Bourbon Honey French 75 Cocktail with Orange Bitters
A whiskey twist on the classic French 75 that swaps gin for bourbon and adds rich honey syrup with fresh orange juice. The honey's sweetness balances the bourbon's warmth while orange bitters add depth to this effervescent cocktail. Perfect for celebrations or sophisticated evening entertaining, this version offers more complexity than the original with its amber spirit base and citrus-forward profile.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce bourbon whiskeyrye whiskey1:1whiskeyadds gluten
slightly spicier flavor
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
- ¾ ounce honey syrupsimple syrup1:1sweetener
less complex sweetness
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 4 dashes orange bitters
- champagne or proseccoprosecco1:1sparkling
more affordable option
- 1 orange twist
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- 1
Mix honey and water in saucepan
- 2
Heat over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until honey dissolves
- 3
Remove from heat and cool for 1 hour
- 4
Pour syrup into glass jar, cover and refrigerate
- 5
Add bourbon, orange juice, honey syrup, lemon juice and bitters to cocktail shaker filled with ice
- 6
Shake well
- 7
Pour into cocktail glass
- 8
Top with champagne
- 9
Garnish with orange twist
Tips
Make honey syrup ahead and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks for quick cocktails
Use a coupe or flute glass instead of cocktail glass for better champagne presentation
Double-strain the mixture before adding champagne to remove ice shards and pulp
Good to Know
Honey syrup keeps refrigerated up to 2 weeks in sealed jar
Make honey syrup up to 2 weeks in advance
Serve immediately in chilled coupe or champagne flute
Common Mistakes
Let honey syrup cool completely to avoid melting ice when shaking
Add champagne gently to preserve bubbles and prevent overflow
Substitutions
slightly spicier flavor
more affordable option
less complex sweetness
FAQ
Can I make this without honey syrup?
Yes, substitute with simple syrup but you'll lose the honey's floral complexity and richer mouthfeel that complements the bourbon.
What if I don't have orange bitters?
Use Angostura bitters instead, though you'll miss the citrus note that ties the orange juice and garnish together.
How long does honey syrup keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. The natural preservative properties of honey help extend shelf life.