French 76

Vodka and prosecco create one the most thirst quenching tipples you’ll ever have.

This past summer I thought I was a genius. One Saturday afternoon, I wandered into the kitchen, trying to find something that I was in the mood for. Problem was, I didn’t know what I was craving. Poking around our home bar, I started to think about whipping something up, a random concoction using whatever I had on hand. There’s always gin here, and I love me some lemons so there’s plenty of buoyant citrus abounding too. Simple syrup is a must, so there’s that. And then I saw the bottles of prosecco, and the light bulb went off over my head.

What if, I thought, I combined some gin, lemon juice and simple syrup and topped it off with sparkling wine? Sounded pretty good, why hadn’t anybody thought of this before? As I sipped my newly discovered concoction, I decided to see if there was something similar out there by kicking back and hitting the internet. Turns out I’m no genius.

I had inadvertently mixed myself a French 75, a cocktail that had famously been invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France around 1915. Well, so much for me being a mixologist. I was, however, pretty happy to discover a new cocktail that was equally strong and delicious. I began to root around my home bar’s shelves to see what other type of spirits I could experiment with. Vodka always plays nice when mixing up a drink, let’s try that in place of the gin.

Turns out, I had also made myself something called a French 76, which is what we’ll be whipping up tonight. Get your shaker and citrus squeezer ready, and make sure there’s plenty of ice, because this cocktail is so bright and refreshing, more than one will surely be had.

Is Simple Syrup Hard to Make at Home?

I used to buy bottles of simple syrup for my home bar, and I still do, just not as frequently. Making your own at home is super simple, which is where I think the name comes from. Take equal parts sugar and water, then boil over a low-mid heat on the stove until the mixture is completely dissolved and clear. Then, after it cools, pour and store in an airtight jar or container and keep it in your fridge.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a French 76?

When choosing both your vodka and prosecco for your French 76, remember that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to make a great cocktail. One of the things I like about them is that I can procure fairly high-end bottles of both without going over my budget. In fact, some of my favorite brands and styles are fairly cost effective. I tend to lean more toward a grain distilled vodka and an extra dry prosecco; they mix very well in this drink, as well as others. The grain distilled spirit adds some citrus and spicy, peppery notes while the extra dry bubbly brings the perfect amount of crisp, refreshing flavors that won’t overpower the drink.

FAQs & Tips

I haven’t mentioned this before, but now’s a good a time as any. When pouring your shaken cocktail, either the French 76 we made today or any other, make sure to double-strain it. Pouring your drink through a small kitchen strainer will keep out any small ice chips, ensuring you get the smoothest sips possible.

Similar Cocktails to the French 76

If “strong and bubbly” are words you’d use to describe your favorite drinks, you’ve come to the right place. Twist & Toast has some of the most delicious recipes around, and they’re all simple and fun to make at home, or for parties. If you’re looking for drinks that favor the French 76, try a few of these cocktails out the next time you get a little thirsty.

• French 75 – The original cocktail that other “French” tipples have riffed on. So good there’s no way you’ll only have one.
• Negroni Sbagliato – Prosecco and Campari create a beautiful and effervescent blend.
• Prosecco Sorbet – And ice cold snack that involves alcohol? I’ll have two, please!
• Mimosa – The classic drink that allows us to enjoy an adult beverage at breakfast or brunch.