An autumn-inspired French 75 with vodka that requires just a few ingredients and is elegant yet simple to make!
Technically, yes, it’s a French 76, but we’re not here for technicalities; we’re here for something seasonal, citrusy, and gorgeous enough to impress your guests. The cinnamon simple syrup adds a cozy fall vibe without being over the top, and the best part? You can prep the base ahead of time and top it off with champagne as your guests walk in. Effortless, elevated, and easy to sip.
This sparkling cocktail is festive for a holiday party, offers a boozier kick than a mimosa for brunch, feels fancy for New Year’s celebrations, and honestly works for any occasion where you’re craving a bubbly drink! It is also easy to scale for a crowd, making it one of my favorite cocktails for hosting.
Fun fact: The French 75 is named after the French 75 millimeter field gun, which was commonly utilized in World War I.
French 75 With Vodka Ingredients
- Vodka or Gin: Vodka is my go-to for this fall twist, but if you prefer a more traditional take, you can absolutely use gin. Technically, gin makes it a French 75 and vodka makes it a French 76—but either way, it’s delicious. You can even use Cognac if you’re feeling fancy.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, always! Tip: Make your lemon twist garnish first, and juice the rest of the lemon for your cocktail!
- Champagne: A dry champagne is best here, but you can also use Prosecco or Cava.
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup: This is what gives that warm fall flavor. See instructions below to make it at home—it’s super easy!
- Garnish: Lemon twist and/or rosemary sprig. See instructions below for lemon twist.
My Favorite Tools
How to Make a Lemon Twist
I personally find the lemon twist to be the prettiest part of this cocktail. If you’ve never made a lemon twist or lemon curl, it may feel intimidating at first, but I promise it’s easy and will instantly elevate any cocktail. There are several ways to make a lemon twist, including using a peeler, but I find this to be the most simple method:
- Halve a fresh lemon and slice a ring from it (about 1/4 inch thick) from the thickest part.
- Run a sharp paring knife around the lemon to separate the peel, removing as much of the pith (the bitter white part) as possible. Cut the ring open and you should now have one long thin strip of peel.
- Twist the peel into a curly shape with your fingers (or around a pencil, skewer, etc.) and hold for a few seconds until the shape holds.
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
This cinnamon-infused simple syrup is easy to make and really brings the fall vibes to this cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
To make the syrup: Add 1 cup boiling water to 1 cup sugar and 3 cinnamon sticks and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, then chill until cool. Discard cinnamon sticks. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. HERE is the glass jar I use!
Pitcher‑Sized (Serves ~6)
Ingredients
- Vodka or gin: 9 oz
- Fresh lemon juice: 4.5 oz
- Cinnamon simple syrup: 3 oz
- Champagne (or sparkling wine): ~12–18 oz (i.e., about 2–3 oz per glass)
Instructions:
- Combine the vodka/gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
- When ready to serve, pour into glasses and top each with sparkling wine. Or add the sparkling wine directly to the pitcher if you’ll serve immediately.
- Garnish each glass with a lemon twist (and rosemary if using).
Fall French 75 With Vodka
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka or Gin
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 2-3 oz Champagne
- Garnish: Lemon Twist, Rosemary, etc.
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: Add 1 cup boiling water to 1 cup sugar and 3 cinnamon sticks and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, then chill until cool. Discard cinnamon sticks.
- Pour vodka, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until cold. Strain the liquid into a champagne flute.
- Top with champagne and garnish with lemon twist and rosemary.
Notes
How to make a lemon twist:
- Halve a fresh lemon and slice a ring from it (about 1/4 inch thick) from the thickest part.
- Run a sharp paring knife around the lemon to separate the peel, removing as much of the pith (the bitter white part) as possible. You should now have one long thin strip of peel.
- Twist the peel into a curly shape with your fingers (or around a pencil, skewer, etc.) and hold for a few seconds until the shape holds.
Pitcher‑Sized (Serves ~6)
- Vodka or gin: 9 oz
- Fresh lemon juice: 4.5 oz
- Cinnamon simple syrup: 3 oz
- Champagne (or sparkling wine): ~12–18 oz (i.e., about 2–3 oz per glass)
- Combine the vodka/gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
- When ready to serve, pour into glasses and top each with sparkling wine. Or add the sparkling wine directly to the pitcher if you’ll serve immediately.
- Garnish each glass with a lemon twist (and rosemary if using).
If you loved my Fall French 75 recipe, please give it a star review and tag me on Instagram if you share it!
Karen
Sunday 12th of October 2025
Love this seasonal take on a classic! You mentioned prepping the base to be able to serve guests more easily upon their arrival. Do you have instructions for that type of batch set up? I’d love to make this for an upcoming party but won’t be able to measure, shake, and pour a drink each time. Thanks!