French 75 (with honey syrup)

The French 75 is one of those classic cocktails that always feels a little celebratory. My version stays true to the original but swaps in honey simple syrup, which adds a gentle sweetness and a mellow floral note.

I love a French 75 when I'm in the mood for something elegant but still refreshing. It's bright and citrusy with plenty of bubbles, lightly botanical from the gin, and always feels celebratory-one sip in and it's hard not to think of ringing in the New Year somewhere special.

My version sticks closely to the classic, with one small swap: I use honey instead of sugar or simple syrup. I dissolve the honey in a little hot water, then mix it with fresh lemon juice and gin before topping it with sparkling wine. The honey adds a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lemon and herbs in the gin, making the whole drink feel soft and balanced.

It's a simple cocktail I come back to again and again, whether I'm serving it for a special celebration or pouring a round at brunch with friends. With just honey, lemon juice, gin, and dry sparkling wine like prosecco or cava, it's easy to make and always feels like a little occasion in a glass.

How to make a lemon twist

A lemon twist, sometimes called a lemon curl, is a pretty garnish for cocktails with citrus ingredients. They're easy to make, and they add a lovely touch to your drink! Here's how to make one:

• Slice a ¼ inch ring from the middle section of a lemon.
• Cut into the lemon slice on one side, and use a pairing knife to cut away the pulp.
• Use your knife to carefully cut away most of the pith (the bitter white part).
• Use your hands to twist it into a curly-q shape. Voilà!

Kristen Stevens

French 75 Cocktail (with honey syrup)

Stirred with bright lemon juice and your favorite gin, then topped with sparkling wine, it's crisp, lively, and beautifully balanced. The honey pairs especially well with the lemon, giving this classic drink a soft, rounded finish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cocktail

Course: Cocktail

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons hot tap water
• 1 ½ ounces gin
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3 ounces sparkling wine

Method

 

1. In a glass, mix the honey and hot tap water until the honey has fully dissolved.
   1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons hot tap water
   
2. Fill a mixing glass half-full with ice. Add the honey water, gin, and lemon juice and stir until it's cold.
   1 ½ ounces gin, ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
   
3. Strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon peel.
   3 ounces sparkling wine