How to Make the Perfect Elderflower French 75

This Elderflower French 75 is the most elegant, refreshing cocktail you’ll ever make.

The first time I ever had a proper French 75, I was at a bridal luncheon in Charleston. The sun was warm, the garden was full of blooming hydrangeas, and everyone was dressed in their Sunday best. The host brought out a tray of these tall, sparkling drinks, and I was immediately charmed. It was crisp, tart, and had just enough kick to feel special. I knew right then and there I had to learn how to make it at home.

For years, the classic recipe was my go-to for celebrations. It felt sophisticated and timeless. But you know me, I can never leave well enough alone. One afternoon, while planning a little get-together on my porch, I spotted a bottle of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur in my cabinet. I remembered its delicate, floral sweetness and wondered what it would do for my beloved French 75.

Well, honey, it was a revelation. The touch of elderflower didn’t overpower the drink. Instead, it softened the gin’s botanical edge and complemented the bright lemon, adding a layer of floral complexity that was absolutely intoxicating. It turned a classic cocktail into my signature drink. Now, every time I serve this, my friends rave and ask for the recipe, and I’m so excited to finally share my secret with all of you.

It’s the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern flair, just the way I like it.

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Why This French 75 Recipe Works

The classic French 75 has a history as dazzling as its flavor. It’s said to have been created in the early 1900s at the New York Bar in Paris. The name comes from the French 75mm field gun, which was known for its rapid and powerful fire during World War I. The cocktail was said to have a kick so potent it felt like being hit by that very cannon. It’s a powerful combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne, and it has remained a staple for good reason. It’s bubbly, strong, and perfectly balanced.

This recipe takes that incredible foundation and elevates it with one simple, yet transformative, addition. My secret is a small measure of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur. This isn’t just a random addition, it’s a strategic one. The floral, slightly sweet notes of the elderflower are a beautiful partner to the botanical, juniper-forward character of a good London Dry Gin. It smooths out the cocktail’s edges without dulling its signature bright, citrusy punch.

What makes this Elderflower French 75 truly special is the harmony of its flavors. The St-Germain adds a sophisticated, aromatic layer that makes the drink feel more complex and luxurious. It turns a classic cocktail that everyone knows into something unique and memorable. When your guests take that first sip, they’ll recognize the familiar framework of a French 75, but they’ll be intrigued by that extra something special. It’s the kind of subtle twist that makes people lean in and ask, “What is in this? It’s amazing!” That, my friends, is the mark of a truly great recipe.

Ingredients for French 75

The beauty of a French 75 lies in its simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create something truly spectacular. My version adds one little floral twist that makes all the difference. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to have on hand.

• 1.5 oz London Dry Gin
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
• 3 oz chilled Brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine
• 1 long lemon twist, for garnish

Let’s talk a little about these ingredients, because quality really matters here. For the gin, I strongly recommend a classic London Dry style like Tanqueray or Beefeater. Their assertive juniper and botanical notes provide the perfect backbone for the cocktail and stand up beautifully to the other flavors.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable. The bottled kind just doesn’t have the same bright, zesty flavor and can make your drink taste dull or artificial. It only takes a moment to squeeze a lemon, and I promise, the difference is night and day.

The star of this version is, of course, the St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur. This beautiful French liqueur is made from fresh, handpicked elderflower blossoms and has a delicate, sweet, and captivating floral taste. It’s what gives our French 75 its signature modern twist. A little goes a long way to add a layer of elegance.

Finally, the bubbles. You don’t need to break the bank on a fancy bottle of Champagne, but do choose a dry, or “Brut,” sparkling wine. A Spanish Cava or a French Crémant are wonderful, affordable options that will provide the crisp effervescence this cocktail needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making French 75

Making a truly exceptional French 75 is all about technique. It’s not just about mixing ingredients, it’s about temperature, dilution, and presentation. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a perfect, effervescent cocktail every single time. It’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Chill Your Glassware

Before you do anything else, place your Champagne flute or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. A deeply chilled glass is the secret to keeping your cocktail crisp and bubbly from the first sip to the last. A warm glass will cause the Champagne to lose its fizz almost instantly, and nobody wants a flat French 75. This is a small step that makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Build and Shake the Base

Fill a cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with good quality ice. Add your gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, the St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and the simple syrup to the shaker. Don’t add the Champagne yet! You never, ever shake a carbonated beverage unless you’re looking to redecorate your kitchen ceiling.

Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It

Secure the lid on your shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and is almost too cold to hold. This process does two things: it perfectly chills the base of your cocktail and provides just the right amount of dilution from the ice, which mellows the flavors into a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Double-Strain for a Silky Texture

Retrieve your beautifully chilled glass from the freezer. Hold a standard Hawthorne strainer over the shaker’s opening and a fine-mesh strainer over your glass. Pour the shaken mixture through both strainers into the glass. This “double-straining” method ensures no tiny ice chips or lemon pulp make it into the final drink, giving you a perfectly clear, silky-smooth cocktail.

