The Strawberry French 75 is a delicate and sophisticated take on the timeless French 75 cocktail. Originally crafted in the early 1900s, the French 75 became a beloved drink among cocktail enthusiasts for its crisp, refreshing, and slightly effervescent profile. The addition of homemade strawberry simple syrup introduces a natural fruitiness, elevating the classic cocktail with a touch of sweetness and color. With a beautiful pale pink hue, a fresh strawberry garnish, and a twist of citrus, this cocktail is visually stunning and perfect for any celebration. Whether served at brunch, garden parties, or intimate gatherings, it adds a refined charm to any occasion. The light and bubbly texture, coupled with the tartness of lemon and the floral notes of gin, creates a well-balanced drink that’s as enjoyable as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz strawberry simple syrup (see below)
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberry slices and lemon twist for garnish
Strawberry Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
- Make the Strawberry Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries soften (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve, and let cool.
- Prepare the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the gin, lemon juice, and strawberry simple syrup. Shake well for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Assemble the Drink: Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish & Serve: Add a fresh strawberry slice and a twist of lemon for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 175 kcal | Servings: 1 cocktail
The History Behind the French 75
The French 75 cocktail is a timeless classic with origins dating back to World War I. It was first crafted in Paris at the New York Bar (later Harry’s New York Bar) by legendary bartender Harry MacElhone. Named after the French 75mm field gun, known for its powerful yet smooth artillery, this cocktail packs a similar punch with a delightful blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. The combination creates a light yet potent drink with a crisp and refreshing profile.
Originally served in a tall highball glass with ice, the French 75 later evolved into the elegant champagne flute version we know today. This refined cocktail became a symbol of luxury and sophistication, making its way into high-end bars, cocktail menus, and even literary works, including ‘Casablanca’ and ‘A Farewell to Arms’ by Ernest Hemingway.
The Strawberry French 75 is a modern twist on the classic, incorporating homemade strawberry simple syrup for an added layer of natural sweetness and fruitiness. The result? A delicate, rosy-hued cocktail with a refreshing balance of tart citrus, floral gin, and bubbly champagne—perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
With countless cocktail recipes available, the Strawberry French 75 remains a top-tier choice for several reasons:
- A Perfect Blend of Sweetness & Citrus
- The fresh strawberry simple syrup enhances the classic French 75 by adding a natural sweetness that complements the sharp citrus notes of lemon juice.
- The strawberries introduce a subtle, jammy depth to the drink without overpowering the light, crisp nature of champagne.
- Sophisticated & Instagram-Worthy
- Its stunning pale pink color makes it visually appealing, perfect for weddings, bridal showers, brunches, and celebrations.
- Garnished with fresh strawberries and a lemon twist, it looks effortlessly elegant and is guaranteed to impress guests.
- Effervescent & Refreshing
- The bubbles from the champagne create a light, airy mouthfeel that’s perfect for hot summer days or festive occasions.
- Unlike heavy cocktails, this drink is light and refreshing, making it easy to sip and enjoy.
- Versatile & Customizable
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup, making it adaptable to different palates.
- Swap gin for vodka if you prefer a more neutral spirit base.
- Choose your favorite dry or semi-sweet sparkling wine to fine-tune the flavor profile.
- Easy to Make at Home
- Despite its fancy appeal, this cocktail requires only a few ingredients and simple steps, making it beginner-friendly and perfect for at-home mixologists.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
While cocktails aren’t traditionally viewed as “healthy,” the Strawberry French 75 includes natural ingredients that offer a few notable benefits:
- Strawberries
- Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, strawberries support immunity and skin health.
- They add natural sweetness to the cocktail, reducing the need for excess sugar.
- Lemon Juice
- High in vitamin C, lemon juice boosts hydration and digestion while enhancing the cocktail’s crispness.
- It helps balance the drink’s sweetness with its refreshing acidity.
- Gin
- Traditionally made with botanical ingredients like juniper, citrus peel, and herbs, gin is lower in sugar compared to many flavored liquors.
- Some botanicals in gin are believed to aid in digestion and circulation.
- Champagne
- Champagne and sparkling wines are lower in calories compared to heavy cocktails made with syrups and creams.
- Some studies suggest moderate champagne consumption may improve heart health due to its polyphenol content.
Occasions to Serve the Strawberry French 75
The Strawberry French 75 is a show-stopping cocktail suited for various celebrations and gatherings:
- Brunch & Afternoon Gatherings
- A great addition to a mimosa bar or alongside pastries, fruit platters, and quiches.
- Its light and bubbly nature makes it an easygoing drink for daytime events.
- Weddings & Bridal Showers
- The soft rosy-pink hue makes it aesthetic and romantic, perfect for wedding toasts and bachelorette parties.
- Holiday & New Year’s Eve Parties
- Its bubbly champagne base makes it a festive alternative to traditional champagne toasts.
- Valentine’s Day & Romantic Dinners
- The strawberry and lemon combination adds a playful and refreshing twist to date-night drinks.
- Garden & Summer Parties
- Its fruity, citrusy profile pairs beautifully with light summer dishes, seafood, and fresh salads.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry French 75
Want to take your cocktail to the next level? Follow these expert tips:
Use High-Quality Gin – A good gin makes all the difference. Look for London dry gin with subtle botanicals to complement the strawberry and lemon flavors.
Fresh Ingredients Matter – Fresh lemon juice and homemade strawberry syrup will elevate the taste significantly. Avoid bottled juices or artificial syrups.
Chill Everything – To keep the drink crisp, chill the champagne, gin, and even the glasses before serving.
Customize the Garnish – A fresh basil or mint leaf can add a hint of herbal freshness to the drink.
Experiment with Sparkling Wines – Not a fan of dry champagne? Try prosecco for a slightly sweeter version.
Perfect Food Pairings
Pairing the Strawberry French 75 with the right dishes enhances its flavor. Here are a few pairing ideas:
Appetizers:
- Goat cheese and honey crostini
- Smoked salmon canapés
- Fresh fruit and cheese platters
Main Courses:
- Grilled shrimp with citrus glaze
- Lemon herb chicken
- Pasta with light cream sauce
Desserts:
- Strawberry shortcake
- Lemon tart
- White chocolate mousse
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
It’s easy to make yet feels luxurious – A simple yet elegant cocktail perfect for any level of home bartender.
The balance of flavors is spot on – A harmonious blend of citrus, sweetness, botanicals, and bubbles.
It’s festive and adaptable – Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a black-tie event, this cocktail fits right in.
It’s Instagram-worthy – The soft pink hue, effervescent bubbles, and fresh garnish make it an instant eye-catcher.
Conclusion
The Strawberry French 75 is more than just a cocktail—it’s a statement of elegance, sophistication, and vibrant flavor. It pays homage to a classic 1920s recipe while adding a modern fruity twist that enhances its appeal. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a casual brunch, or just looking to unwind with a classy drink, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today, and experience the magic of a perfectly balanced cocktail in every sip!
