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It doesn’t get more classic than a Soixante Quinze (French 75). This gin Champagne cocktail will transport you straight to Paris.
Why we love this recipe
It doesn’t get more classic, nor more drinkable, than the Soixante Quinze (French 75). This gin and Champagne cocktail with lemon juice and simple syrup tastes — for lack of a better term, since there’s really nothing better in the world — like It-Girl candy. It will transport you to Paris in five minutes flat, including the time it takes to gather the ingredients. What’s not to love?
I first published this recipe here in 2020. I’ve since updated the post for clarity, but the recipe remains the same.
What you’ll need
Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.
- You’ll start with a good London dry gin. In this post I’ve pictured Hendrick’s and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. I also love Bombay Sapphire. Each has a different flavor profile, but they all work nicely, as will your favorite brand.
- There’s no substitute for freshly squeezed lemon juice, which adds brightness and balance to this cocktail. You’ll also garnish the drink with a lemon twist cut from the peel.
- A little bit of 1:1 simple syrup adds just a touch of sweetness. It’s super-easy to make, and you can learn how by clicking that link to head over to the recipe.
- You’ll top things off with Champagne or another good sparkling wine. I typically use our favorite Chandon Brut, which is from California but shares a lot of the characteristics of a good midprice Champagne. You can use any sparkling wine that you enjoy drinking.
How to make it
Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to make a gorgeous Soixante Quinze (French 75). You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until very cold.
- Strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist. That’s it!
Expert tips and FAQs
Sure do. For a fun, springy twist, you might also like a Sour Cherry French 75.
You can. To scale it up, stir together in a pitcher up to three hours before serving time: one cup gin, 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3/4 cup simple syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour in one whole bottle of Champagne. Pour into glasses, garnish each with a lemon twist, and serve. Makes eight drinks.
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Soixante Quinze (French 75)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ounce (30 ml) gin
- ¾ ounce (22 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce (22 ml) 1:1 simple syrup
- 3 ounces (90 ml) Champagne
- 1 lemon twist, to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well, until very cold.
- Strain gin mixture into a Champagne flute.
- Top with the Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.
Notes
- I sometimes alter the ratio of gin to Champagne and use equal parts (2 ounces each) instead of a 1:3 ratio. This isn't the traditional proportion, but it gives the drink more of a bracing characteristic.
- To batch this cocktail, stir together in a pitcher up to three hours before serving time: one cup gin, 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3/4 cup simple syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour in one whole bottle of Champagne. Pour into glasses, garnish each with a lemon twist, and serve. Makes eight drinks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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The original French 75 was made with cognac, so give that a try.
One tale credits it to flier Raoul Lufbery of the French World War I air squadron the Lafayette Escadrille, who allegedly spiked his bubbly with cognac for oomph. The added alcohol hit hard, which was the point for a World War I pilot; their life expectancy was very short. The heavy kick resulted in the name; the original “French 75” was the 75mm Model 1897 French artillery piece used in World War I.
The British pilots flying alongside the French introduced the gin version.
And if you are cooking with white wine and have a bit left over, that can substitute for the champagne for a non-fizzy version; the French 75 Sans Bulles (‘SAWN byuel e). Serve this in a Collins glass.
Interesting, thanks!