Light, bubbly, and refreshingly elegant—this is the cocktail your brunch table’s been waiting for.
The French 75 has long been a go-to for lovers of sparkling cocktails, which includes me. I love a bubbly cocktail at brunch.
But if you’re craving something with a little more personality and floral flair, meet the Orange Blossom French 75. It’s citrusy and gently sweet, without completely taking over your palate.
When creating this cocktail recipe, I started with the traditional mix of gin, lemon, and sparkling wine, then added orange blossom syrup—a fragrant, floral addition that softens the acidity of the lemon and adds a touch of intrigue. The result is a drink that feels elevated without being fussy.
This cocktail shines at brunch, garden parties, or any moment you want to feel a little extra without a ton of effort.
Flavor Vibe
Floral, bright, and refreshingly balanced. The orange blossom adds a delicate citrus perfume without overpowering the bubbles or botanicals. Just make sure you don’t go overboard on the orange blossom syrup or it will turn into a drink no one will want to sip.
Pair It With
- Lemon poppyseed muffins
- Goat cheese crostini
- Shortbread cookies with a floral glaze
Whether you stick with the original, opt for a variation, or pour a bubbly mocktail, the Orange Blossom French 75 lineup is here to make every sip feel special.
Fancy a Twist? Try One of These Variations:
Rosemary Orange Blossom 75
Add a small sprig of rosemary to the shaker. The herbal notes pair beautifully with citrus and bring a cozy, earthy depth—perfect for cooler months. Garnish with rosemary or an orange twist.
Earl Grey French 75
Add ½ oz strong-brewed Earl Grey tea (or syrup). The bergamot in the tea enhances the floral tones of the orange blossom. Unexpected, refined, and ideal for afternoon sipping.
Spring Garden French 75
Add a muddled strawberry or ½ oz strawberry purée before shaking. This version is fruit-forward, blushing pink, and perfect for brunch or bridal showers. Garnish with an edible flower or strawberry slice.
Honey Orange Blossom 75
Swap the orange blossom syrup for a honey-orange blossom blend. It’s a little warmer, a little richer—great for autumn brunches or cozy winter celebrations.
Cocktail Tools
- Cocktail Shaker (or this Mason Jar shaker lid)
- Coupe Glasses (we also like this one and this one)
- Champagne Flutes (or stemless flutes)
- Stemless Wine Glasses
- Channel Knife
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cocktail strainer
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Lemon Juice
- Orange Blossom Syrup
- Orange Blossom Water
Orange Blossom French 75 Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin (London Dry or citrus-forward works best)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz orange blossom syrup
- 3 oz chilled sparkling wine or champagne
- Optional garnish: Orange twist or edible flower
Instructions:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and orange blossom syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Top with sparkling wine and gently stir.
- Garnish with an orange twist or delicate edible flower.
Orange Blossom Sparkler (Mocktail)
This sparkling mocktail is delicate, citrusy, and just fancy enough to feel special for people who aren’t drinking alcohol or kids who want in on the fancy drink fun. It uses your homemade orange blossom syrup for a lovely floral twist, balanced by bright lemon and bubbles.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz orange blossom syrup (or you can buy it here)
- 3–4 oz chilled sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- Optional garnish: Orange peel twist or edible flower
Instructions:
- In a shaker or small glass, stir together the lemon juice and orange blossom syrup.
- Pour into a champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top with sparkling water (or NA sparkling wine for more depth).
- Garnish with a twist of orange or a small edible flower.
