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This French 75 Punch is the big batch version of my favorite classic cocktail, and it’s made for a crowd. It’s gin, fresh lemon, a splash of elderflower and plenty of chilled Champagne, all poured over a pretty ice ring in a punch bowl. It’s bright, bubbly and a little floral. And it takes about five minutes to make. You stir it once, your guests serve themselves, and you get to enjoy your own party.
I’ve been making cocktails and party recipes here on Sugar and Charm for over 16 years, and I wrote a whole book on easy hosting, Entertaining with Charm. Punch is one of my favorite shortcuts. It looks gorgeous on the table and it saves you from shaking drinks one at a time all night. If you love the original, check out my classic French 75 recipe too.
Why You’ll Love It
- It looks stunning on a party table, and the photos look great too
- It makes 12 drinks in one bowl, with no shaking
- There are just five ingredients plus garnish
- The ice ring keeps it cold without watering it down
French 75 Punch Ingredients
Gin: Use a London dry gin like Tanqueray. Its crisp, botanical flavor is what makes this taste like a true French 75.
Fresh lemon juice: Squeeze it fresh, because bottled juice won’t taste the same. You’ll need about 6 to 8 lemons.
Simple syrup: It’s just equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves, then cooled.
Elderflower liqueur: St-Germain is the classic choice. It adds a light floral sweetness.
Champagne: Use a dry (brut) Champagne or any dry sparkling white wine. Prosecco or cava work great and cost less. Chill it well.
Ice ring: One big ice ring melts much slower than cubes, so your punch stays cold and strong. Freeze lemon slices inside it for an extra pretty bowl.
Lemon wheels: These are for floating on top and garnishing glasses.
How to Make French 75 Punch
- Make the ice ring. The day before, fill a Bundt pan or ring mold with water and a few lemon slices, then freeze overnight.
- Mix the base. In a large punch bowl, stir together 8 ounces (1 cup) gin, 8 ounces (1 cup) fresh lemon juice, 4 ounces (1/2 cup) simple syrup and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) elderflower liqueur.
- Add the ice ring. Gently slide the ice ring into the bowl.
- Top with bubbles. Right before guests arrive, slowly pour in 5 cups of chilled Champagne. That’s about two 750 ml bottles. Give it one gentle stir.
- Garnish and serve. Float the lemon wheels on top and ladle into coupes or flutes.
Recipe Variations
Make it pink: Use rosé Champagne instead of brut.
Make it with Cognac: The original French 75 was made with Cognac, and it’s warm and cozy for winter parties.
Skip the elderflower: Leave it out and add an extra ounce of simple syrup for a more classic version.
Make it a mocktail: Use a zero-proof gin and sparkling grape juice or sparkling water.
This punch goes with almost anything. Set it next to a cheese board, a tray of appetizers or a holiday dessert table and you’re done. Cheers!
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French 75 Punch
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gin
- 8 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 ounces simple syrup
- 4 ounces elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain
- 5 cups Champagne , or other dry sparkling white wine chilled (about two 750 ml bottles)
- 8 lemon wheels
Instructions
- Make the ice ring the day before. Fill a Bundt pan or ring mold with water and a few lemon slices, then freeze overnight.
- In a large punch bowl, stir together 8 ounces (1 cup) gin, 8 ounces (1 cup) lemon juice, 4 ounces (1/2 cup) simple syrup and 4 ounces (1/2 cup) elderflower liqueur.
- Gently slide the ice ring into the punch bowl.
- Right before serving, slowly pour in 5 cups chilled Champagne and give it one gentle stir.
- Float the lemon wheels on top and ladle into coupes or Champagne flutes. Cheers!
Notes
Chill everything: Cold ingredients help your ice ring last longer.
Adjust to taste: Add a splash more simple syrup if you like it sweeter, or more lemon if you like it tart.
Pretty swap: Use rosé Champagne for a pink punch.
Mocktail: Use a zero-proof gin and sparkling grape juice or sparkling water.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
