Attention, Cocktail Enthusiasts: This Is the Best French 75 Recipe

Champagne at the ready.

Drinks, cocktail
(Image credit: Design by Katja Cho)

The French 75, or known simply as the Soixante Quinze (AKA 75) in France, is basically bubbly, sugary deliciousness that will get you in trouble if you have more than a couple (but hey, some nights were just meant to go that way). A slightly altered version of the cocktail is a favorite of Kate Moss, and it's easy to see why: With a French 75, you get the taste of champagne with the kick of hard liquor (we like Koval Dry Gin), and just enough sweetness for it to go down smoothly. So, we asked cocktail expert Leslie Ross of Hunky Dory Tavern in Houston, TX to create the perfect French 75, and she did us one better, creating a classic recipe plus a sophisticated take on the cocktail. Find out how to make her masterpieces below:

Classic French 75

Ingredients:

1.5 oz gin

1.5 oz cognac

.75 oz fresh lemon juice

.75 oz simple syrup

Champagne or dry sparking wine to top

Instructions:

Shake and strain into a coupe or champagne flute. Top with champagne or dry sparking wine.

If you've already mastered the classic version and want to try a fancier iteration of the French 75, opt for:

Little Napoleon

Ingredients:

1 oz Courvoisier Napoleon

.5 oz Pineau des Charentes

.75 oz Giffard Strawberry Cordial

.75 oz Lemon Juice

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne to top

Instructions:

Shake and strain into a coupe. Top with champagne and garnish with a rose petal.

Cheers!

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Alanna Greco

I'm a writer and editor based in New York City. I love a good coat, a well-articulated feminist rant, and face masking (yes, that’s a verb) like it’s nobody’s business.