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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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French 76 Ingredients

Vodka
Champagne
Simple Syrup
Lemon Juice
Maraschino Cherries

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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.

Bar Tools

Here are awesome products to help YOU make the most incredible drinks. Impress your family and friends and be the BEST Cocktail Barista in your neighborhood.

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.

Easy to Read Measuring Cap - Included — Easy to Read Measuring Cap – Included

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?

The Right Glass Matters

A champagne flute is an excellent choice because its tall, narrow shape helps keep the bubbles fresh longer and slows them from escaping too quickly. It also helps the aromas rise nicely while showing off those pretty bubbles, making every sip feel a little more special.

Squeeze the Day: The Must-Have Citrus Tool

No bar setup is complete without a reliable citrus squeezer. Fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice can take your cocktails from good to unforgettable, and a hand squeezer makes the job quick. Unlike bottled juice, freshly squeezed citrus adds a bright, zesty flavor that instantly elevates your drinks.

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How to Make a French 76

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.

French 76 - Ocean House 19 Willemstad, Curacao — French 76 – Ocean House 19 Willemstad, Curacao

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 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!

French 76 Hall's Chophouse — French 76 Hall’s Chophouse

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