Step 5: Top with Bubbles

Now for the grand finale. Slowly and gently pour the chilled Champagne or sparkling wine over the back of a long bar spoon into the glass. If you don’t have one, just pour very slowly down the side of the glass. This technique helps preserve those precious bubbles, giving the cocktail its signature effervescence.

Step 6: Garnish with a Twist

Take your long lemon twist and hold it peel-side down over the surface of the drink. Give it a sharp twist or squeeze to release the fragrant citrus oils onto the cocktail. You’ll see a little sheen on the surface. Rub the peel along the rim of the glass for extra aroma with every sip, then drop the twist right into the drink. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

How To Serve French 75

Serving a French 75 is all about celebrating its elegance. This isn’t a drink you just pour into any old cup. Presentation is part of the experience, and a few simple touches can make it feel like you’re at a high-end cocktail bar right in your own living room. The most important choice you’ll make is the glassware. The two classic options are a Champagne flute or a coupe glass.

A tall, slender Champagne flute is excellent for showcasing the cocktail’s beautiful bubbles as they travel up the glass. A wide, shallow coupe glass offers a touch of vintage, Prohibition-era glamour. I personally love a coupe for this drink. It feels so celebratory, and it makes it easier to enjoy the lovely aroma from the lemon twist garnish. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s thoroughly chilled before you pour.

This cocktail is perfect for a wide range of occasions. It’s my absolute favorite for:

• Celebratory Brunches: Move over, mimosas. An Elderflower French 75 is a much more sophisticated way to toast at brunch. It pairs beautifully with everything from quiche to eggs Benedict.
• Holiday Parties: Whether it’s New Year’s Eve, Christmas, or Easter, the festive sparkle of this drink just feels right. It’s light enough to enjoy before a big meal.
• Bridal and Baby Showers: The delicate, floral notes of the elderflower make this the perfect cocktail for a daytime celebration honoring someone special.
• A Pre-Dinner Drink: It serves as a fantastic aperitif, waking up the palate before a nice dinner. I love serving it with light appetizers like a cheese board, shrimp cocktail, or prosciutto-wrapped melon.

When you hand the drink to your guest, make sure that lemon twist is looking its best. The bright yellow curl against the pale, bubbly cocktail is just gorgeous. It’s a drink that impresses before the first sip is even taken, and that’s the kind of hospitality I always aim for.

How To Store & Reuse French 75 Leftovers

Let’s be honest, a perfectly made French 75 is usually so delicious that leftovers are a rare occurrence in my house. This cocktail is at its absolute best when it’s made fresh, with the chill from the shaker and the fizz straight from the bottle. The magic is in that freshly combined sparkle and zest. Once the Champagne is added, the clock starts ticking on its effervescence, and it really should be enjoyed right away.

That being said, if you’re planning a party and want to get ahead, you can absolutely batch the base of the cocktail. This is a host’s best friend and a trick I use all the time to make serving a crowd so much easier. You can pre-mix a large batch of the gin, fresh lemon juice, St-Germain, and simple syrup and store it in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator. This base will keep beautifully for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.

When your guests arrive, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

• Measure and Shake: For each drink, measure out the correct portion of your pre-made base (2.75 ounces per cocktail) into a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake and Strain: Give it a quick, hard shake to chill and dilute it properly, then strain it into your chilled glass.
• Top and Garnish: Top with your chilled sparkling wine, garnish with a fresh lemon twist, and serve immediately.

This method saves you from having to measure out four different ingredients for every single drink while your guests are waiting. As for leftover opened Champagne, that’s another story. The best way to “store” it is to enjoy it! But if you must, a good Champagne stopper can preserve some of the bubbles for about a day. You can use it for another cocktail or just enjoy a glass on its own later.

Substitutions & Variations For French 75

One of the things I love most about a classic cocktail recipe is using it as a starting point for creativity. While my Elderflower French 75 is a favorite, there are so many ways you can tweak this drink to suit your personal taste or use what you have on hand. It’s a wonderfully flexible formula, so don’t be afraid to play around a little bit.

The spirit, the sweetener, and the bubbles can all be swapped to create a completely new experience. If you’re looking to experiment, here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations to try:

• Swap the Spirit: While gin is traditional, a French 75 is also fantastic with other spirits. For a smoother, slightly richer version, try using vodka. For a truly classic twist, use Cognac, which is how some of the earliest versions of the drink were made. It gives the cocktail a warm, complex, and fruity depth.
• Play with Liqueurs: If you don’t have St-Germain, you can experiment with other floral or fruit liqueurs. A splash of Chambord (raspberry liqueur) would be lovely for a pink-hued version, or a bit of Cointreau (orange liqueur) could add a different citrus dimension.
• Change the Sweetener: Simple syrup is easy, but you can infuse it with other flavors. Try a honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water) for a richer sweetness that pairs well with Cognac. A rosemary or lavender-infused simple syrup would also be a beautiful complement to the gin.
• Experiment with Bubbles: Don’t feel tied to Champagne. A dry Italian Prosecco will lend a fruitier, more casual feel, while a Spanish Cava offers a crisp, earthy alternative. For a special treat, try a sparkling Rosé. It will give your cocktail a beautiful color and add notes of red berries.
• Try Different Citrus: Lemon is classic, but blood orange or grapefruit juice can create a fun, seasonal twist on the French 75. Just be mindful of the sweetness and adjust your simple syrup accordingly.

