French 75 Recipe with Muckross Irish Gin
Elegant, sparkling, and effortlessly charming, the French 75 is the quintessential cocktail for celebrations, brunches, or any moment that deserves a touch of sophistication. Made with gin, lemon, sugar, and topped with Champagne, it’s crisp, refreshing, and carries just enough bite to remind you that it means business. At Muckross Irish Gin, we’ve taken this beloved classic and given it a distinctly Irish flair — blending the botanical beauty of County Kerry with the continental charm of Champagne.
A Toast to History: The Origin of the French 75
The French 75 traces its roots to World War I, named after the fast-firing 75mm field gun used by the French army. A mix of gin (or Cognac in early recipes), lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne, the cocktail gained popularity in post-war Paris and became a favourite among expats. It was first printed in 1927 in a booklet called Here’s How, and earned its place in the classic cocktail canon with its inclusion in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
Why Muckross Irish Gin Makes It Better
At the heart of this cocktail is Muckross Irish Gin, handcrafted with wild botanicals foraged from Killarney National Park. Its earthy juniper core, notes of grapefruit, rosemary, rosehip, and native Irish herbs deliver a depth that complements the citrus and effervescence of the French 75. The gin’s smooth finish and floral undertones create a well-balanced and dangerously sippable take on a century-old classic.
This isn’t just a cocktail. It’s an Irish celebration in a flute.
French 75 Recipe (Single Serving)
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Muckross Irish Gin
- 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 60 ml chilled Brut Champagne or other dry sparkling wine
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Method:
- Add Muckross Irish Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled flute or coupe glass.
- Top with Champagne and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Tip: Always chill your Champagne and glassware in advance for a crisp, effervescent finish.
French 75 for a Crowd (Serves 16–20)
Ideal for weddings, brunches, New Year’s Eve, or any celebration worth raising a glass to.
Ingredients (in ml):
- 480 ml Muckross Irish Gin
- 240 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 300 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 bottles (750 ml each) Brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine (chilled)
Method:
- Combine Muckross Irish Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large jug or punch bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add the chilled Champagne.
- Pour into flutes and garnish with lemon twists or wheels.
Optional: Add fresh berries or edible flowers for an extra flourish.
Glassware: Flute or Collins?
Traditionally served in a Champagne flute, the French 75 stays cold and sparkling longer while presenting a more refined aesthetic. Some variations serve it in a Collins glass over ice for a more casual, longer drink. We prefer the flute for elegance — but if you’re entertaining outdoors or want something refreshing on ice, the Collins version works just as well.
When to Serve It
The French 75 is perfect for festive occasions like weddings, brunches, and holiday celebrations. Thanks to Muckross Irish Gin’s herbal complexity, it also works wonderfully as a pre-dinner aperitif or an elegant way to elevate a quiet evening.
Make It Your Own
Like all timeless classics, the French 75 is easy to adapt. Try these variations:
1. Rosemary Honey French 75
Swap the simple syrup for rosemary honey syrup to echo the gin’s herbal character.
2. Elderflower 75
Add a splash (15 ml) of elderflower liqueur for a delicate floral lift.
3. Berry Muckross 75
Muddle a few freshly picked raspberries or blackberries before shaking — perfect in summer.
4. The Bitter French
Add 10 ml of Campari or Aperol before shaking for a beautiful rosy hue and a gentle bitter edge.
5. Winter 75
Use cinnamon syrup instead of simple syrup and add a dash of Angostura bitters.
Tips for a Perfect French 75
- Chill everything: gin, Champagne, and glassware.
- Use fresh lemon juice — bottled will dull the drink.
- Adjust sweetness to match your sparkling wine.
- Quality counts: with few ingredients, balance matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use prosecco instead of Champagne?
Yes — just be sure it’s Brut or Extra Dry so it doesn’t overly sweeten the drink.
What if I don’t have simple syrup?
Make your own: combine equal parts sugar and water, stir until dissolved.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes — combine all ingredients except the Champagne and refrigerate. Add bubbles just before serving.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Definitely. Use a non-alcoholic botanical spirit and alcohol-free sparkling wine.
Final Thoughts
The French 75 proves that simplicity can be stunning — especially when you start with a gin as vibrant and carefully crafted as Muckross Irish Gin. Whether you’re toasting a milestone or mixing up a weekend treat, this cocktail delivers elegance in every sip.
For more cocktail inspiration, check out our Lady Herbert’s Punch or explore the full range of Muckross Irish Gin cocktail recipes.