if joy had a color, its this drink. deep ruby pomegranate, a twist of gold lemon, a sprig of green rosemary. the rosemary pomegranate french 75 is christmas in a coupe. bright, botanical, a little dangerous in the best way.
a sparkling remix of the french 75 that stays crisp while lots of holiday drinks go sweet. elegant without trying. festive without glitter. whether you are toasting a packed party or clinking glasses in slippers, this is how you do bubbly right.
why youll love this cocktail
perfectly balanced. tart, botanical, just sweet enough.
stunning presentation. blush red bubbles with rosemary and pomegranate jewels that glow in a flute or coupe.
easy to batch. prep the base, add bubbles when folks walk in.
festive and sophisticated. christmas or new years eve without feeling cliche.
what is a french 75
born in world war i. the classic mixes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. light and bright and stronger than it looks.
this holiday version keeps the snap and adds depth with rosemary simple syrup and real pomegranate juice for color plus a tart little lift.
key ingredients and equipment
gin
go london dry if you want classic. juniper forward, clean, it loves rosemary. beefeater, tanqueray, bombay dry all solid. if you want softer, more floral, hendricks or aviation leans garden.
pomegranate juice
choose 100 percent unsweetened pomegranate juice. not a cocktail blend. true tart flavor, deep ruby color, no extra sugar weighing it down.
rosemary simple syrup
this is the secret weapon. warm equal parts sugar and water just until the sugar dissolves. turn off heat, add fresh rosemary sprigs, steep at least 30 minutes.
do not boil, boiling makes it bitter and kind of harsh. strain and chill. clean, aromatic, holiday whisper.
sparkling wine
no need for fancy champagne. a good brut prosecco or cava is perfect. brut matters here because extra dry is actually sweeter and it will nudge the drink out of balance.
garnish
fresh rosemary sprig, give it a light clap between your palms to wake up the oils. a lemon twist for aroma. a spoon of pomegranate arils to finish, like little rubies.
tips, variations, and faqs
how do i make this for a crowd
this one loves a party. in a pitcher, combine 12 oz gin, 6 oz lemon juice, and 4 to 6 oz rosemary syrup. stir and chill up to 4 hours. when guests arrive, pour about 3 oz of the mix into each glass and top with 3 oz sparkling wine. easy win.
can i make this with vodka
yes, thats a french 76. vodka gives a clean neutral base so the pomegranate and rosemary really show up.
what if i dont have time to make the syrup
use plain simple syrup and lightly muddle a small rosemary sprig in the shaker. not quite as seamless, but it works. a good store bought rosemary syrup can stand in too, just taste as you go since sweetness varies.
what should i serve with a pomegranate french 75
rich and salty loves this drink. baked brie, smoked salmon crostini, or a festive cheese board. the acidity and bubbles cut through fat like a pro.
can i make this nonalcoholic
yes. in a glass, combine 1 oz pomegranate juice, 3 by 4 oz lemon juice, and 1 by 2 oz rosemary syrup. top with a nonalcoholic sparkling wine or a high quality sparkling cranberry juice. same look, same vibe, zero proof.
the rosemary pomegranate french 75 is not just a drink. its a mood, a moment, a little ceremony. crisp, crimson, celebratory every time.
The Perfected Rosemary Pomegranate French 75
Equipment
- For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Glass jar or bottle for storage
- For the Cocktail:
- Cocktail Shaker (with strainer)
- Jigger (or measuring tool for ounces)
- Citrus Juicer (for the fresh lemon)
- Paring Knife or Vegetable Peeler (to make the lemon twist)
Ingredients
For the Improved Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup White Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 4-5 large sprigs fresh Rosemary
For the Cocktail (per serving)
- 1.5 ounces London Dry Gin
- 0.75 ounces Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 0.5 ounces 100% Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice like POM
- 0.5 ounces Chilled Rosemary Simple Syrup from Part 1
- 3 ounces approx. Chilled Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava
For Garnish
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 1 tsp pomegranate seeds
- 1 lemon twist
Instructions
Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring only until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs to the hot syrup.
- Let the rosemary steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor).
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, discarding the rosemary. Chill completely before use.
The Perfected Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and the chilled rosemary simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Double-strain the liquid into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Gently top the cocktail with the chilled sparkling wine, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish the drink: Take the lemon twist and “express” it by squeezing the peel over the top of the drink to release its aromatic oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and add it to the drink.
- Gently drop in the pomegranate seeds (they will sink) and add the fresh rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Simple Syrup Storage:The rosemary simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Double-Straining: Double-straining (straining through the shaker’s built-in strainer and a small, fine-mesh sieve) prevents tiny ice chips or fruit pulp from clouding the drink, giving it a more professional, clear appearance.
- Sparkling Wine: “Brut” is recommended as it is very dry and balances the syrup. “Extra Dry” is slightly sweeter, and “Dry” is sweeter still.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.