On Thursday evening in Midtown, bartenders at Grand Central’s Campbell Bar reported a steady stream of orders for the French 75. The classic gin-and-Champagne cocktail, marked by lemon and effervescence, has become a familiar sight on September menus.
The French 75, traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling wine, is seeing renewed interest as New Yorkers return to after-work routines. Several bars have added seasonal twists, incorporating local honey or swapping in prosecco for Champagne, citing both cost and guests’ preference for less sweetness.
At Dante in the West Village, servers noted that the drink’s lightness appeals to patrons looking for something celebratory but not heavy. "It’s a good choice for a Thursday or Friday—before the weekend rush," said one bartender during the early evening service.
Drink prices vary widely, from $17 at mid-range cocktail bars to $28 at higher-end lounges. Despite the cost, bartenders report that the French 75 is regularly requested for small office gatherings and post-work meetups, especially as daylight wanes and the city leans into autumn.
Some bars are offering the cocktail in pitchers for groups, aligning with a broader trend toward shareable drinks as private parties ramp up for the fall season.