French 75 Recipe: A Classic New Orleans Champagne Cocktail
Few cocktails capture the elegance and history of New Orleans quite like the French 75. Bright, bubbly, and deceptively smooth, this iconic drink is the perfect champagne cocktail for date night, special celebrations, or pre-dinner drinks with friends.
At the Mardi Gras School of Cooking in the French Quarter, we love sharing recipes that connect flavor with story, and the French 75 does exactly that. Next time you come to a class, add a champagne bar to your experience for the perfect pre-dinner drink!
A Cocktail with New Orleans History
The French 75 was originally created in early 20th century Paris and named after a powerful World War II gun, the French 75mm because of its boozy kick. It became especially popular during prohibition in America and found a lasting home in New Orleans. It is famously associated with the historic Arnaud's Restaurant, where the elegant French 75 Bar helped cement its place in the city’s cocktail culture.
Today, it remains a staple in the French Quarter, served at brunch, as a pre-dinner tipple, and during celebrations year-round.
Click here to watch Chef Conner prepare a classic French 75 coctail on our Instagram page.
French 75 Champagne Cocktail Recipe
2 minutes
1
Drinks
European
French 75 Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1½ oz. gin
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 oz. chilled dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne
French 75 Cocktail Recipe Method
- Using a zester or paring knife, slice peel from 1 lemon in a long, thin spiral. Reserve lemon for another use and set peel aside.
- Combine 1½ oz. gin, ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz. simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Add 1 cup ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled Champagne flute and top with 2 oz. dry sparkling wine.
- Curl reserved lemon peel around finger to create twist at least 6" long. Garnish drink with lemon twist and serve immediately.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe Card (Printable)
You can download our easy, ready-to-print French 75 recipe card for quick use in your kitchen. It includes all the ingredients and steps in a clean and simple format.
About the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Mardi Gras School of Cooking has been teaching Cajun and Creole cooking classes since 1988. It began in Chef Bond’s home kitchen in Algiers Point and grew into a full cooking school where people learn about Louisiana food through hands-on experience.
Guests wear aprons, learn basic cooking skills, and understand the history behind well-known dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and other classic favorites. The school also offers private events, team-building sessions, and special classes that bring people together through food and culture.
Join a Cooking Class and Learn More Recipes
If you want to dive deeper into Cajun and Creole cooking, join a class at The Mardi Gras School of Cooking. You can learn how to make more Louisiana dishes, meet new people, and enjoy a fun and interactive cooking experience. The school also offers sessions for small groups, large groups, and corporate events.
Cooking in New Orleans is more than following a recipe, it is about community, culture, and celebration.
Can I use cognac in a French 75?
Yes. In fact, using cognac instead of gin is a common New Orleans variation. The cognac version creates a slightly richer, warmer cocktail while keeping the same bright citrus and bubbly finish. Both styles are delicious—it simply depends on your preference.
Can I make a non-alcoholic French 75?
Absolutely. Substitute the Champagne with a zero-alcohol sparkling wine and replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit such as Seedlip. You’ll still get the citrus sparkle and celebratory feel without the alcohol.
Can I make a French 75 ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great coctail to make ahead. You can even make a carafe of the gin and lemon mix ahead of time and let your guests mix their own. Mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in advance and refrigerate. Shake with ice (even though the mixture is cold, the ice helps dilute the liquor) and add the sparkling wine just before serving to preserve the bubbles.
Is a French 75 strong?
Yes, it’s stronger than it tastes. The gin provides a solid kick, while the sparkling wine and sugar makes it light and easy to sip.
What type of sparkling wine should I use in a French 75?
A dry sparkling wine (Brut) works best. Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava are all great options, but avoid overly sweet varieties.