French 95 AKA a French 75 with Bourbon

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This champagne and bourbon cocktail is the perfect way to add a bit of celebration to your bourbon! A French 95 combines bourbon, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup and is a fun twist on the French 75.

Adding bubbles to your bourbon is the perfect way to add a bit of celebration to the spirit!

A French 95 in a coup glass garnished with a dried orange slice.

Why you will love this recipe:

This is the perfect cocktail if you are someone who loves both champagne and bourbon! The bourbon adds a bit of warmth and spice to the champagne, and lemon juice brightens up both spirits.

Looking for more bourbon cocktails?! This Mint Julep is also fabulous!

Ingredients for a French 95 on a brown table.

Key Ingredients:

Bourbon or whiskey: this is an alcohol-forward cocktail, so using premium spirits is key! I used a good mellow bourbon, Woodford Reserve, but any premium bourbon will do!

Champagne: this cocktail is equal parts champagne and bourbon, and while you could use prosecco or cava, it is a French 95, so French champagne is best for the theme!

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brights both champagne and bourbon.

Simple Syrup: two dashes of bitters adds balance to the cocktail.

Collage showing how to make a French 95.

How to make this recipe:

This is a simple recipe and comes together in a pinch!

Add ½ ounce lemon juice to a champagne flute or coupe glass.
Followed 1-ounce simple syrup.
Add 2 ounces bourbon.
Top with 2 ounces of champagne.

FAQ's

What makes a French 95?

A French 95 is based on the cocktail French 75, which is comprised of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This version swaps the gin for bourbon or whiskey.

What bourbon is best for this recipe?

I used Woodford Reserve for this recipe; Angels Envy and Four Roses Small Batch are other good options.