Elderflower French 75
This cocktail elevates the traditional French 75 by introducing the fragrant charm of elderflower liqueur. The gin's botanicals and the lemon's tartness are beautifully complemented by the sweet, honeyed notes of elderflower, all brought to life by the effervescence of Champagne. It transforms the original crisp and potent classic into a softer, more aromatic, and sophisticated sparkling cocktail. It's a refreshing and perfectly balanced drink suitable for any celebration or a stylish brunch.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Elderflower French 75 is categorized as a Modern Classic cocktail, representing a popular contemporary variation of an older drink. Due to its use of Champagne or other sparkling wine, it is also classified as a sparkling cocktail. It is frequently enjoyed as an aperitif or for celebratory occasions.
Serving
This cocktail is served cold in a chilled Champagne flute or coupe glass to maintain its effervescence and temperature. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a sophisticated yet approachable sparkling drink.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
~15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Champagne Flute
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Elderflower French 75 is a modern variation of the classic French 75, which dates back to World War I. This floral twist gained immense popularity in the early 2000s, coinciding with the global rise of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. It quickly became a staple in cocktail bars around the world for its elegant, accessible, and crowd-pleasing flavor profile, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Origin
This is a modern variation that became popular globally, especially in the USA and Europe, around the mid-2000s. The original French 75 cocktail originated in Paris, France, circa 1915 at the New York Bar, which later became Harry's New York Bar.
Elderflower French 75
This drink is often named after the specific brand of elderflower liqueur used, with "St-Germain French 75" being a common moniker. It is also sometimes shortened to "Elderflower 75". These names all refer to the same floral twist on the classic sparkling cocktail.
Original name
Elderflower French 75
Alternative names
- St-Germain French 75
- Elderflower 75
Characteristics overview
This drink delights the senses with a prominent floral and citrus aroma, leading to a crisp, bubbly texture on the palate. The taste is a beautiful balance of sweet elderflower and tart lemon, finishing clean and refreshingly light.
Flavor
Floral, Citrusy, Botanical, Sweet, Crisp, Light
Aroma
Elderflower, Lemon, Juniper, Yeasty
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Refreshing, Lingering Floral
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Pale Straw, Clear, Sparkling
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-Season, Spring, Summer
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, defined by a harmonious balance between floral sweetness and citrus sourness, with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence. Its high carbonation level makes it feel light and vibrant.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need gin as the base spirit, complemented by elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice. The cocktail is topped with chilled Brut Champagne or another dry sparkling wine.
- Gin30 ml / 1 ozA London Dry style gin is recommended for its classic botanical structure.
- Elderflower Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 ozSt-Germain is the most common brand, but others work well too.
- Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for brightness and flavor.
- ChampagneTop up, approx. 90 ml / 3 ozBrut Champagne is ideal. Good quality Prosecco, Cava, or other dry sparkling wine can be substituted.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for shaking
Mixing equipments
Preparation requires a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainers. The key is to shake the non-carbonated ingredients before adding the sparkling wine directly to the glass.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the base ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
- Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer for a smooth pour.
Instructions
The process involves shaking the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice with ice, straining into a chilled flute, and then topping with Champagne. Finish by garnishing with a lemon twist.
1. Chill your Champagne flute or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Double strain the mixture (using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer) into your chilled glass.
5. Slowly top the drink with chilled Champagne, pouring it gently to preserve the bubbles.
6. Cut a swath of lemon peel, express its oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Garnishing
A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding aromatic citrus oils that complement the drink's flavors. Alternatively, an edible flower can be used to emphasize the cocktail's floral character.
- Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink's surface and drop it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, though it's always wise to check if the Champagne used is clarified with animal-free fining agents.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar in the liqueur and sparkling wine. The carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively low for a cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-11 g
Sugar level
Occasions
With its sparkling and elegant nature, the Elderflower French 75 is perfect for celebratory toasts at weddings, holidays, or New Year's Eve. It also serves as a fantastic aperitif to stimulate the appetite or as a sophisticated choice for a weekend brunch.
- Celebration
- Brunch
- Wedding
- New Year's Eve
- Aperitif
- Spring Gathering
Pairing suggestions
The drink's floral and citrus notes pair beautifully with light and fresh foods. It's an excellent companion to seafood, soft cheeses like goat cheese, and delicate pastries. For brunch, it complements both savory and sweet dishes, cutting through richness with its bright acidity and effervescence.
- Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini.
- Seafood, especially oysters or shrimp cocktail.
- Fruit-based desserts like a lemon tart or berry pavlova.
- Brunch dishes such as eggs Benedict or crepes.
The Elderflower French 75: A Toast to Floral Elegance
The Elderflower French 75 is a celebrated modern classic that offers a sophisticated and aromatic experience. By simply swapping simple syrup for elderflower liqueur, it transforms the original into a more fragrant and accessible cocktail without losing its refreshing core. The interplay of botanical gin, tart lemon, sweet elderflower, and crisp Champagne creates a harmonious and memorable drink. Its elegant presentation and delightful flavor make it a perfect choice for any celebratory occasion or a moment of simple indulgence.
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