The core formula of spirit, citrus, sweetener, and bubbles is your playground. Think of this recipe as a guide, and feel free to let your creativity shine through. You might just discover your own signature version!

5 FAQs About French 75

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this French 75 recipe.

What is the history behind the French 75 cocktail?

The story of the French 75 is as intriguing as the drink itself. Its origins trace back to World War I Paris, specifically to the New York Bar, which later became the famous Harry’s New York Bar. The cocktail was created by barman Harry MacElhone around 1915. The name is a nod to the French 75mm field gun, a piece of artillery that was a cornerstone of the French army during the war. It was known for its accuracy, speed, and power.

The drink was said to have such a potent kick that it felt like being shelled by this powerful weapon. The combination of strong spirit (originally gin or cognac) and bubbly Champagne certainly packs a punch. Early recipes varied, with some calling for cognac instead of gin, but the gin-based version eventually became the standard. The French 75 quickly gained popularity, especially among American expatriates, and its recipe was immortalized in cocktail books like Harry’s own “ABC of Mixing Cocktails” and “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” It has remained a timeless classic ever since, beloved for its perfect balance of strength, refreshment, and elegance.

Why is my French 75 not fizzy?

A flat French 75 is a sad sight indeed, as the effervescence is key to its character. There are usually a few culprits if your cocktail is lacking its signature sparkle. The most common reason is temperature. If your sparkling wine or your cocktail base isn’t cold enough, the bubbles will dissipate very quickly upon contact. This is why chilling your glassware, your bottle of Champagne, and shaking the base with plenty of ice are all critical steps. A warm glass is the fastest way to kill the fizz.

Another factor is how you add the Champagne. If you pour it too quickly or aggressively into the glass, you agitate the wine and release all the carbonation at once, leaving you with a flat drink. The trick is to pour it slowly and gently, either down the tilted side of the glass or over the back of a bar spoon. This helps integrate it smoothly and preserve as much of the carbonation as possible. Finally, make sure your sparkling wine is fresh. A bottle that has been open for too long, even with a stopper, will have lost much of its fizz.

Can I make a French 75 without a cocktail shaker?

You certainly can! While a cocktail shaker is the ideal tool for chilling and diluting the drink properly, you can definitely improvise if you don’t have one. The main goal of shaking is to get the base mixture (gin, lemon, syrup, and liqueur) very cold. A great substitute is a sturdy, leak-proof jar with a tight-fitting lid, like a Mason jar. Just fill it with ice, add your ingredients, screw the lid on tight, and shake it just as you would a regular shaker.

When it’s time to pour, you can use the lid of the jar to hold back the ice, or you can pour the contents through any small strainer or sieve you have in your kitchen. The goal is to separate the chilled liquid from the ice. The most important thing is to get the mixture icy cold before you add the sparkling wine. So, even without a fancy shaker, you can absolutely achieve a delicious and well-made French 75 at home.

What type of gin is best for a French 75?

The choice of gin can significantly impact the final flavor of your French 75, so it’s a great question. For a classic and reliable choice, I always recommend a London Dry Gin. This style is known for its strong juniper-forward profile, with supporting notes of citrus and botanicals. Brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire provide a crisp, clean backbone that stands up well to the lemon juice and Champagne without getting lost. It’s the traditional choice for a reason, it creates a perfectly balanced cocktail.

However, if you enjoy a more modern or nuanced flavor, you can certainly experiment with other styles of gin. A gin with more floral notes, like Hendrick’s (with its cucumber and rose profile), could be beautiful, especially in this elderflower version. A gin with a stronger citrus profile, like Tanqueray No. Ten, would also be a fantastic choice to amplify the drink’s bright, zesty character. The main thing to avoid would be overly sweet or artificially flavored gins, as they could clash with the other ingredients and make the drink unbalanced.

Is a French 75 stronger than a regular glass of Champagne?

Oh, absolutely. Don’t let its elegant and refreshing taste fool you, the French 75 is a surprisingly potent cocktail. A standard glass of Champagne typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 12%. When you make a French 75, you are adding a full shot and a half of gin, which is around 40% ABV, plus a little bit of liqueur. While it’s topped with Champagne, the base of the drink is quite spirited.

The final ABV of a French 75 cocktail is usually in the range of 18% to 22%, depending on the exact proportions and the strength of your gin and wine. This makes it significantly stronger than a simple glass of bubbly. The lemon juice and sugar do a fantastic job of masking the alcoholic strength, making it go down very smoothly. It’s a wonderful drink, but it’s one to be sipped and savored. Its deceptively strong kick is precisely why it was named after that powerful piece of artillery!

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