Holiday French 75 Recipe For Festive Sparkling Cocktails

The holiday season calls for sparkling celebrations and festive drinks that bring warmth and cheer to every gathering. One classic cocktail that shines brightly during this time is the French 75.

This elegant and effervescent cocktail combines the crispness of gin, the zest of fresh lemon juice, and the bubbly delight of champagne into a drink that feels both luxurious and refreshing. Perfect for toasting with friends and family, the Holiday French 75 adds a seasonal twist to the traditional recipe by incorporating festive flavors and garnishes that evoke the spirit of the holidays.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to enjoy a special drink by the fire, this cocktail is sure to impress and delight.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a detailed and easy-to-follow Holiday French 75 recipe. You’ll learn why this cocktail is perfect for the season, the ingredients you’ll need, the equipment required, step-by-step instructions, plus tips and variations to make it your own.

Let’s raise a glass and dive into the magic of this sparkling holiday classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Holiday French 75 is a cocktail that perfectly balances sophistication and festive fun. It’s light, bubbly, and vibrant, making it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations where you want something special but not overly heavy.

The combination of gin and champagne creates a complex flavor profile with botanical notes and effervescence, while the fresh lemon juice adds a bright citrus punch.

What makes this recipe even better during the holidays is the addition of warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a splash of cranberry juice, which provides a beautiful color and seasonal flavor.

It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that instantly elevates any occasion, from intimate dinners to large holiday parties.

Aside from its delightful taste, the Holiday French 75 is also versatile and can be customized with various garnishes and liqueurs to suit your personal taste or theme. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with many holiday dishes, making it a perfect companion for your festive menu.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin (preferably a London dry gin for its crispness)
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust sweetness as desired)
• 3 oz champagne or sparkling wine (chilled)
• 1/4 tsp cranberry juice (optional, for holiday color and flavor)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg (optional for warming spice)
• Ice cubes
• Garnishes: fresh cranberries, lemon twist, rosemary sprig, or star anise

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – for mixing the gin, lemon juice, and syrup
• Jigger or measuring tool – to measure precise quantities
• Strainer – to strain the cocktail into the glass
• Champagne flute or coupe glass – classic glassware for serving
• Citrus juicer – to extract fresh lemon juice
• Bar spoon – for gentle mixing and layering
• Peeler or zester – for creating lemon twists

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by juicing a fresh lemon to get about 1/2 oz of lemon juice. Chill your champagne or sparkling wine in the fridge.
2. Mix the base: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz gin, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you want that festive warmth.
3. Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker halfway with ice, then secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture: Using your strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass, filling it about halfway.
5. Add sparkling wine: Slowly top off the glass with approximately 3 oz champagne, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.
6. Optional cranberry splash: Add a small splash (about 1/4 tsp) of cranberry juice for a subtle blush and tartness. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
7. Garnish: Add a lemon twist, a few fresh cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. A star anise pod can also add a beautiful aroma and look.
8. Serve immediately: Enjoy your sparkling holiday French 75 fresh and bubbly!

Tips & Variations

“For a non-alcoholic version, try replacing the gin with seedlip or another non-alcoholic spirit, and use sparkling grape juice instead of champagne.”

• Sweetness level: Adjust the simple syrup to your taste. If you prefer a drier cocktail, reduce the syrup amount.
• Gin alternatives: Try using a floral gin or even a spiced gin for an extra holiday twist.
• Spice it up: Muddle fresh cranberries with a pinch of cinnamon before shaking to infuse more seasonal flavor.
• Herbal garnish: Rosemary or thyme sprigs not only look festive but also add a lovely aroma.
• Champagne substitutes: Prosecco or Cava work beautifully if you want a more budget-friendly option.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific brands and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

The Holiday French 75 is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of festive foods. Serve it as a welcome drink at holiday parties or alongside light appetizers such as smoked salmon canapés, cheese boards, or roasted nuts.

For a more substantial pairing, it complements dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted vegetables. Its bright acidity and bubbles help cleanse the palate, making it a refreshing counterpoint to rich holiday flavors.

Looking for more delicious holiday recipes? Check out Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats for sweet endings, or try Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy for a hearty meal option.

Also, explore Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for easy snack ideas during the holiday rush.

Conclusion

The Holiday French 75 is more than just a cocktail; it’s a celebration in a glass. With its perfect balance of citrus, botanicals, and bubbly sparkle, it brings an air of elegance and festivity to your holiday gatherings.

Its easy preparation makes it accessible for both seasoned cocktail lovers and beginners alike.

By adding a few seasonal touches like cranberry juice or warming spices, you can transform this classic drink into your signature holiday cocktail that impresses guests and brightens any occasion. So next time you’re planning your holiday menu, consider serving this delightful French 75 to toast the season in style.

Cheers to joyful moments and delicious sips!

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