French 75 Cocktail with Empress Gin
***This post is made in collaboration with Empress 1908 Gin. All content, ideas and words are my own.***
A French 75 Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin, champagne, lemon juice and honey simple syrup. It is a refreshing, citrusy and slightly sweet cocktail that is perfect for the holidays or to ring in the New Year. If you are looking for a pretty, bubbly cocktail then this can be your new go to.
French 75:
- Named after the French 75mm field gun that the French and Americans used in World War 1.
- This cocktail is generally made with a sugar simple syrup. However, I switch it up a bit and use honey. I believe the honey plays well off the herbal notes of the gin and the bright lemon juice.
How to Make the Best French 75 Cocktail with Empress:
- Gin – I use Empress 1908 Gin and I love it, because of its delicious taste and beautiful color.
- Simple Syrup – Whether you use honey or sugar, you will need to make a simple syrup. (Note: do not add straight honey to your cold drink, because it will seize up on you). Just make it ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Lemon Juice – You will need lemon juice. It not only cuts some of the sweetness, but you need it to enhance the gin.
- Lemon Curls – It is very easy to make these lemon curls. Simply slice a ring from the lemon. Make a slice through one side of the peel and the pulp, all the way up to the rind on the other side. Cut the pulp off of the peel so there is one long, thin strip of peel. Twist the peel into a curly-q shape. It will naturally hold its shape.
To read more on the history of Empress Gin and how it came to be, please check out my Empress Pear-Rosemary Gin Cocktail post. It is linked below.
And, for more Empress Gin drink ideas, please give these a try:
- Empress Pear-Rosemary Gin Cocktail
- Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade (with Empress)
- Strawberry Lavender Gin & Tonic
- Mixed-Berry Ice Cream Shake
- Cherry-Berry Gin Kombucha Cocktail
FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below so I know how you liked it. Thanks! Enjoy!
Print
French 75 Cocktail with Empress Gin
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Inactive Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A French 75 Cocktail with Empress 1908 Gin, champagne, lemon juice and honey simple syrup. It is a refreshing, citrusy and slightly sweet cocktail that is perfect for the holidays or to ring in the New Year. If you are looking for a pretty, bubbly cocktail then this can be your new go to.
Ingredients
- HONEY SIMPLE SYRUP:
- 1/2 cup Water, filtered
- 1/2 cup Honey
- FRENCH 75 COCKTAIL WITH EMPRESS:
- 1 1/2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz Honey Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Lemon, freshly squeezed juice (equivalent to one large lemon)
- 2 oz Champagne, chilled
- Lemon curls, for garnish
Instructions
- Honey Simple Syrup: In a small pot, warm the water to almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Let cool completely.
- French 75 Cocktail with Empress: To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the Empress Gin, simple syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne flute.
- Garnish: Top with champagne, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon curl.
Notes
- Layering the cocktail: Personally, I feel like the color of just the shaken gin and simple syrup is a bit unappealing for this drink, and that is why I mention to add everything to a shaker. However, to actually see the color of the gin change, first shake and strain the gin and simple syrup into a glass. Add the lemon juice and let it settle into the gin mixture. Once the colors turn, stir to combine and then complete step #3.
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cocktail Party, Drink Recipes, Easy Drink Recipes, Fruit, Gin Recipes, Gluten-Free Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Holiday Recipes, Honey Recipes, Lemon, Mixed Drink Recipes, Recipes for Parties, Wine Recipes
NOTE:
- These Stemless Champagne Flutes Set of 4 are from World Market.
This cocktail is nice and light. And the addition of champagne makes it a little extra special. It is super easy to put together too.
★★★★★
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you
This is a wonderful drink, but don’t add the lemon juice to the shaker, first shake the gin and simple syrup together, pour in the glass, then add the lemon juice for a colorful surprise. Finish with Prosecco or Champagne and lemon twist.
Great party trick!
★★★
I am happy to hear that you enjoy this cocktail, Angelina! Personally, I feel like the color of just the shaken gin and simple syrup is a bit unappealing for this drink, and that is why I mention to add everything to a shaker. But yes, you can definitely put the cocktail together as you described. Then as soon as you add the lemon juice it does turn to a gorgeous color.