French 95 (aka French 75 with Bourbon)

Bourbon – Choose your favorite bourbon. I went with a local Charleston bourbon from Cannon Distillery – which you should definitely check out if you ever vacation in this area!

Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice is always best in cocktails over bottled. 

Simple syrup –  You can buy simple syrup, but like its name implies, it’s incredibly simple to make homemade simple syrup. You just have to heat equal parts sugar and water in the stove or microwave until the sugar dissolves. You’ll need to allow it to cool completely before you use it. You can store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the fridge. 

Champagne or prosecco – French champagne is traditional to this family of cocktails. However, real champagne can be costly and has a more complex flavor profile that can be covered up when used in cocktails. I prefer to save champagne for drinking by itself and using a sparkling wine, like prosecco or cava, in wine cocktails.

Garnish – This is optional, but you can garnish with a fresh or dried citrus wheel. A lemon or orange twist or even lemon wedges would work well as a garnish as well.

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, like a champagne coupe.

Step 5: Top with champagne or sparkling wine. 

Step 6 (optional): Garnish with fresh or dried citrus wheel, if desired.

What is the difference between a French 75 and French 95?

There is an overlap of most components of each drink. The major difference is that a French 75 is made with gin and a French 95 is the original’s bourbon rendition. You can also use whiskey as well. (Bourbon is just one type of American whiskey.)

Why do they call it a French 75 (or a French 95)?

A French 75 is a classic cocktail named after the 75mm used in the WWI era by the French military because the drink packed quite the punch. French 95’s just like the original cocktail pack just as much of a kick. 

What kind of bourbon is best for this drink?

The best bourbon brands are going to be the ones that YOU like to drink the most. I like to go for local bourbon brands, if possible. Good brands that are widely available include Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Bulleit Bourbon. 

What is the best type of cocktail glass for this drink?

Given it is a sparkling cocktail, I recommend a coupe glass (like I used) or a champagne flute.

Does simple syrup go bad?

Yes, it does eventually go bad, but it comes down to how you store it. Keep any leftover simple syrup in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the fridge. If it turns cloudy before that, that’s an indication that has gone bad and needs to be thrown away.