The French 76 Cocktail is not as well known as the French 75, but it is equally delicious! It uses vodka instead of gin for a more delicately flavored cocktail!
French 76 Cocktail
The French 75 Cocktail is one of my favorite brunch cocktails, not that there is anything wrong with a mimosa. Actually I guess I love them equally!
After doing some reading (reading cocktail books has become my new favorite hobby!) I found that there were two variations of the French 75 - a French 76 and a French 77.
Well, after learning that, I just had to make them both. Had to, I tell you.
It was a fun experiment and one that I will probably repeat often.
Ingredients to make a French 76
The difference between a French 75 and a French 76 is that the later uses vodka instead of gin. I am totally a gin girl, but after scoring some local (who would have thought Chattanooga would be making vodka) I was excited to try this variation.
Simple Syrup - to make a simple syrup, stir equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. This would also be a good time to play with some flavors - like how about using Lavender Simple Syrup or Honey Simple Syrup with this!
Vodka - use your favorite vodka! We are currently crushing on Gate 11 Vodka made right here in Chattanooga!
Sparkling Wine - Champagne is the traditional sparkling beverage for this, but we had some Prosecco. So, technically I guess this is an Italian 76!
Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed, not bottled!
Cherry - for garnish. We used our Homemade Maraschino Cherries.
How to Make this Sparkling Wine Cocktail
Chill your cocktail glass - in this case it is a champagne flute (the better to see those bubbles.)
Fill your cocktail shaker half way with ice. Add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake for 10-15 seconds.
Strain into the chilled cocktail flute and top with the sparkling wine. Garnish with a cherry.
That's it! You've just made a yummy cocktail!
We loved this French 76! It was crisp and clean and the vodka really allowed the flavors of everything in the cocktail to really shine. We love sparkling cocktails and will be having this in regular rotation. Check back later in the week to see the French 77!
More Sparkling Wine Cocktails
Strawberry Ginger Bellini - strawberry and ginger are so delicious together!
Negroni Sbagliato - a classic negroni gets a bubbly twist with sparkling wine! Gorgeous cocktail!
Aperol Spritz - that gorgeous orange color makes it perfect for fall!
10 Mimosas to Make Right Now - check out this roundup of mimosas from some of my favorite bloggers!
For even more, follow my Sparkling Wine and Cocktails Recipe Board on Pinterest.
French 76 Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces Champagne or other sparkling wine
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a champagne flute glass.
- Fill a cocktail shaker ¾ way full of ice.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to cocktail shaker.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds and strain into the chilled flute glass.
- Top with the sparkling wine and garnish with a cherry.
Toni says
Oh wow! This is so good!
Kayla says
Love this idea! This cocktail I had never heard of before but it was so delicious and amazing!
Tempestt says
Didn’t know there were other variations to the 75! Can’t wait to try them. Thx! I’m a new cocktail blogger and started following you on Pinterest! What cocktail books do you recommend?
Pam Greer says
What's your blog? I'd love to check it out.
Kelly Anthony says
My very favorite drink is a french 77 but I have never tried a 76. Excited to try a new version of one of my favorites. I really want to try it with the lavender syrup!
Pam Greer says
I love the French 77 too!
Jere Cassidy says
I am not a drinker but I do love reading about cocktails and all the variations.
Pam Greer says
It's fascinating, isn't it!
Tonje says
Yum! Any reason to use Prosecco 😀
Pam Greer says
Right!
Chef Mireille says
This sounds like a lovely cocktail to have in the summer. Sounds light and fruity with the cherry. Definitely my kind of cocktail!
Pam Greer says
It is so good!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I've not heard of this cocktail, but it sounds rather wonderful Loving the photos as always. Sharing this one.
Hope you are well Pam, is such a long time since we had a chat x
Pam Greer says
I know! We are some of the old time bloggers!