Serious and Sophisticated, yet Bubbly and Playful! The French 76

In the world of classic cocktails, one gem stands out for its sophistication and timeless appeal—the French 75. But what if we told you there’s a delightful twist that elevates this already exquisite drink to new heights? Enter the French 76 champagne cocktail, a delightful variation that adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of citrus to the bubbles of champagne.

This cocktail is a modern twist on an old favorite, the French 75, made with Gin. The French 75 dated back to World War I and was also called a 75 Cocktail, or in French, Soixante Quinze (Seventy-Five). The French 76 takes this foundation and adds a unique twist with Vodka, providing a smoother base for the other ingredients.

You’ll encounter sensory pleasures even before the first sip of the champagne — first, the sound of the pop of the cork. Then, the tiny bubbles tickle your nose, sending a champagne aroma into the air. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion you want to impress your guests.

I recently discovered the French 76 on my last trip to Charleston. I saw the Bartender make one and asked him for the recipe. The cocktail sounded delightful, and ‘I had to try it!’. I found the French 76 easy to make and tastes sublime.

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Ingredients you’ll need to make the French 76

1. Vodka
2. Champagne
3. Simple Syrup
4. Lemon Juice
5. Maraschino Cherries

With all of the Vodkas on the market, I use Stoli, Absolut, Ketel One, or Grey Goose to make a martini. For the French 76, I used Grey Goose, a more expensive but smoother Vodka. 

Need to know what champagne to buy? I am not a champagne connoisseur. I’ve tried expensive champagnes like Dom Pérignon, Jouet, and Veuve Clicquot. But if I’m mixing a champagne cocktail, I tend to stay under $15 a bottle. Sweet champagnes are my preference, but until recently, I didn’t know Brut meant unsweet and Extra Dry sweet.

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The French 76 is served in a champagne flute. If you don’t have champagne flutes, try these, they are simple yet elegant.

Need a great Cocktail Shaker but don’t know which one to buy? Look no further.

Martini or cocktail, a good shake makes all the difference in the world so buying a cocktail shaker can seriously step up your at-home drink game. Think about it: no more settling for boring mixed drinks when you can whip up bar-quality cocktails in your kitchen. It’s not just about the fancy presentation (although that’s a fun bonus) but also about how it makes mixing drinks easier and more fun. 

I have at least a dozen shakers, but one favorite. The shaker doesn’t leak; you won’t have to hit the shaker against the sink to get the top off, and the cap will measure from 1/2 to 1.5 ounces with clearly marked labels. Measure the perfect amount every time. And it is dishwasher safe!

Plus, once you get the hang of shaking, you’ll feel like a total pro, impressing your friends and yourself with your newfound bartending skills. So why not add a little shake, shake, shake to your life and upgrade your happy hour?

How to make a French 76

You can use either lemon from a bottle or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Of course, freshly squeezed lemon juice is best. If you don’t have a lemon squeezer, try this one. The non-slip grip is perfect for squeezing lemons and limes.

Add the Vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker half filled with ice and shake.

Pour the strained ingredients into a champagne flute and top it off with the star of the show—champagne, making it perfect for any celebratory occasion.

Add a cherry for garnish.

Note

It would be best if you had champagne flutes that are 8 ounces or less. The larger the champagne flute, the less the recipe will fill your glass. More champagne also changes the taste of the cocktail.

The French 76 champagne cocktail is a modern twist on a classic, bringing together the best of both worlds—the timeless charm of the French 75 and the smooth sophistication of Vodka. Whether toasting to a special occasion or simply looking to elevate your cocktail game, the French 76 impresses with its delightful combination of flavors and bubbly allure.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something extraordinary, reach for a French 76 and savor the taste of elegance in every sip. Cheers!

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If you’ve tried this, please leave a comment and rating below.