A spin on the French 75 cocktail, this French 76 recipe is a refreshing and potent cocktail made with sparkly champagne (among other ingredients) that you are going to love!
What is a French 76?
French 76 is a spin on the classic French 75 recipe. What is the difference?
A French 75 is made with gin and whereas a French 76 features vodka..
Both cocktail recipes also contain champagne, lemon juice and simple syrup.
The French 75 comes was created during WWI by French bartender, Henry Tépé. He named the cocktail “Soixante-quinze” (which means 75 in French) after the 75mm Howitzer gun that was used by the French during WWI.
What Ingredients Go Into the French 76?
Vodka — Preferably a good quality one like Absolute Vodka.
Simple syrup —A very easy and inexpensive ingredient to make at home. You can also buy it at the store of try this classic simple syrup or mint simple syrup.
Fresh lemon juice
Champagne — Since the vodka is only for subtle flavoring and the champagne and lemon juice are the star ingredients, choose a champagne that you would enjoy drinking on its own.
We recommend a Brut Champagne. You can also substitute the champagne for a Cava or Prosecco, which are more affordable but equally delicious.
When To Serve a French 76
Since it is a fancy feeling cocktail, the French 76 cocktail is the perfect drink for any celebration, party, or even brunch.
Switch out your traditional mimosas on your next brunch date for an equally elegant glass of bubbly French 76 with some sourdough French toast, and you’ll not be disappointed.
How to Make the French 76 Cocktail
1 — Since you will not be serving ice in this cocktail, chill a champagne flute glass in the freezer beforehand for 10-15 minutes.
2 — In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice and shake well.
3 — Pour the mixture from the cold cocktail shaker into the chilled glass.
4 — Top up with champagne
5 — To make the lemon twist garnish: Use a peeler to take a thin and long strip of the lemon peel. Roll the peel to enhance the curl. Place the garnish inside the glass with part of it sitting on the brim of the glass.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Tips
— As a bubbly cocktail, it’s best served right after being made.
–For another unique French 75 and French 76 variation, opt for rosé sparkling wine instead of champagne.
— If you are not a fan of drinks served without ice, use a Collins glass over a few rocks. At one point, this was actually how the French 75 and French 76 was served. A Collins glass is taller than a highball glass and allows for more space for ice.
More Easy Refreshing Cocktails
For more refreshing cocktails like the French 76, check out a few of our favorite cocktails from the archives —
- Sparkling Mint Meyer Lemonade
- Vodka Pear Lavender Lemonade
- Pink Lemonade Cocktail
- Refreshing Aperol Tonic Recipe
- Pink Gin Spritz Recipe
- 3 Ingredient Homemade Limeade
French 76 Recipe
Equipment
- Citrus juicer to make the fresh lemon juice
- Cocktail jigger to measure each liquid
- Peeler or pointy small knife to create the lemon peel garnish
- Cocktail mixer
- Champagne flute glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka If you want to have it stronger drink, go for 2 ounces.
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Champagne to top off the glass
- Lemon twist for garnish
Nutrition
Instructions
- Since you will not be serving ice in this cocktail, chill a champagne flute glass in the freezer beforehand for 10-15 minutes.
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice and shake well.
- Pour the mixture from the cold cocktail shaker into the chilled glass.
- Top up with champagne
To make the lemon twist garnish:
- Use a peeler to take a thin and long strip of the lemon peel. Roll the peel to enhance the curl. Place the garnish inside the glass with part of it sitting on the brim of the glass.
Don’t forget to share your French 76 with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here with a few desserts to go along with them.
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