Uploaded August 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Whether you're Ernest Hemingway or Coco Chanel, gin and Champagne or brandy and Champagne are great combinations for any palette. The French 75 and French 125 are classics that are light and refreshing, they go down smooth and can easily sneak up on you. It's a great combination for a cocktail.
This drink was originally created in the early 20th century and a favorite of the famous Lost Generation. It appears to be a Frenchified version of a Tom Collins. Whatever, the inspiration, it's one of the best ways to enjoy Champagne.
The real test is whether you prefer it with gin or with brandy. The gin version is universally recognized as a French 75, but the brandy version, in addition to being called a French 75, is also called a French 125 or sometimes a King's Peg. It is definitely a fickle cocktail, but maybe the illusive names are part of it's charm.
The gin version is undeniably more nuanced and sharp. The tartness and crispness are arguably more acquired tastes, but nonetheless enjoyable. The brandy version is certainly sweeter and easy on any palette. This is just due to the contrasting flavors of gin and brandy. Gin is drier and brandy is sweeter. It's really surprising the difference it makes.
For the Champagne (or sparking wine), the drier, the better. A Brut Champagne or Prosecco would be best. It doesn't have to be anything expensive, in this case it's Korbel Brut. For the gin, dry gins are traditionally used, but you can sub in a more citrusy or botanical gin like the St. George Botanivore, which is my preference. As for the brandy, I like using a VSOP Cognac that pairs well with the Champagne. In this case, the Rémy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac is my favorite for most cocktails.
As usual, you should always use fresh citrus juice. If you're so inclined, you should also make your own simple syrup (youtube.com/watch?v=62YNp0jgzvU). It's easier than you think and worth the effort.
Let me know in the comments which version you like best. Enjoy!
Recipe:
1.5 oz Gin or Brandy
.75 oz Simple Syrup
.5 oz Lemon Juice
Top with Champagne (or Sparking Wine)
Garnish with Lemon Twist
Follow Us!
facebook.com/DistinguishedSpirits
instagram.com/distinguishedspirits
twitter.com/DistinguishedSp
pinterest.com/DistinguishedSp
Featured in This Drink:
Rémy Martin VSOP
facebook.com/RemyMartin
remymartin.com
St. George Spirits
youtube.com/user/StGeorgeSpirits
stgeorgespirits.com
Korbel Champagne Brut
youtube.com/user/Korbel
korbel.com
Whether you're Ernest Hemingway or Coco Chanel, gin and Champagne or brandy and Champagne are great combinations for any palette. The French 75 and French 125 are classics that are light and refreshing, they go down smooth and can easily sneak up on you. It's a great combination for a cocktail.
This drink was originally created in the early 20th century and a favorite of the famous Lost Generation. It appears to be a Frenchified version of a Tom Collins. Whatever, the inspiration, it's one of the best ways to enjoy Champagne.
The real test is whether you prefer it with gin or with brandy. The gin version is universally recognized as a French 75, but the brandy version, in addition to being called a French 75, is also called a French 125 or sometimes a King's Peg. It is definitely a fickle cocktail, but maybe the illusive names are part of it's charm.
The gin version is undeniably more nuanced and sharp. The tartness and crispness are arguably more acquired tastes, but nonetheless enjoyable. The brandy version is certainly sweeter and easy on any palette. This is just due to the contrasting flavors of gin and brandy. Gin is drier and brandy is sweeter. It's really surprising the difference it makes.
For the Champagne (or sparking wine), the drier, the better. A Brut Champagne or Prosecco would be best. It doesn't have to be anything expensive, in this case it's Korbel Brut. For the gin, dry gins are traditionally used, but you can sub in a more citrusy or botanical gin like the St. George Botanivore, which is my preference. As for the brandy, I like using a VSOP Cognac that pairs well with the Champagne. In this case, the Rémy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac is my favorite for most cocktails.
As usual, you should always use fresh citrus juice. If you're so inclined, you should also make your own simple syrup (youtube.com/watch?v=62YNp0jgzvU). It's easier than you think and worth the effort.
Let me know in the comments which version you like best. Enjoy!
Recipe:
1.5 oz Gin or Brandy
.75 oz Simple Syrup
.5 oz Lemon Juice
Top with Champagne (or Sparking Wine)
Garnish with Lemon Twist
Follow Us!
facebook.com/DistinguishedSpirits
instagram.com/distinguishedspirits
twitter.com/DistinguishedSp
pinterest.com/DistinguishedSp
Featured in This Drink:
Rémy Martin VSOP
facebook.com/RemyMartin
remymartin.com
St. George Spirits
youtube.com/user/StGeorgeSpirits
stgeorgespirits.com
Korbel Champagne Brut
youtube.com/user/Korbel
korbel.com
