The hibiscus French 75 is a refreshing twist on an old classic cocktail perfect for celebratory toasts! Originally published December 2017. Last updated December 2022.
Each year, I like to create a new bubbly recipe to welcome the new year with as an exercise in my creativity and to represent the new journey we're all about to embark on. This time around I added one of my favorite flavors, hibiscus, for a twist on the classic French 75. Let's get into the details!
If you like hibiscus drink recipes, try these too!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
- Gin
- Lemon
- Hibiscus Syrup
- Champagne
- Candied Hibiscus (optional)
Notes on substitutions: I prefer to use fresh lemon juice in cocktails, whenever possible. It really does make a difference! If you don't have access to fresh, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch or even fresh juice from another tart citrus fruit like lime or grapefruit.
Additionally, you have some flexibility with the hibiscus flavor. Sweetened hibiscus tea, hibiscus preserves or jam can all work in place of the syrup if you don't have any on hand and can't get it.
What does it taste like?
A typical French 75 is effervescent and herbaceous thanks to the combination of bubbly champagne and gin. It's just slightly sweet from a touch of simple syrup, which is balanced out by the lemon juice. My French 75 with hibiscus has this same flavor profile plus notes of tart, fruity, and earthy taste from the hibiscus syrup and flower.
Depending on the brand you use, hibiscus syrup cocktails can be very sweet. For this recipe, I used an all-natural and unsweetened syrup I grabbed on a trip to Paris. The flavor is spot on but it's not too sweet so the sipping it through a sugar rim is highly recommended.
Tips & Tools for the Gin Hibiscus French 75
Grab a jigger and a cocktail shaker to build this drink. This clear shaker is my current favorite for literally watching everything come together. You'll also need either a bar spoon or a butter knife for gentle stirring.
Are French 75s strong? This is definitely a boozy, spirit-forward cocktail with both liquor and wine. The lemon and sweetener serve more as flavoring agents than mixers so you'll definitely want to drink responsibly.
Can I use a different liquor in this drink? I am very partial to gin but there's definitely an ongoing conversation about making a French 75 with gin vs cognac. It's ultimately up to you and either way, this is just one of those unique French 75 recipes you'll fall in love with.
How to Serve this Hibiscus Gin Cocktail
What kind of glass to use for the French 75? I recommend serving this boozy hibiscus beverage in a chilled coupe glass, also called a champagne cocktail glass. The shape of this glass supports beautiful presentation with the candied hibiscus flower in the center.
I also like adding a fun sugar garnish to coupe glasses for festive occasions and the shape is great for that, too. Simply run a piece of lemon in a stripe up one edge of the glass then roll that part of the glass in a bit of sanding sugar. If you don't have coupes on hand, champagne flutes will also work well and are the typical vessel for a French 75.
If you're serving this to guests at a New Year's Eve party, you can prep the glasses beforehand and just add champagne as folks arrive or even let them pour up themselves. This preserves the bubbles and will help keep your sanity intact once the party starts!
More Bubbly Recipes
Bubbly Blood Orange Whiskey Smash
I definitely plan on having a sparkling gin cocktail for New Year's Eve. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this easy hibiscus cocktail with champagne for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Hibiscus Flavored French 75 Recipe
Hibiscus French 75
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce hibiscus syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 hibiscus flower in syrup
- champagne chilled
- lemon peel optional garnish
- sanding sugar optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the coupe glass: Run a wedge of citrus juice up one edge of the glass to leave a "stripe" of juice. Roll this part of the glass in sanding sugar until stripe is coated. Place a single hibiscus flower in center of glass and transfer glass to fridge or freezer to chill.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and hibiscus syrup to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until shaker is cold to the touch.
- Pour mixture into prepared glass then top up with champagne and gently stir. Garnish with twisted lemon peel, if desired.
Nutrition
Courtney Byers says
OMG these sound and look fabulous. Such a festive cocktail. I will have to try these for NYE! I hope you have a Happy 2018.
I'm Busy Being Awesome says
I love this! What an elegant drink. The sugar rimmed glass is such a great touch 🙂
Gabriella says
This sounds so yummy! This is great for New Years! Thanks for the idea!
AmberLynn says
This drink looks and sounds absolutely delicious. I won't be home to celebrate New Year's Eve and Day, BUT when I return, I will make it a point to try this drink and recipe.