Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail Recipe

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.

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? You'll love this delicious Meyer Lemon French 75 - it's a wonderfully festive holiday drink!

I couldn't resist trying Meyer lemon, which is in season, mixed with delicious Empress 1908 Gin. The traditional lemon juice in this classic cocktail is replaced with fresh Meyer Lemon juice. So I bring you this Meyer Lemon Empress 75!
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The butterfly pea blossom in Empress 1908 Gin imparts subtle earthy notes and an all-natural indigo hue; with citrus in this cocktail, Empress 1908 transforms from vivid indigo blue to a delicate soft lavender.⁠ Empress 1908 is all-natural and gluten-free. ⁠

Jump to:

• What is a French 75?
• What are Meyer Lemons?
• What do Meyer lemons taste like?
• Ingredients
• How to make simple syrup
• How to make a lemon twist
• How to make a Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail (with Gin)
• Substitutions and Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Expert tip
• 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 Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites.

For more gin recipes, try my Plum Ginger Gin Sour, Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz, and Strawberry Lemon Gin Granita.

You can include this Meyer Lemon French 75 cocktail as part of a brunch menu along with this JUST Egg Quiche, Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Egg Cups, and Easy Vegan Banana Oat Pancakes.

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.

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.

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.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make simple syrup

It's easy to make simple syrup.

First, bring one part water and one part organic cane sugar to boil (for example, ½ cup of each). Stir occasionally.

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.

• Cut into the lemon rind with a peeler, going around the entire lemon.
• Cut a rectangle approximately 5 to 6 inches long and an inch wide. Remove the excess pith.
• 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 (with Gin)

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

• Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a Meyer lemon twist. Enjoy!

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.

Equipment

You'll need a cocktail shaker. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar with a lid.

I love these elegant champagne flutes; they are positively regal!

Storage

Make ahead: 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. This is a lovely and festive alternative to mimosas at brunch!

Expert tip

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

More Gin Cocktails

If you make this cocktail, please take a moment to ★★★★★ star rate it and leave a comment below. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook and share your creation with me! Tag me @resplendentkitchen and hashtag #resplendentkitchenrecipes.

Recipe