This bubbly, bourbon-based French 95 is the perfect twist on the popular French 75 cocktail recipe with a bourbon kick. It is quite the treat that any bourbon lover will enjoy. Plus, it only takes a few minutes and simple ingredients to make.
French 75s are one of my favorite cocktails. If you are looking for other variations of the French 75, you should also check out my Empress Gin French 75, which has a beautiful purple hue.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- It has simple ingredients. All of the ingredients can be found in any grocery or liquor store.
- It has a unique flavor that is complex and layered thanks to the addition of the bourbon instead of the traditional gin.
- It feels extra special with all of the bubbles from the prosecco.
Ingredient Notes
Bourbon – Choose your favorite bourbon. I would just avoid any super cheap bourbon. It’s not a super strongly flavored cocktail, so your cocktail will only be as good as your bourbon.
Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice is always best when it comes to flavor. If you have trouble with lemons going bad too quickly, make a habit of squeezing the lemon juice into ice cube trays so that you’re never without fresh lemon juice.
Simple syrup – Simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water. You can easily make it in the microwave if you don’t want to make on the stovetop.
Prosecco – Prosecco is a dry (brut) sparkling wine and is perfect for a French 95 (and 75.) This cocktail already has simple syrup so a sweet sparkling wine or Champagne would likely be too sweet. You can use brut Champagne here, but I usually use prosecco or cava in wine-based cocktails.
Garnish – This is optional, but you can garnish with a fresh or dried citrus wheel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Steps 1-2: Add the bourbon and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add the simple syrup. Then, add ice cubes and shake until well chilled.
Step 4: Strain into a cocktail glass.
Step 5: Top with prosecco (or other sparkling wine).
Step 6 (optional): Garnish with dried citrus, if desired.
Pro tip: Always add your ice after you add your ingredients to a cocktail shaker for the least amount of dilution.
Recipe FAQ
The major difference is that a French 75 is made with gin and a French 95 is made with bourbon. You can also use whiskey as well. (Bourbon is just one type of American whiskey.)
A French 75 is a classic cocktail that was named after the 75mm used in the World War I era by the French military because the drink packed quite the punch. French 95s are a variation of the French 75 that uses bourbon instead of gin.
Given it is a sparkling wine/champagne cocktail, I recommend a coupe glass (like I used) or a champagne flute.
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French 95 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce bourbon
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 3-4 ounces prosecco (Dry sparkling wine or Champagne)
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and top with prosecco.
Notes
- Always add your ice after you add your ingredients to a cocktail shaker for the least amount of dilution.
- Opt for a dry sparkling wine like prosecco or cava. Champagne will also do well. Dry wines are usually noted with the word “brut.”
- To make homemade simple syrup, add equal parts sugar and water together, then warm and stir until sugar is dissolved. This can also be done in the microwave.
CH
Loved this cocktail so much! Love bourbon and love a French 75 so it’s perfect
DJ
Really good! I love whiskey sours and this is similar to that while adding Prosecco. Has a smooth apple cider type of taste. Loved it – thanks for sharing!