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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Sep 30, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

French 76

Jump to Recipe

Sip on a classic cocktail with a twist and enjoy this delightful French 76! You’ll love how this Champagne cocktail features a citrusy, bright pop of lemon with a bubbly, crisp finish. Plus, you can whip it up in just a few minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients, and it’s great for serving a crowd.

So let's pop the cork and mix together some French 76 cocktails. No party is complete without a Champagne flute in hand.

Two French 76 cocktails on lace with a cork to the left and white flowers in the background.
Jump to:
  • What Is a French 76?
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • How to Batch for a Pitcher
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Get More Champagne Cocktails
  • 📖 Recipe

What Is a French 76?

The French 76 is the cocktail sister of the traditional French 75, which was created at Harry's New York Bar in Paris in the early 1900s. While the French 75's original recipe calls for gin, the French 76 is a vodka-based drink. And that’s the key difference — other than the spirit, these two drinks use the same ingredient list.

Both are light and refreshing sippers, but the Champagne really shines in a French 76, thanks to vodka’s neutral flavor base. Gin, however, is distilled with juniper berries, which gives it a stronger, distinct earthy quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant yet simple: Sipping bubbly from a Champagne glass always feels fancy. But just because you’re sipping with your pinky out doesn’t mean advanced mixology skills are required. Even beginner bartenders can mix this Champagne drink with ease. 

Perfect for any occasion: The French 76 makes a lovely Sunday brunch drink or pre-dinner sipper for Saturday night, but it also works beautifully as a simple signature cocktail for all your special occasions — think Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. This is one trusty cocktail recipe to always keep in your back pocket. 

Easily batch the recipe for parties: Don’t want to make individual drinks? No worries. You can easily make a pitcher of French 76 cocktails to make hosting as simple as can be.

Related: For more sparkling cocktail recipes, make sure you also try my rosé French 75, French 77 and St. Germain elderflower spritz.

Ingredients

The ingredients on a cream-colored marble surface with black and white labels on the four items.

Champagne: Champagne is traditional, but any type of white sparkling wine will do. Prosecco, cava or an American sparkling wine all make great substitutions. Just use something you’d be happy drinking on its own.

Vodka: Don’t use low-quality vodka. You don’t have to get anything too expensive, but a poorly made vodka is too harsh. In case you need a little inspiration, check out this list of best vodka for cocktails.

Lemon juice: Make sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice. While you can buy bottled lemon juice, it’s not nearly as bright as real juice. The best cocktails are always made with freshly squeezed citrus juice.

Simple syrup: This gives us just a touch of sweetness to balance the citrus and round out the drink.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: We pour the vodka, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes (photo 1).

Pouring a shot of vodka into a clear cocktail shaker on a cream-colored surface.

Step 2: Now we put on the cocktail shaker top and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds (photo 2).

Two hands shaking the drink in a crystal cocktail shaker against a cream-colored background.

Step 3: From here, we strain the chilled vodka mixture into our wine glass (photo 3) and top with 2 to 3 ounces of Champagne (photo 4). 

Pouring the vodka mixture from the cocktail shaker into a clear Champagne flute.
Pouring Champagne into the flute with the vodka mixture already in the glass.

Step 4: For the perfect garnish, we place a dainty lemon twist on the side of the glass (photo 5). Some people also like to add a maraschino cherry to the bottom of the glass, though I prefer to keep it simple with the lemon twist. How you garnish is completely up to you.

A hand placing the lemon twist on the side of the Champagne flute.


In just a few simple steps, we now have the perfect French 76. Take a sip and enjoy one of your new favorite cocktails. Lucky you.

How to Batch for a Pitcher

As promised, you can absolutely make a pitcher of French 76 drinks. For this method, we follow these steps.

  • Add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup to a pitcher with a handful of ice and stir for about 20 seconds.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the ice. This adds the dilution we’d get with shaking to ensure it isn’t too strong.
  • Store the pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After a day, the lemon starts to lose its brightness.
  • When ready to serve, pour in a bottle of Champagne. We want to make sure we do this when we’re ready to start sipping so that we don’t lose those delightful bubbles.

You can find the full ingredient proportions for a pitcher in the notes section of the recipe card.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best Champagne to use?

This classy cocktail calls for a brut Champagne. With this style of Champagne, we get a crisp, dry finish that’s perfect with the pop of lemon.

What’s the best glassware for serving?

Traditionally, the original French 75 was often served in a Collins or highball glass, but these days, you most often see a French 76 or 75 served in a Champagne flute. A coupe glass is also common for a bubbly cocktail.

How do you make simple syrup?

Although you can buy simple syrup, it’s much more economical to make your own, and you don’t have to worry about any weird ingredients. To make simple syrup, bring together 1 cup water and 1 cup white sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring here and there to dissolve the sugar. Once it boils, we turn off the heat, allow the mixture to cool and store in a sterile, airtight container in the refrigerator.

As long as you store the simple syrup properly, it should last several weeks. When the mixture turns cloudy, it’s time to make a new batch.

Looking down on two French 76 cocktails with white flowers scattered around them and a bouquet in the background.

Expert Tips

Don’t get too spendy with your bubbly: Save that expensive Champagne to drink unadorned. When using sparkling wine in a cocktail, you want something that’s tasty enough to drink without the additional ingredients, but we don’t need to break the bank. Here's a list of 10 sparkling wines that are great for cocktails.

