If you’re looking for an elegant option for a fall or Thanksgiving cocktail, then you’ll love my cranberry French 75. This classic gin-based drink is topped with champagne, and I’m using cranberry along with the traditional lemon for a delicious twist perfect for autumn and the holidays!
What is a Cranberry French 75?
A cranberry French 75 is a festive variation of the classic French 75 cocktail, which traditionally combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne or prosecco.
This cranberry version has the addition of cranberry juice (or cranberry syrup) to give the cocktail a tart, fruity flavor and a seasonal twist!
The cranberry flavor makes this drink perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, though with the red color you could also serve it at a Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day party too. French 75s are an elegant option, adding a luxurious touch while still being simple to make!
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Cranberry French 75 Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (optional)
- 3 ounces chilled champagne (or prosecco)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use unsweetened cranberry juice or sweetened cranberry juice cocktail. If you use unsweetened, I recommend adding the simple syrup, but if you use a sweet version, you can possibly skip it, or adjust the amount to taste
- Prosecco is a sweeter option than champagne, which I prefer here to contrast the tart cranberry, but you can use what you like
- Garnishes are optional, but a twist of lemon peel and/or a skewer of cranberries are great options. I like frozen cranberries to keep the drink a little cooler without dilution!
Variations
- Ginger Cranberry. Swap in a ginger-infused simple syrup, or substitute half the champagne for ginger beer to make a ginger cranberry French 75 variation
- Rosemary Cranberry. Use a rosemary-infused simple syrup instead of plain, and garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a rosemary cranberry French 75
- Basil Cranberry. Try a basil-infused simple syrup or gin, then garnish with a fresh sprig of basil as well for a basil cranberry variation
How to Make a Cranberry French 75
- Combine the gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice in the bottom of a champagne flute, and stir gently to combine
- Top with the chilled champagne or prosecco. Tip: pour slowly so you don’t accidentally overflow the glass
- Garnish with a skewer of cranberries or a twist of lemon rind if desired (optional) and enjoy!
- Pink Lady French 75
What to Serve With a Cranberry French 75
Here are some delicious food pairings that complement the bright, tart flavors of a cranberry French 75 and work perfectly on your holiday tables as well!
1. Cheese Platters
A variety of cheeses such as brie, camembert, or a tangy goat cheese pairs well with the crisp and tart notes of the Cranberry French 75.
Add some crackers, fig jam, or toasted nuts for extra texture! My Baked Brie with Fig Jam recipe is an excellent option.
2. Oysters
For a more elegant pairing, oysters are a great match!
The acidity and bubbles from the champagne in the cocktail cut through the brininess of the oysters, making it a great combination.
3. Cranberry & Brie Crostini
Since the cocktail features cranberry, pairing it with cranberry and brie crostini brings out the cocktail’s fruitiness while adding a creamy, rich texture from the cheese.
If you don’t like the crunch of crostini, my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites are a similar option that’s made with puff pastry dough instead.
4. Smoked Salmon Canapés
The lightness of smoked salmon canapés, topped with dill or a lemon crème fraîche, complements the champagne in the Cranberry French 75.
The cocktail’s effervescence also helps to balance the richness of the salmon.
5. Roasted Nuts
A bowl of roasted or spiced nuts, like almonds or pecans, offers a savory contrast to the tart and sparkling cocktail, making them an ideal choice for a snack to serve alongside.
My Honey Roasted Pecans in the Air Fryer are a great homemade option!
6. Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
For a heartier option, serve cranberry-glazed meatballs! The sweet and tangy glaze ties in well with the cranberry notes in the cocktail while providing a savory and more substantial bite.
Recipe FAQs
What Pairs With A Cranberry French 75?
This cocktail pairs well with small bites and appetizers like canapés, sushi, or mini quiches.
The light and bubbly nature of the drink complements savory finger foods, making it ideal for cocktail parties or holiday gatherings.
Can You Use Different Alcohols In A Cranberry French 75?
Yes, while the traditional recipe calls for gin, you can substitute vodka, rum, or tequila for a different flavor profile. In fact, it’s called a French 76 when made with vodka!
Feel free to experiment with cranberry-flavored gin or a similar liquor for extra fruit infusion into the drink!
Is A Cranberry French 75 Good For Holiday Parties?
Absolutely! The cranberry and champagne combination makes this cocktail particularly festive, so it’s perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other holiday celebration where you want a bubbly, elegant drink.
It also pairs well with light bites, so you could serve it for fancier parties or even alongside a snack table for game day or other fall get togethers.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Cranberry French 75
- This recipe is scaled for a 6-8 ounce champagne flute. For larger (10-12 ounce) flutes, use 1.5-2x the ingredients (except the champagne) to keep proportions correct
- You can also shake the ingredients with ice (except the champagne) in a cocktail shaker for a colder drink. However, since not everyone owns a shaker, I prefer to keep it simplified!
- To adjust sweetness, use unsweetened cranberry juice and tweak the simple syrup to your liking, or for a sweeter cocktail, use sweetened cranberry juice and then adjust the syrup. As written, this drink is lightly sweet but not overpoweringly so
Cranberry French 75 Storage and Serving Tips
- Feel free to scale for parties. Mix everything but the champagne in advance and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Fill the glasses halfway with the juice mixture, then top with champagne before serving
- While you can store leftovers in the fridge for 24 hours or so, the champagne loses fizz over time. It will still taste alright, but it will be flat after it sits a bit, so keep that in mind
Final Thoughts
This cranberry French 75 is the perfect sweet and tart twist on a classic gin cocktail. If you don’t like gin, you can always swap in vodka for a “French 76” instead and still enjoy this great mixed drink!
The light cranberry flavor adds a perfect fall spin to this cocktail that’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and more! It’s fruity, bubbly, and elegant enough for company.
If you love the French 75, you can see all sorts of great flavor combinations for every season in my collection of French 75 Recipes!
Cranberry French 75 Recipe (With Gin)
Equipment
- Champagne flute (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce cranberry juice (I use 100% unsweetened)
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 3 ounces chilled champagne (or prosecco)
Instructions
- Combine the gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice in the bottom of a champagne flute, and stir gently to combine1 ounce gin, 1 ounce cranberry juice, ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup
- Top with the chilled champagne or prosecco. Tip: pour slowly so you don’t accidentally overflow the glass3 ounces chilled champagne
- Garnish with a skewer of cranberries or a twist of lemon rind if desired (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use unsweetened cranberry juice or sweetened cranberry juice cocktail. If you use unsweetened, I recommend adding the simple syrup, but if you use a sweet version, you can possibly skip it, or adjust the amount to taste
- Prosecco is a sweeter option than champagne, which I prefer here to contrast the tart cranberry, but you can use what you like
- Garnishes are optional, but a twist of lemon peel and/or a skewer of cranberries are great options. I like frozen cranberries to keep the drink a little cooler without dilution!
- This recipe is scaled for a 6-8 ounce champagne flute. For larger (10-12 ounce) flutes, use 1.5-2x the ingredients (except the champagne) to keep proportions correct
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
