A French 75 St Germain is a fun spin version of the classic French 75. It is made with lemon juice, champagne, St Germain, and gin.
Cheers to a classic champagne cocktail that is strong, sweet, and refreshing! The French 75 St Germain, also known as an Elderflower French 75, is the perfect cocktail for a special occasion, celebrations, and home bar happy hours. Lovers of gin and botanical cocktails will adore this sweet gin cocktail.
Make your own French 75 St Germain at home without any special tools! All you need is a cocktail shaker and coupe glasses! It’s simple but will impress guests at your next cocktail party.
Enjoy this fun cocktail on New Year’s Eve! Or just make one for yourself next time you curl up with a good book or a fun rom-com!
What Is a French 75?
A French 75 is a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. It has a reputation for being sneaky strong.
According to Spirits Beacon, the first records of this drink are from 1926 in a Harry’s New York Bar cocktail book. But the book gives credit to the British for the drink. The name is rumored to come from a fast and accurate French military gun in World War I because the cocktail is on the stronger side.
French 75 St Germain Cocktail Ingredients
- Gin – This popular spirit adds complex botanical notes to cocktails. Its taste makes it a popular base for many drinks.
- St Germain Elderflower Liquor – St. Germain is a popular brand of Elderflower liquor. It is sweet with robust floral notes. This liquor also has hints of citrus and tropical flavors. These flavors pair very well with gin! It also has a thicker consistency than other liquors. I skip simple syrup when I use St Germain in a cocktail due to the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur.
- Lemon Juice – Add a little acidity and bright flavor to the cocktail with fresh lemon juice.
- Champagne (or Sparkling Wine) – Traditionally French 75s are made with champagne. However, sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava are great alternatives.
Using Champagne versus Sparkling Wine
The original recipe for a French 75 contains champagne. However, sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava, have a similar effervescence and flavor. Plus, many sparkling wines are more affordable than a bottle of decent champagne.
When I enjoy a French 75 at home I use Prosecco. I try to keep a bottle of my favorite Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco in the pantry. It is delicious alone and in cocktails. And it only costs $7!
Substitute Vodka for Gin
If you aren’t a fan of gin-based cocktails, try substituting the gin for vodka. Gin contains juniper berries. These berries give the spirit a distinct pine-like flavor. That flavor is sometimes too strong or botanical for people. Vodka has less of a distinct flavor and is a great substitute.
Try a French 76! It’s a classic French 75 with vodka instead of gin!
How to Make a French 75 St Germain
Create this delicious elderflower cocktail recipe with just a few ingredients and a cocktail shaker. It is a strong drink with a delicious floral flavor. It is an easy cocktail to make, but tastes impressive.
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and St Germain. Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Then firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine the cocktail ingredients and chill them.
Strain the cocktail into a champagne flute. Fill the remainder of the glass, almost to the top, with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Then garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
What Type of Glass Do I Use?
Two glasses are best for this easy champagne cocktail, the flute and the coupe glass.
- Champagne flute – Flutes have less surface area at the top of the cocktail. A small surface area helps the carbonation of champagne or sparkling wine last longer.
- Coupe glass – Coupe glasses have a larger surface area, so the carbonation doesn’t last as long. However, the large mouth of the glass allows you to take in the scents of the cocktail as you drink. Smelling a cocktail as you drink it changes the flavor profile.
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Can I Make a French 75 St Germain Ahead of Time?
Yes and no. The gin, lemon juice, and elderflower liquor may be mixed in advance. However, the champagne will lose its carbonation over time.
So prepare all of the ingredients, except the champagne, and store them in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, pour the cocktail into the glasses and add the champagne.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Bulk?
Again, yes and no. The gin, lemon juice, and elderflower liquor may be mixed in bulk. Simply multiply the recipe by the number of drinks you wish to serve. Combine them in a small pitcher and chill. When serving your guests, pour the mixture into the cocktail glasses. Then top off with champagne and a garnish.
More Cocktail Ideas Using Sparkling Wines
French 75 St Germain
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 4 oz gin
- 2 oz St Germain (elderflower liquor)
- 2 oz lemon juice
- 4-6 oz Champagne (Sparkling Wine)
Instructions
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and St Germain in a cocktail shaker.
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine the cocktail ingredients and chill them.
- Strain the cocktail into a champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Fill the remainder of the glass, almost to the top, with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon peel twist.
