Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail Recipe

Name: Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 oz Empress 1908 gin; ½ oz fresh Meyer lemon juice, strained; 1 oz simple syrup; Ice; Sparkling wine; 2 Meyer lemon twists for garnish

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If you're looking for the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in style, look no further than this Meyer Lemon French 75. This timeless cocktail is sure to add sparkle and elegance to any gathering! You'll love this delicious Meyer Lemon French 75 - it's a wonderfully festive holiday drink that's a variation of this Blood Orange French 75!

side view of 2 glasses filled with Meyer Lemon French 75 Resplendent Kitchen

This invigorating blend of sparkling champagne, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant gin will delight you! But why not add a festive twist by replacing traditional lemons with zesty Meyer lemons for an extra layer of flavor?

Jump to:

What Is a French 75?
What are Meyer Lemons?
What Do Meyer Lemons Taste Like?
Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
How to Make Simple Syrup
How to Make a Lemon Twist
How to Make a Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail
Expert Tip
Recipe FAQs
More Gin Cocktails
Recipe
Comments

I can't get enough fresh citrus recipes this time of year. This Meyer Lemon French 75 recipe was inspired by my Blood Orange French 75 recipe and pairs nicely with these Vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites.

If you enjoy gin cocktails, try this Plum Ginger Gin Sour, Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz, and Strawberry Lemon Gin Granita.

This is a lovely and festive alternative to mimosas at brunch! At brunch, serve this Meyer Lemon French 75 with this Vegan JUST Egg Frittata or Vegan JUST Egg Quiche.

What Is a French 75?

A French 75 usually consists of sparkling wine, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This recipe with Meyer Lemon has a touch of sweetness and a gorgeous violet hue from the Meyer lemon juice combined with indigo-hued gin Empress 1908 gin.

The recipe for a French 75 resembles the Tom Collins, swapping out the carbonated water with champagne. If cognac is used instead of gin, you have French 125.

The French 75 originated during World War I, and an early variation of the French 75 was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris by Harry MacElhone. The drink is said to have a kick similar to the powerful French 75mm field gun. The New York Bar in Paris later became Harry's New York Bar.

Side view of 2 glasses of Meyer Lemon French 75

What are Meyer Lemons?

Meyer Lemons are native to China and were bought to the USA in the early twentieth century by Frank N. Meyer, a United States Department of Agriculture employee. He identified the plant while in China and brought them back with him.

I have found them at Whole Foods and Natural Grocers typically between the months of November and April.

What Do Meyer Lemons Taste Like?

Meyer Lemons have a floral and sweet flavor that is perfect for cocktails, similar to what a combination of lemon and mandarin orange would taste like.

They're sweeter than regular lemons and are not quite as tart and acidic.

Such a gorgeous drink! I absolutely love that color. So amazing with the addition of the fresh Meyer lemon juice too.

- Tara

Ingredients

The final color of this bubbly cocktail depends on your gin, the color of the Meyer lemons, and the color of your sparkling wine (blush versus regular). Here's what you'll need to make this Meyer Lemon French 75 cocktail:

Your favorite gin - This Lemon Meyer French 75 is made with Empress 1908 Gin, giving a dreamy lavender color and fantastic flavor! It has a lovely all-natural indigo hue as well as an earthy flavor. It's also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Be sure to check out Empress 1908 Gin near you!
Your favorite sparkling wine - this does not need to be expensive champagne, which is better enjoyed by itself. Prosecco, Cremant, Espumante, or Cava are great choices. I chose a vegan-friendly and affordable sparkling wine that I enjoy drinking.
Fresh Meyer lemon - you will need to strain the juice.
Simple syrup - instructions to make this are below.

A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

Meyer Lemon - instead of Meyer lemon, you can use fresh lemon juice and make a French 75. Regular lemons, known as Eureka lemons, have a bolder and more acidic taste which is quite refreshing. Or, you can substitute with equal parts fresh lemon juice and fresh orange juice.
Gin - instead of gin, you can try cognac, vodka, or an elderflower liqueur or cordial. You can also try triple sec or Grand Marnier; I would start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Non-alcoholic - replace sparkling wine with flavored sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Simple Syrup - try this lavender simple syrup which complements the lemon.

How to Make Simple Syrup

It's easy to make simple syrup.

Step 1: First, bring one part water and one part organic cane sugar to boil (for example, ½ cup of each). Stir occasionally.
Step 2: Once the sugar has dissolved, take it off the heat, let it cool, and refrigerate it in a sealed glass container for up to a month.

Try this lavender simple syrup for a variation.

How to Make a Lemon Twist

If making lemon twists, start making them at least 15 minutes before you make the cocktail. In the meantime, chill the champagne flutes in the freezer or fridge.

Step 1: Cut into the lemon rind with a peeler, going around the entire lemon.
Step 2: Cut a rectangle approximately 5 to 6 inches long and an inch wide. Remove the excess pith.
Step 3: Cut a narrow strip, approximately 5 mm wide (less than a quarter-inch). Wind it around something narrow like a cocktail stick to create a spiral, and let it rest on a damp towel with something to lightly hold it in place, like a small bowl. After 15 minutes, your lemon twist should be good to go.

How to Make a Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail

It's easy to make this Meyer Lemon French 75 cocktail!

Side view of how to make Meyer Lemon French 75

Step 1: Add the gin, strained Meyer Lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into two champagne flutes.

Step 2: Top with sparkling wine.

Side view of glass of Meyer Lemon French 75 with marble background

Step 3: Garnish with a Meyer lemon twist. Enjoy!

Expert Tip

Strain the Meyer Lemon juice before adding it to the Meyer Lemon French 75 cocktail and garnish with a lemon twist.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Meyer Lemon French 75 ahead of time?

You can store the ingredients separately in the fridge ahead of time for up to 1 to 2 days. However, I don't recommend mixing this cocktail ahead of time to maximize the freshness and appearance of the bubbles. This cocktail is best enjoyed right away.

More Gin Cocktails

If you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Recipe

Side view of 2 glasses of Meyer Lemon French 75 with citrus twists

Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail Recipe

Author: Emily Miller

This Meyer Lemon French 75 cocktail recipe brings a refreshing twist to a classic; a festive and bubbly sip to celebrate with family and friends! Enter Meyer lemon mixed with gin, simple syrup, and topped with sparkling wine!

5 from 158 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Make citrus garnish: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings: servings

Calories: 130kcal

EQUIPMENT

Cocktail shaker
Champagne flutes

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Add gin, strained Meyer lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
Shake and pour into two champagne flutes.
Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a Meyer Lemon twist. Enjoy!

NOTES

I make vegan simple syrup by bringing to a gentle boil in a small saucepan one part water and one part organic cane sugar (for example, ½ cup of each). Once the sugar has dissolved, I take it off the heat, let it cool, and refrigerate it in a sealed glass container for up to 1 month.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 130 kcalCarbohydrates: 7.62 gSodium: 0.4 mgSugar: 7.2 g

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Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.

Comments

5 from 158 votes (149 ratings without comment)