A French 76 cocktail is a refreshing and elegant drink that combines champagne, vodka, and lemon juice. It is a variation of the classic French 75 cocktail, which uses gin instead of vodka. It is perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a relaxing evening.
Make your gatherings more joyful, then try French Gimlet Cocktail and French 77 Cocktail. It is also a refreshing and delicious cocktail recipe.
In this article, you will learn how to make the French cocktail recipe, the history of this cocktail, and its variations.
History of French 76 📜
The French 76 is a descendant of the French 75, which was created in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, later known as Harry’s New York Bar. The bartender, Harry MacElhone, named the drink after the French 75mm field gun, a powerful weapon used by the French army during World War I. The drink was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled by a gun.
The original recipe of the French 75 consisted of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It was first published in 1927 in a book called “Here’s How!” by Judge Jr. and later popularized by the Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930.
What Is French 76 Cocktail?
It is a variation of the classic French 75, which uses gin instead of vodka. The drink has three ingredients: vodka, champagne, and lemon juice. It is a light and refreshing drink perfect for celebrating any occasion.
Ingredients and Equipment 🍋
you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients 🥗
- Champagne 🍾
- Vodka 🍸
- Lemon juice 🍋
- Simple syrup 🍯
Equipment 🍴
- Ice cubes ❄️
- Cocktail shaker 🥤
- Champagne flute 🥂
Instructions 👩🍳
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well for about 15 seconds or until the shaker is cold and frosty. 🧊
Fill your champagne flute with ice cubes and strain the vodka mixture into the glass. Discard the ice cubes from the shaker and the glass. 🍸
Top up your glass with champagne and gently stir to combine. 🥂
Garnish your drink with a lemon twist, a lemon wedge, or a fresh berry. Enjoy your French cocktail! 🍋
A Comparison of French 76 🆚 French 75
It replaces gin in the French 75 with vodka. The selection modifies the drink’s taste by adding a champagne feel with Vodka rather than Gin, which has an element of botanical flavors.
Variations and Tips 🍋
You can customize your French cocktail by trying some of these variations and tips:
1) Swap the Vodka for Gin 🍸
If you prefer gin over vodka, you can make a French 75 cocktail instead of a 76 cocktail. The gin will add a herbal and floral note to the drink. 🌿
2) Add some Fruit or Herbs 🍊🌿
You can infuse your vodka, simple syrup, or champagne with fresh fruit or herbs, such as strawberries, raspberries, mint, basil, or lavender. The fruit or herbs will add some color and aroma to the drink.
3) Use a Sugar Rim 🍭
You can coat the rim of your glass with some sugar, such as granulated, powdered, or colored sugar. The sugar rim will add some sparkle and sweetness to the drink.
Sparkling Wine: Champagne vs Prosecco 🥃
French 75 is a good option when looking for something to drink with sparkling wine. The original French 75 included champagne, representing what was available in 1915. However, most modern versions of it involve prosecco instead of champagne because it is more expensive today but still tastes great. Choosing sparkling wine alters taste and looks for a cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Conclusion
A French 76 cocktail is a refreshing and elegant drink that is easy to make and enjoy. It is a variation of the classic French 75, which uses gin instead of vodka. The drink has three ingredients: vodka, champagne, and lemon juice. You can also customize the drink to your taste by changing the base spirit, the sparkling wine, the citrus juice, or adding some flavor. This French cocktail is a great drink to serve and enjoy on occasion, such as celebrations, brunches, or date nights.
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