French 76 cocktail RECIPE

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The French 76 is a Vodka-based cocktail and a twist on the French 75, a beloved classic Gin-based cocktail that dates back over a century. Swapping Gin for Vodka, this newer adaptation retains the charm of the original while highlighting Absolut Vodka’s smooth finish. 

As Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador – says the French 76 is “Just as crisp and just as refreshing tasting (as The French 75). You do lose that little Juniper hint but it’s still a delicious cocktail as the Absolut Vodka really elevates all the ingredients in there and the nice little sweetness coming through from the Cherry.”

An elegant, fizzy and slightly sweet cocktail that works perfectly in the summer or if you simply want to add some elegance to your next gathering.

How To Make a French 76

 What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife (for the Lemon)
• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Glass Jug
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Cocktail Shaker
• Bar Spoon
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Strainer
• Coupe Glass

How to Mix

1. Cut a Lemon in half and use a Citrus Elbow to juice it directly into a Glass Jug. 
2. Using a Jigger, measure and pour the Lemon Juice directly in the Cocktail Shaker. 
3. Measure and pour the Simple Syrup into the Cocktail Shaker, then give it a little stir with a Bar Spoon. 
4. Add Vodka followed by Ice Cubes, then shake vigorously. 
5. Double strain by placing a Hawthorne Strainer over the Cocktail Shaker, then pour the mixture through a fine strainer directly into a Coupe Glass. 
6. Top up with Champagne. 
7. Take a Peeler and peel a Lemon strip, then squeeze it over your drink to release the oils before discarding. 
8. Drop a single Maraschino Cherry directly into the glass to garnish your drink. 
9. Sip and enjoy! 

The History of The French 76

“From 1915 to where we are today, the French 75 has gone through very different variations and in some point in the 1990s, the French 76 was invented,” explains Rico. The rest, as they say, is history.

Tips for Making The Perfect French 76

• Add the aroma of Fresh Lemon
  In the video above, you’ll see Rico presses a Lemon Peel over his drink to release the oils from the peel before discarding it. The aroma of Fresh Lemon cannot be overstated and is a highly recommended tip if you want to elevate your overall drinking experience.

• Use the cheapest ingredients first
  When making a cocktail, Rico always suggests starting with the cheapest ingredient first. Why? If you make a mistake, it’s better that you waste the cheaper ingredients than the expensive ingredients. So, in this case of The French 76, you’ll see that Rico uses the Lemon Juice first.

Variations of a French 76

• The French 75
  When it comes to variations of the French 76, of course, the original has to be included. The French 76 is now over a century old and an indisputable classic cocktail. Both drinks have the same recipe except a French 75 uses Gin instead of Vodka. Discover how to make The French 75.

• Tom Collins
  If you talk about a French 75 or French 76, you have to mention the Tom Collins. Tom Collins is a classic Gin-based cocktail that inspired The French 75 but uses Soda Water instead of Champagne. Nonetheless, if you like The French 76, we recommend that you take a look at our Tom Collins recipe.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a French 76

• Serve it in a Coupe Glass
  Most places serve the French 76 in a Champagne Flute. However, Rico prefers serving his in a Coupe Glass because he likes to experience all the aromas as he sips his drink.

• Garnish with a Maraschino Cherry
  Although the French 75 is often garnished with a Lemon Twist, Rico likes to garnish the French 76 with a single Maraschino Cherry, dropped directly into the glass. A simple but elegant touch.