa! I totally agree, I like my cocktails to taste like alcohol! If I want sweet I'll have dessert. This sounds so refreshing! Enjoy your holiday!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 29, 2015 at 9:26 am

        Exactly! 🙂 Thanks so much, Dorothy.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    The best food happens at home. I love delicious food prepared simply with fresh ingredients and that’s just what you’ll find here! You can count on me for well tested, mouthwatering recipes designed for home cooks. Learn more →

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    12 Recipes to Know by Heart Book Cover
    Subscribe for Free E-Cookbook

    Reader Favorites

    • Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
    • Lemon Garlic Pasta
    • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
    • Homemade Ramen Noodles
    • Homemade Tonic Water
    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Gyro Meat Recipe
    • Pork Belly Ramen
    • Grilled Lamb Chops

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Meet Marissa
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 PinchandSwirl

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email