IT’S FRENCH 75 VS. HUGO SPRITZ

Live Beautifully

We'll take both.

Let’s set the scene: golden hour is stretching across the patio, citrus is being sliced just so, and the bubbles are chilled to perfection. It’s cocktail hour in the most stylish sense. And this season, two European classics are dueling for the spotlight — the sophisticated sparkle of a French 75, and the effortless charm of a Hugo Spritz.


But let’s not pick favorites — in the spirit of indulgence, we say "yes, and."


Whether you’re hosting a Sunday brunch or an al fresco soirée, these signature sips strike just the right note between celebratory and refreshing. Here’s how to shake (and stir) things up.


THE FRENCH 75

Elegant. Crisp. Timeless.

This sparkling cocktail was born in the 1920s — a Prohibition-era beauty named after the powerful French 75mm field gun. Bold and bubbly, it balances botanical gin, bright citrus, and champagne in a way that feels undeniably chic. 

  • Ingredients

    • 2 oz gin

    • 3⁄4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

    • 3⁄4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)

    • Chilled champagne

    • Lemon twist, for garnish

  • Instructions

    1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.


    2. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a flute or coupe. 


    3. Top with champagne and garnish with a twist of lemon. 


    4. Sip with pinkies up.

  • WQ Tip

    Upgrade with elderflower liqueur for a floral twist, or swap in a high-quality dry Prosecco for a more relaxed feel.


    Suggested Glassware:

    • Coupe glass (for that Gatsby feel) or a slender champagne flute.


    Perfect Pairing Bites:

    • Mini lobster rolls with lemon aioli

    • Blinis with crème fraîche and caviar

    • Goat cheese tartlets with thyme and honey

    • Candied citrus peels or lemon shortbread for a sweet finish

  • Styling Notes

    Silver trays, crisp linen napkins, and a twist of lemon or a fresh sprig of lavender for garnish.


    Play Edith Piaf in the background and let the French fantasy unfold.

THE HUGO SPRITZ

Light. Herbal. Day-party approved.

Originally from Northern Italy and now a summer staple across Europe, the Hugo Spritz is what you'd serve if a garden party met an Aperol-less spritz. Elderflower, mint, and lime dance together in this effervescent, low-ABV libation. 

  • Ingredients

    • 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)

    • 4–5 fresh mint leaves

    • 2–3 thin slices of lime

    • 3 oz prosecco

    • 1 oz soda water

    • Ice

  • Instructions

    1. In a wine glass, gently muddle mint and lime slices.


    2. Add ice and pour in elderflower liqueur.


    3. Top with prosecco and a splash of soda water.


    4. Stir gently, garnish with more mint and a lime wheel.


    5. Best enjoyed under string lights and laughter.

  • WQ Tip

    For a lighter version, use sparkling water in place of soda water for more fizz without added sweetness.


    Suggested Glassware:

    • Oversized stemmed wine glass or a large goblet.


    Perfect Pairing Bites:

    • Prosciutto-wrapped melon

    • Herbed ricotta crostini with mint

    • Burrata with peaches and basil

    • Lemon olive oil cake or almond biscotti

  • Styling Notes

    Use hand-tied bundles of fresh mint and edible flowers (like pansies or violets) as garnish or table accents. Think garden party meets Amalfi — breezy linens, dappled sunlight, and chilled vibes.

FINAL VERDICT?

Both cocktails deliver in different ways:

• French 75 brings the drama — a cocktail that dresses up any occasion.

• Hugo Spritz is the ultimate laid-back luxury — casual but never common.
So why choose? Set the bar with both and let your guests pick their favorite European escape in a glass.

Cheers to beautiful evenings, sparkling company, and the simple joy of a well-made cocktail. Santé and Cin Cin!



BAR CART PICKS: BEST BOTTLES TO ELEVATE YOUR POUR

FOR THE FRENCH 75: Clean. Botanical. Balanced.

The French 75 is only as good as the gin at its base. These picks bring clarity, citrus, and just the right touch of herbaceous elegance.

  1. Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
  2. A luxe German gin with 47 botanicals — bold, floral, and exceptional with lemon and bubbles.
  3. Sipsmith London Dry
  4. Classic, crisp, and impeccably smooth. A true London dry that plays beautifully with champagne.
  5. St. George Botanivore
  6. California-born with bright juniper and a garden of fresh herbs — a modern twist for the adventurous pourer.
  7. Hendrick’s Gin
  8. Delicately infused with rose and cucumber, this gin adds a whimsical floral note to the cocktail. Subtle and chic.


FOR THE HUGO SPRITZ: Sweet. Floral. Delicate.

The soul of a Hugo Spritz lies in its elderflower liqueur. Here’s what to stock for that signature alpine aroma.

  1. St-Germain
  2. The gold standard. Made in France from fresh elderflower blossoms, it’s aromatic, balanced, and slightly citrusy.
  3. Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
  4. Italian-made and slightly drier than St-Germain — a more herbal profile that still hits those fresh floral notes.
  5. The Bitter Truth Elderflower Liqueur
  6. Crafted in Germany with a robust elderflower aroma, a great option if you like a bit more depth and complexity.


WQ Insider Tip: Keep your liqueurs chilled for a cleaner finish — especially when topping with sparkling wine.