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

If you love a good bubbly cocktail, the French 75 is probably already on your radar. But there’s a fun, slightly sweeter spin you might not have tried yet—the French 76 drink. It keeps all that sparkling charm you expect, but swaps in a fresh citrusy twist that makes every sip feel a little brighter and more approachable.

The original French 75 has been around since World War I, traditionally made with gin for a bold, botanical kick. The French 76 softens things up by using vodka instead, creating a smoother, lighter base that lets the lemon and champagne really shine. It’s the same elegant vibe—just a little easier to sip.

And honestly, the experience starts before you even take that first drink. There’s the pop of the cork, the fizz rising in the glass, and those tiny bubbles carrying a bright, citrusy aroma your way. It’s festive, a little fancy, and perfect for holidays, brunches, or anytime you want a cocktail that feels like a celebration.

I recently discovered the French 76 on my last trip to Charleston. I watched the bartender make one and immediately had to ask for the recipe—it just looked too good not to try. And I’m glad I did! The French 76 is incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious.

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French 76 Ingredients

• Vodka
• Champagne
• Simple Syrup
• Lemon Juice
• Maraschino Cherries

Tips

Use good quality spirits. The better the ingredients, the better your cocktail will taste. With all of the vodkas on the market, I use Stoli, Absolut, Ketel One, or Grey Goose to make a martini.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice is a good alternative. 

Don’t know which champagne to buy? I am not a champagne connoisseur. I’ve tried expensive champagnes like Dom Pérignon, Jouet, and Veuve Clicquot. But I tend to keep it under $15 a bottle for a champagne cocktail. Sweet champagnes are my preference, but until recently, I didn’t know that Brut meant unsweet and Extra Dry sweet. As you can see from the photo, I settled on Korbel Extra Dry.

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The Right Glass Matters

Squeeze the Day: The Must-Have Citrus Tool

👉 If you can make this, you can make these → Cocktails for Beginners: Easy Drinks Anyone Can Make at Home

How to Make a French 76 Cocktail

Start by thoroughly chilling your champagne, a well-chilled base will enhance the overall experience of your cocktail. While it chills, place your champagne glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. A chilled glass helps preserve the bubbles and elevates the overall drinking experience.

Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker half filled with ice and shake for 10 seconds.

Pour the strained ingredients into the chilled champagne flute and top it off with the star of the show—champagne.

Garnish your French 76 with a twist of lemon peel to add a citrusy aroma that enhances the overall experience, or keep it simple by dropping a maraschino cherry into the flute for some color.

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 cocktail’s taste.

Final Sip

The French 76 is one of those cocktails that feels a little fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s light, bubbly, and just the right balance of citrus and sweetness—perfect when you want something refreshing with a bit of sparkle.

Whether you’re mixing one up for brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because it’s been a long week, this is a cocktail that always feels like a good idea. Go ahead and give it a try… cheers to keeping things simple and delicious.

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More Amazing Champagne Cocktails

• Gingered Pear Champagne Cocktail
• Cranberry Pineapple Fizz
• Pomegranate Orange Spritz
• Frangelico Champagne
• Passion Fruit Mimosa

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