How to Add Herbal Flavors to a French 75

French 75 with basil garnish in flute glass

The French 75, with its signature combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling wine, is the perfect backdrop for creative herbal twists. Integrating flavors like basil, rosemary, or other fresh herbs can elevate this classic cocktail, adding fragrant complexity and a refreshing, modern lift.

Choosing Herbs for Your French 75

Herbs bring unique aromatics and depth to a French 75. Select herbs with bright, fresh, or sharply defined flavors that pair well with citrus and botanicals:

Basil: sweet, peppery, and slightly floral; works beautifully with lemon and gin
Rosemary: resinous and piney; adds savory depth and a striking aroma
Thyme: herbal and earthy; complements dry gins and sparkling wines
Mint: extra-bright and refreshing; best when used subtly

Three Techniques to Infuse Herbal Flavors

There’s more than one way to coax herbal notes into your French 75. Try these approaches to find your ideal balance:

Muddling Fresh Herbs: Place a few basil or rosemary leaves in the shaker with lemon juice and syrup. Gently press, releasing oils without shredding the leaves, then proceed as usual. This quickly imparts a burst of herbal character.
Herb-Infused Simple Syrup: Simmer 100 ml water, 100 ml sugar, and a large handful of fresh herbs for 2–3 minutes. Cool and strain. This method delivers soft, consistent herbal flavor in every sip.
Herbaceous Garnish: Express a basil or rosemary sprig over the glass before serving. The aroma enhances the drinking experience without altering the base flavors.

French 75 Recipe with Basil Leaf

Bright basil brings a garden-fresh twist to the traditional French 75, amplifying the citrus and floral notes of the gin.

45 ml London dry gin
22.5 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup (basil-infused optional)
2–3 fresh basil leaves
60 ml chilled dry sparkling wine

Gently muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker.
Add gin and ice. Shake vigorously for 12 seconds.
Fine strain into a chilled flute glass.
Top with 60 ml sparkling wine.
Garnish with a fresh basil leaf, gently slapped to release aroma.

rosemary french 75 in coupe glass with rosemary garnish

Rosemary French 75 Recipe

Piney, savory rosemary draws out the botanicals in gin and provides a bold aromatic edge. Here, a rosemary-infused simple syrup subtly weaves the flavor through the drink, complemented by a beautiful garnish.

45 ml gin
22.5 ml lemon juice
15 ml rosemary-infused simple syrup
60 ml chilled sparkling wine
Small rosemary sprig for garnish

Combine gin, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well (10–12 seconds).
Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Top with sparkling wine.
Gently clap the rosemary sprig and float it on the drink as garnish.

Tips for Using Herbs in French 75 Variations

For muddling, use only enough pressure to release oils—over-muddling leads to bitterness.
Switch up your gin: a more floral or herbal gin will amplify layered flavors.
Always use fresh, vibrant herbs for garnishes and infusions. Wilted or dried herbs are less aromatic.
If you want a lighter touch, simply slap or express a fresh herb over the drink and lay it atop the glass as garnish.

French 75 ingredients with fresh herbs on marble