Classic French 95 (Aka French 75 With Bourbon) Cocktail Recipe

There's a good chance you've heard of a French 75 — after all, it is a staple cocktail that will likely be found on the drinks menu of any properly stocked bar. But have you come across a French 95 cocktail? This cocktail is a close cousin of the French 75, taking the base elements of lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine, but swapping out the botanical flavors of gin for the somewhat sweeter and smokier notes of bourbon. This substitution gives the normally light and refreshing French 75 cocktail a more sophisticated and darker edge.

A French 95 cocktail is perfect for bourbon lovers and sparkling wine aficionados alike, along with anyone who enjoys a well balanced beverage with a touch of elegance and not too much sweetness. Whether you prefer prosecco or Champagne in your drink is up to you, this recipe works well with both. Read on to find out just how quick and easy it is to make this French 95 cocktail at home, created by Tasting Table recipe developer Jennine Rye.

To make this French 95 cocktail, first you will want to gather the ingredients, and the list is a short one: chilled Champagne or prosecco, Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Additionally you will want ice to mix the drink, and you can use a variety of different garnishes to finish off this classic cocktail. Dried fruit slices add a touch of modern elegance, or twists of lemon peel can give this drink a more classic and celebratory look.

If you don't have any simple syrup at home, don't worry, it's super easy to make yourself and all you will need is some granulated sugar and water. In fact, it might well be cheaper and quicker to create your own than to make a quick dash to the store to buy some. Simply add equal parts of sugar and water to a saucepan (we recommend ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water) then heat them until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. Remove the pan from the heat and wait for the liquid to cool; your homemade simple syrup is now ready for use!

To make this French 95 cocktail, first you will want to squeeze some fresh lemon juice. Then, using a jigger to help measure the correct quantities of each ingredient, add the bourbon, the lemon juice, and the simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Then, add a cup full of ice, place the lid on your cocktail shaker, and get shaking.

Which cocktails to shake versus which should be stirred can be a little contentious amongst bartenders, though a general rule of thumb is that if it contains citrus it should be shaken. You don't need to shake for long though, and you definitely don't want to over-dilute your cocktail, so 12 seconds is a good estimate to aim for.

While it may seem an obvious point to make, you will always want to add the fizzy components of a cocktail after it has been shaken, else you'll just end up with a big mess to clean up. To finish off this elegant cocktail, pour the shaker contents into your chosen glass; we recommend either a coupe glass or a champagne flute for this beverage and then top it with the sparkling wine of your choice — chilled, of course.

There are almost endless possibilities when it comes to cocktail garnishes, though it's always a good idea to pair your garnish with your chosen cocktail. A well-chosen garnish not only enhances the look of your beverage but it also adds to, or complements, the flavors and aromas of your drink. While a twist of fresh lemon peel will highlight the brightness of this cocktail with it's color, scent, and citrus oils, dehydrated citrus has a deeper and sweeter flavor profile which pairs well with the deeper, sweeter flavors of the bourbon. Whichever garnish you choose, enjoy!