Elderflower French 75 | Cocktail recipe

When I first started exploring the world of cocktails, the French 75 quickly became my drink of choice. Outside of the taste, it’s a classy-looking drink that helped me in many social settings. A fresh college graduate who just moved back to Dallas, reacclimatizing to the city after living in Houston for almost 6 years was honestly a challenge at first. I didn’t want to move back home, but I got a job in the city, so, up I-45 I went.

I’d walk into a nice venue or bar for happy hour, scan its menu, and light up when I saw French 75. Ordering it made me feel more sophisticated than I probably was at the time, but it gave me a little extra confidence.

Now, let’s talk about why this drink is such a power move. First off, the presentation. Served in a sleek champagne flute or coup glass, the French 75 is just sexy. Holding one in your hand makes you look like you have your life together, even if you’re still figuring it all out. I was also a conversation starter. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked, “What are you drinking?” when they saw the drink in my hand.

As years have passed, I’ve started recreating my favorite cocktails at home, especially for friends. I enjoy hosting, so when I planned a game night during my recent trip to Austin, I knew the French 75 had to make an appearance. Some of my friends were hesitant because of the gin present in the drink, but I promised them this cocktail would win them over. And it did. With the right balance of citrus, bubbles, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a drink that surprises and delights, even the skeptics.

Here’s the disclaimer I gave them, though—French 75s are STRONG. As much as you’ll want to gulp them down (they’re that good), I always tell people to pace themselves. Sipping is the move because, trust me, they sneak up on you.

One of my secrets to elevating this cocktail is using elderflower gin. Unlike traditional gins, which can sometimes be too sharp, elderflower gin adds a floral sweetness that balances everything beautifully. Pair it with Prosecco instead of champagne for a smoother, more approachable finish. And if you really want to flex (which I often do when playing bartender), make your own simple syrup—it’s such a small step, but it makes all the difference.

Elderflower French 75 Recipe

— ingredients (makes 1 cocktail) —

1 1/2 oz lemon juice

1 1/2 oz Empress Elderflower Gin

1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup*

Your fave Prosecco

— tools —

Cocktail Shaker

Double Strainer

Ice

Your favorite coup glass

— instructions —

1. Add lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup into shaker over ice

2. Shake well until foam starts to form

3. Strain in your favorite coup glass

4. Top glass with Prosecco

5. Enjoy!

*Simple Syrup Recipe

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 vanilla bean

— instructions —

1. Boil water

2. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat then add in sugar and vanilla bean

3. Stir sugar and bean until the sugar melts and becomes syrup

4. Let the syrup cool before using

— note —

feel free to add more than the recipe suggests if you like your drinks a little sweeter

My French 75 journey (continued)

The French 75 isn’t just a cocktail to me; it’s a little piece of my welcome back to Dallas journey (I’ll probably talk about this in another blog post). It’s the drink that made me feel like I belonged in rooms where I wasn’t always sure I did. It’s a drink that sparks connection and leaves an impression. And whether I’m ordering it at an aesthetically-pleasing bar or mixing it up at home, it always brings that perfect mix of sophistication and fun.

So, if you haven’t tried a French 75 yet, consider this your sign. And if you’re already a fan, maybe it’s time to add your own twist. Cheers to sipping something that makes you feel as good as it tastes!