Enjoying this recipe?
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
Few cocktails feel as effortlessly elegant as the French 75—a fizzy, citrus-forward classic that manages to be both refreshing and refined.
Traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne, it’s the kind of drink that instantly elevates any moment.
But today, we’re giving this Paris-born classic a Queen Bee Mixology twist: we’re swapping the simple syrup for honey. And trust me, it changes everything—in the best way.
Let’s rewind for a second. The original French 75 was created during World War I at the New York Bar in Paris (now famously known as Harry’s New York Bar).
It was named after the French 75mm field gun, a weapon admired for its quick, smooth power—just like the drink itself. With gin and champagne in one glass, it was a cocktail with a kick—and a whole lot of charm.
Now, about that twist.
Honey brings a more complex kind of sweetness than traditional syrup.
Depending on the variety, it can carry floral, fruity, or even earthy notes. When paired with the botanicals in gin, it adds an unexpected richness that smooths out the cocktail without overwhelming it.
It’s sweet—but not simple.
The rest of the build stays classic.
You start with a base of crisp gin—dry and aromatic, setting the stage with clean herbal notes.
Then comes the lemon juice, which provides a tart brightness that cuts through the sweetness and gives the drink its signature sparkle.
Instead of simple syrup, a spoonful of honey syrup (just honey and hot water stirred together) adds that warm, golden richness.
Top it all off with champagne, and suddenly you’ve got something that’s still celebratory, still iconic, but just a little more layered and unexpected.
Step 1: Add ice, gin, lemon juice, and honey to a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Shake to combine.
Step 3: Strain into glass and top with champagne.
Step 4: Garnish with lemon peel.
I love serving this version in a coupe glass, garnished with a lemon. It’s a cocktail that works at brunch, happy hour, or your next at-home celebration—it’s sophisticated without trying too hard.
This is a recipe I whip up when I’m feeling a bit fancy but still want to keep things simple. This French 75 is proof that even the most timeless cocktails can evolve—and sometimes, just one small change is all it takes to fall in love with them all over again.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
