French 76Cocktail recipe
Rating
The French 76 is an elegant and sophisticated cocktail that boasts a crisp and refreshing flavor profile, making it a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions. This delightful drink is crafted with a blend of smooth vodka, tart lemon juice, a touch of sugar syrup for sweetness, and topped with Champagne or prosecco, adding a luxurious effervescence.
Served in a cocktail glass, the French 76 offers a perfect balance of flavors that dance on the palate, combining the richness of the vodka with the bright acidity of the lemon juice, all elevated by the bubbly sparkle of the Champagne or prosecco. This cocktail is a variation of the classic French 75, distinguished by its use of vodka instead of gin, appealing to those who prefer the cleaner, more neutral spirit as their base.
Ideal for toasting to life's most memorable moments, the French 76 is a timeless choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
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Cocktail Colin says:
The French 76 is a sumptuous twist on the classic, substituting vodka for gin, which offers a smoother, cleaner sip that accentuates the sparkling effervescence of Champagne or prosecco. Its skillful blend of zesty lemon juice and subtle sweetness from sugar syrup complements the refined alcoholic base, creating a harmonious and uplifting drink that's perfect for any celebration.
Method
How to make a French 76
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- Start by adding the first three ingredients into a shaker filled with ice
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- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosty to the touch
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- Carefully strain the mixture into a pre-chilled glass, ensuring a smooth pour
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- Finally, gently top off the drink with champagne or sparkling wine to add a refreshing fizz
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- Enjoy your elegantly mixed cocktail!
Power tips
Elevate the French 76 with these master mixologist tips
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Find out more- Always use fresh lemon juice to ensure a bright, natural acidity that balances the drink. Pre-packaged lemon juice can often have off-flavors or a lack of vibrancy.
- Consider using a rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water ratio) instead of a standard simple syrup. This will add more body and a more luxurious mouthfeel to the cocktail.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the French 76 cocktail?
The French 76 is a variation of the French 75, which was created during World War I in Paris. The original cocktail was named after the French 75mm field gun, reflecting its potent kick. The French 76 offers a modern twist by substituting vodka for the traditional gin.
How do I correctly serve a French 76?
To serve a French 76, pour the vodka, sugar syrup, and lemon juice into a cocktail glass. Then, top it off with Champagne or prosecco. The cocktail should be served cold, without shaking or stirring beforehand, to maintain the bubbly effervescence of the Champagne.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the French 76?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the French 76 by substituting the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit and using a sparkling grape juice or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine instead of Champagne. Adjust the sugar syrup to taste.
What's the best occasion to enjoy a French 76?
The French 76 is a sophisticated and celebratory cocktail, making it perfect for special occasions such as New Year’s Eve, anniversaries, or elegant cocktail parties. Its sparkling nature brings a festive touch to any celebration.
How does the alcohol content of the French 76 compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 22.64%, the French 76 falls into the medium-to-high range of alcohol content for cocktails. It is stronger than many light cocktails like the Aperol Spritz but not as potent as straight spirits or cocktails predominantly made of hard liquor.
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