Is a French 75 strong?

Stronger than it tastes. It has a shot of gin plus sparkling wine, so it's closer to a margarita than a mimosa.

Is a French 75 made with gin or cognac?

Most bars use gin. Some older recipes and New Orleans bars use cognac, which makes it rounder and warmer.

French 75 vs mimosa: what's the difference?

A French 75 is gin, lemon and sugar topped with Champagne, so it's stronger, tart and crisp, while a mimosa is just sparkling wine and orange juice, lighter and fruitier.

French 75

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Crisp, lemony and bubbly, with gin hiding underneath.

What does French 75 taste like?

Mimosa

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Bubbly orange juice, bright and easy.

The real difference

A French 75 is a real cocktail: gin, lemon juice and sugar shaken, then topped with Champagne. The gin adds strength and a herbal edge. A mimosa is just juice and sparkling wine poured together, lower in alcohol and mostly about the orange.

Side by side

French 75Mimosa

In itGin, lemon, sugar, ChampagneSparkling wine, orange juice

StrengthAbout as strong as a sourLighter than a glass of wine

TastesTart, crisp, lemonyFruity, tangy, soft

Which to order

Order a French 75 if you want bubbles with more kick and some lemon.
Order a mimosa if you want an easy, low-key brunch drink.

Quick questions

Is a French 75 strong?: Stronger than it tastes. It has a shot of gin plus sparkling wine, so it's closer to a margarita than a mimosa.
Is a French 75 made with gin or cognac?: Most bars use gin. Some older recipes and New Orleans bars use cognac, which makes it rounder and warmer.