Chill your Champagne first: Considering that Champagne is half the drink, it will not be nearly as refreshing if you use room-temperature sparkling wine. Make sure you keep your Champagne in the refrigerator or pick up a chilled bottle at the store. The ideal serving temperature is about 47 degrees F. 

Create your own spin with flavored simple syrups: A flavored simple syrup is a great way to give this classic drink a fun twist. For instance, my cranberry French 75 uses this spiced cranberry simple syrup, which is especially fun for the holidays. My ginger simple syrup and cherry simple syrup are also tasty options. I recommend double the amount of a custom simple syrup to really extract the flavor.

Perfect Pairing

As if you need one more reason to love this drink — the French 76 pairs with so many wonderful dishes. Oysters and caviar are a classic pairing, but don’t feel like you have to stop there.

For a pre-dinner pairing, this drink is perfect with this herbed whipped ricotta dip served next to a charcuterie board full of cured meats. As you move to dinner, you’ll love this drink with my roasted blood orange salmon. This zippy citrus and bubbly finish help cut through the salmon to make one palate-refreshing drink.

Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to finding a perfect food pairing with this drink. Feel free to get creative and let me know how you paired this food-friendly cocktail.  

When you need the perfect drink for any occasion, look no further than this French 76. You’ll adore every bubbly sip.

Cheers!

Two French 76 cocktails on lace with a white flower to the side against a pink and cream background.

Get More Champagne Cocktails

  • Apple Bellini
  • Honeyed Strawberry-Rhubarb Mimosa
  • Spiced Cranberry Mimosa for Christmas Morning
  • Thanksgiving Mimosa With Spiced Orange Juice

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

Two French 76 cocktails on lace with a cork to the left and white flowers in the background.

French 76

Sip on a classic cocktail with a twist and enjoy this delightful French 76! You’ll love how this Champagne cocktail features a citrusy, bright pop of lemon with a bubbly, crisp finish. Plus, you can whip it up in just a few minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients, and it’s great for serving a crowd.
5 from 90 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: French
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 169kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Handheld citrus juicer
  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Champagne flute

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces vodka
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • Ice
  • 2-3 ounces chilled Champagne
  • Lemon twist for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Add the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
  • Put on the top and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
  • Strain into a Champagne flute. Top with chilled Champagne.
  • If desired, add a lemon twist to the side of the glass for a garnish. Enjoy!

Notes

8-serving French 76 pitcher recipe: Add 1 ½ cups vodka, ¾ cup lemon juice and ½ cup simple syrup to a large pitcher with a handful of ice. Stir for 20 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the remaining ice. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pour in one bottle of chilled Champagne.
  • Champagne is best served at 47 degrees, so make sure it's nice and chilled.
  • Don't feel like you need an expensive Champagne. You can also substitute prosecco, cava or your favorite sparkling white wine.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Andrea says

    October 13, 2022 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    Delicious! I'd never made a French 76 before and it was perfect!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 16, 2022 at 3:21 pm

      It really is so good! I'm glad you got a chance to try it.

      Reply
  2. Evi says

    October 10, 2022 at 8:43 am

    5 stars
    I love how classy and elegant this cocktail looks and tastes! Made these for a brunch party and loved it.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 10, 2022 at 9:45 am

      It makes me so happy to hear you tried it. Thanks, Evi!

      Reply
  3. Loreto and Nicoletta says

    October 10, 2022 at 7:57 am

    5 stars
    This us our kind of cocktail. Bright, fresh, crisp and very elegant and simple. Thanks for sharing and also for all that lovely history behind the French 75/76.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 10, 2022 at 9:45 am

      You're very welcome!

      Reply
  4. Tammy says

    October 09, 2022 at 10:05 am

    5 stars
    This is such a beautiful cocktail, and it was super tasty. That lemon really makes it pop. I loved reading the history behind it...what a lovely drink to celebrate with this holiday season.

    Reply
  5. Marie says

    October 09, 2022 at 9:43 am

    5 stars
    This is such an easy, elegant cocktail! Served it to my girlfriends and they soon asked for another one 🙊 This will be a great drink to serve throughout the holidays!

    Reply
  6. Veronika says

    October 07, 2022 at 11:22 am

    5 stars
    This is my new favorite cocktail! I made it last night for our friends and they all had a second glass after that 😉

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 07, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      Love hearing that y’all loved it! Cheers!

      Reply
  7. Kathryn says

    October 06, 2022 at 11:05 am

    5 stars
    This cocktail was so dreamy and perfect! I love how simple yet so refreshing it is. I'm going to make this for the holidays and add fresh cranberries to garnish! I can't wait!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 06, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      Oh, that sounds like such a fun holiday twist! Glad you loved it.

      Reply
  8. Colleen says

    October 05, 2022 at 9:33 am

    5 stars
    We made these drinks on the weekend to toast a friend's milestone birthday and they were a hit. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 05, 2022 at 10:17 am

      Hope it was a lovely celebration!

      Reply
  9. LaKita says

    October 04, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    This cocktail is so elegant, light, and refreshing! I wasn't familiar with a French 76 until now, but loved the combination of vodka and champagne. Will definitely make again, especially with the holidays coming.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 05, 2022 at 10:17 am

      I'm so glad you got to try it and love it!

      Reply
  10. Nancy says

    October 04, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    5 stars
    I love a simple yet refreshing cocktail like this one. The lemon gave it a nice kick. Great recipe — thank you.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      October 05, 2022 at 10:17 am

      Thanks for trying it, Nancy!

      Reply

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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