From brunches to evening toasts, this alcohol-free French 75 mocktail is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion — and it’s a perfect choice for Dry January or any stretch of alcohol-free celebrations.
French 75 Mocktail
The French 75 is synonymous with sparkle and refinement. With a few thoughtful swaps, you can enjoy the same bright citrus and effervescent charm without alcohol. This alcohol-free version keeps the classic lemon bite and bubbly finish, making it ideal for brunches, baby showers, holiday gatherings, or any time you want an elegant, nonalcoholic drink.
The Dry Challenge
This guest post is written by Hilary Sheinbaum, author of THE DRY CHALLENGE and GOING DRY: A Workbook.
Hilary shares these recipes and resources from years of experimenting with dry months. Taking a break from drinking, even for a single month, can yield notable benefits — from improved sleep and mood to saving money. If a dry challenge appeals to you, mocktails like this one make social moments satisfying and celebratory without alcohol.
It Started With a Bet
Hi, I’m Hilary Sheinbaum. My Dry January journey began in 2017, sparked by a lighthearted New Year’s Eve bet with a friend: we’d both go 31 days without alcohol. The stakes were simple — whoever drank first would buy the other dinner in New York City. I won the wager, but the real prize was discovering how much better I felt after a month without alcohol.
In just 31 days I noticed improvements in sleep, mood, and anxiety. That first month changed how I drank and inspired me to make dry challenges a habit. I don’t always stay sober all year, but Dry January has become a tradition I look forward to, and I often extend dry stretches into other months like Sober October.
That ongoing experience inspired my books THE DRY CHALLENGE and GOING DRY: A Workbook, which offers prompts and exercises to support reflection and practical change for people exploring a reduction in drinking.
How To Get Started Going Dry
When trying a full Dry January or a more moderate “damp” month, it helps to explore the growing world of nonalcoholic beverages. Nonalcoholic wines, beers, and spirit alternatives can make social outings easier and more enjoyable, and mocktails bring ritual and flavor without the booze. There are many services and apps that list nonalcoholic options and restaurants with NA menus, and step-by-step programs can support people who want help reducing alcohol use.
It’s important to note that month-long dry challenges are not addiction recovery programs. If you or someone you know is struggling to stop drinking, please consult a medical professional or addiction specialist.
On a lighter note, inspired by recent celebrations and tours, this take on the French 75 — sometimes called a French ’89 in honor of a certain pop icon’s birth year — delivers a festive, bubbly sip that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients for this French 75 Mocktail Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need. Exact measurements are in the recipe section below.
- Nonalcoholic gin — a botanical spirit alternative (for example, FLUERE botanical blend or another alcohol-free gin-style spirit).
- Fresh lemon juice — bright and freshly squeezed.
- Simple syrup — equal parts sugar and water, dissolved and cooled.
- Lemon peel — for a twist garnish.
- Nonalcoholic sparkling wine or another chilled nonalcoholic bubbly to top the drink.
How To Make a French 75 Mocktail
- Combine 1 oz nonalcoholic gin, 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz simple syrup in a glass or cocktail shaker. Stir or gently shake to blend.
- Strain or pour the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top with about 3 oz chilled nonalcoholic sparkling wine or bubbly.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.
Recipe Details
- Yield: 1 serving (one champagne flute)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (exact)
- 1 oz nonalcoholic botanical gin alternative
- 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz chilled nonalcoholic sparkling wine
- Lemon rind for garnish
Instructions
- Build the drink by mixing the nonalcoholic gin alternative, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a glass. Stir to combine.
- Pour into a champagne flute and top with chilled nonalcoholic sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy.
Notes
This mocktail is festive and easy to scale for a crowd. Use your favorite alcohol-free spirit and sparkling wine substitute to tailor flavors. Cheers to a refreshing, alcohol-free celebration!
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 33 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 2.5 mg
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