French 75: The Cocktail That'll Knock You Off Your Feet

Right then, darlings, let me introduce you to the French 75—a cocktail so devastatingly sophisticated that it was named after a bloody artillery cannon. Yes, you read that correctly. The 75mm field gun was the French Army's weapon of choice during World War I, and apparently, this cocktail hits with similar force. Sacré bleu, what a way to name a drink!

This is the cocktail you order when you want to feel like a 1920s starlet at a Parisian jazz club, cigarette holder in one hand, witty repartee on your lips, and absolutely zero intention of going home at a reasonable hour. It's champagne with a backbone—the gin adds depth and botanicals, the lemon provides that gorgeous citrus zing, and the whole thing goes down far, far too easily. Consider yourself warned.

History & Origin: From the Trenches to the Bar

The French 75's origins are delightfully murky, as all the best cocktail histories tend to be. The most widely accepted story credits Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris around 1915—a bar that was, rather brilliantly, literally shipped from New York to Paris piece by piece. The drink was supposedly created to boost morale for American soldiers on leave from the Western Front, and given the name because it was said to have the kick of being shelled by the famous French 75mm gun.

Others claim the drink was invented earlier by Harry Craddock at the Savoy in London, but honestly, both Harrys were absolute legends and I reckon they'd both be chuffed to be associated with this masterpiece. The cocktail was immortalized in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, where Craddock warned that it 'hits with remarkable precision.' Cheekily brilliant.

Interestingly, some early versions used Cognac instead of gin—which makes geographic sense for a French drink. The gin version became dominant, particularly in America, and that's largely what we drink today. But if you fancy a warmer, richer interpretation, a Cognac French 75 is an absolutely smashing variation.

What You'll Need

How to Make It (Properly)

The Bubbles: What Champagne to Use

Now, let's talk bubbles. Do you need proper Champagne for this? Technically, no—the gin and lemon do a lot of heavy lifting, so you can absolutely use a quality sparkling wine without anyone calling the gendarmerie. But if you're celebrating something special, a proper Champagne elevates the whole affair.

Budget-Friendly ($12-25)

Crémant de Loire or Crémant de Bourgogne – Made using the traditional method, just like Champagne, but from outside the official region. Crisp, elegant, and brilliant for cocktails. Cava Brut from Spain is another solid choice—citrusy and refreshing.

Mid-Range ($30-50)

Non-vintage Champagne from houses like Taittinger, Nicolas Feuillatte, or Piper-Heidsieck. The toasty, biscuity notes add lovely complexity to the cocktail. Prosecco Superiore DOCG also works wonderfully if you prefer a slightly fruitier style.

Treat Yourself ($50+)

Vintage Champagne or prestige cuvées from Bollinger, Pol Roger, or Krug. Honestly, this is borderline sacrilege—these are sipping Champagnes, not mixer Champagnes. But if you're feeling utterly decadent and your accountant isn't watching, who am I to judge?

Gin Selection: Get This Right

The gin matters more than you might think. You want a London Dry style with strong juniper character—the botanicals need to stand up to the champagne and citrus. Avoid super floral or cucumber-forward gins; they'll get lost in the mix.

• Beefeater – The classic choice. Bold juniper, citrus notes, absolutely spot on for this cocktail. Affordable and reliable.
• Tanqueray – Crisp, clean, with that distinctive dry finish. Works beautifully with the lemon.
• Plymouth – Slightly softer and earthier than London Dry, but still assertive enough. Lovely for a more rounded French 75.
• Sipsmith – British craft gin with traditional character. The citrus notes complement the lemon gorgeously.

Sophie's Tips for Cocktail Perfection

Variations Worth Trying

• French 75 with Cognac – The original variation, arguably. Swap gin for a good VS or VSOP Cognac. Warmer, richer, with notes of dried fruit and oak. Absolutely smashing for autumn and winter.
• French 76 – Replace gin with vodka for a cleaner, more neutral base. Less complex but dangerously drinkable. This is the gateway drug version.
• French 77 – Swap the lemon for elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the obvious choice). Floral, feminine, and absolutely gorgeous. A bit sweeter, so skip the simple syrup.
• French 95 – Use bourbon instead of gin. Very American, very delicious. The whiskey's vanilla notes play beautifully with the lemon and champagne.
• Diamond Fizz – Essentially a French 75 served in a highball over ice. Less elegant, perhaps, but perfect for hot summer afternoons when you want to nurse something sparkly.

When to Serve a French 75

The French 75 is wonderfully versatile—equally at home as a pre-dinner aperitif or a celebratory toast. It's the cocktail I make for:

• New Year's Eve – When you want champagne with a bit more oomph. Perfect for the countdown and the inevitable 3am philosophical discussions.
• Engagement parties – Elegant, festive, and celebratory without being overly sweet. The happy couple will thank you.
• Dinner parties – As a welcome drink while guests mingle. The citrus and bubbles awaken the palate without filling anyone up.
• Sunday brunch – When a Mimosa feels too safe and you want to make a statement.
• Because it's Tuesday – Honestly, sometimes you just need a French 75. No occasion required. Self-care comes in many forms, darlings.

Glassware & Presentation

The traditional vessel is a champagne flute—tall, slender, and designed to showcase those gorgeous bubbles rising to the surface. The narrow shape also concentrates the aromatics, so you get that lovely hit of citrus and gin with every sip.

That said, a coupe glass is absolutely acceptable—dare I say, even more glamorous. Yes, you'll lose bubbles faster, but you'll look like you've stepped out of a Jazz Age photograph. Sometimes style trumps practicality. The lemon twist as garnish is essential; express those oils over the surface and let them perfume the drink.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• The 75mm Gun: The Canon de 75 modèle 1897 was revolutionary for its time—the first field gun with a recoil system that didn't require re-aiming after each shot. It could fire 15 rounds per minute, hence the cocktail's reputation for 'rapid fire' intoxication.
• Casablanca Connection: The French 75 appears in the 1942 classic film Casablanca, ordered at Rick's Café Américain. Hollywood loved this cocktail throughout the golden age.
• Two Bars, Eternal Debate: Harry's New York Bar in Paris and The Savoy in London both claim to have invented the drink. The French insist it's theirs; the English point to the Savoy Cocktail Book. I say we thank both and move on to the drinking.
• Hemingway's Favorite: Ernest Hemingway was reportedly quite fond of the French 75, which he drank at the Ritz Paris. Given his legendary drinking habits, this tracks perfectly.
• IBA Official Cocktail: The International Bartenders Association recognizes the French 75 as an official cocktail, cementing its place in the canon of classic drinks.

Final Thoughts

The French 75 is proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most brilliant. Take a perfectly good gin sour, top it with champagne, and suddenly you've got a cocktail that's been seducing drinkers for over a century. It's elegant without being fussy, boozy without being boorish, and absolutely impossible to drink just one of.

Whether you're hosting a glamorous soirée or just treating yourself after a long week, the French 75 never disappoints. Mix one up, preferably in something sparkly with a lemon twist, and toast to the genius of whoever first thought to combine gin and champagne. À votre santé, darlings!