French 77

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Sweet, flowery, and fizzy, the French 77 is the perfect pick-me-up that will keep you wanting more.

The original French 75 wasn’t a cocktail, but a really big gun invented in 1894 and used during the First World War. It used large shells for ammunition and caused a lot of damage upon impact. In 1915, barman Harry MacElhone was running the drinking establishment Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France. It was there that he came up with a mixture of gin, sugar, and lemon juice that was topped off with champagne. He described its effect as “being shelled” due to its potency, but not in a bad way. He named it “the French 75” after the field gun, and with that, a timeless cocktail was born.

Since then, a few different versions of this cocktail have appeared. The drink we’re making today is one of them. Some claim it was created by renowned cocktail writer and publisher Simon Difford in 2006. Enthusiasts of sparkling wine and champagne had reason to pop a cork in celebration of what has come to be known as a modern cocktail classic.

While the original 75 is a tasty blend of gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice that’s finished off with some bubbly, the French 77 does away with the gin and syrup altogether. In its place is the sweet and flowery notes of an elderflower liqueur. Mixed with your sparkling wine or champagne, the elderflower adds an eye-opening and fresh flavor, creating a cocktail that you have to experience to truly appreciate.

What is Elderflower Liqueur?

Hailing from the French Alps and made from white elderflowers, this particular liqueur exploded in popularity in 2007. Fruity and floral-tasting, this cordial has become one of the most popular cocktail ingredients out there. Smooth and sweet, elderflower liqueur plays nicely with so many different spirits, such as gin and vodka, and tends to elevate the flavor profile of every drink it is added to.

What is the Best Elderflower Liqueur to Use in a French 77?

I’m not one to shill or stump for one specific brand of anything over another, as the “best” of something always boils down to personal preference. For me, though, when choosing a good elderflower liqueur for a French 77 or any drink that calls for it, I always opt for St. Germain. Easy to find, reasonably priced, and with a cool Art Deco-styled bottle, this brand is really the only one you’ll ever need. A mainstay in my home bar.

What kind of glassware and garnish is used for a French 77?

A tall and sleek champagne flute with a twist of lemon will serve your French 77 needs. Sometimes I’ll have them in a highball glass if I feel like adding more bubbly booze.

Is this drink as strong as the French 75 or 76?

Being only 40 proof (or 20% ABV), the elderflower liqueur is much less potent than gin or vodka, so the French 77 is a little lighter than other cocktails in terms of alcohol.

Similar Cocktails to the French 77

I must confess, I have a thing for fizzy cocktails, especially when sparkling wine, champagne, or prosecco is involved. I also have a weakness for St. Germain and the magic it adds to my drinks. If you’re like me, you’ll want to seek out and try as many of these kinds of beverages as you possibly can. Don’t know where to start? No worries! Twist & Toast has the tastiest recipes around, with plenty to try and enjoy. Check out a few below to get started.

• Elderflower Smash – A mint-muddled delight, mixing St. Germain and gin for a refreshing elixir.
• French Gimlet – Let me tell you about the French Gimlet, my first foray into the world of elderflower liqueur.
• French 75 – Fizzy, sweet, and tart, the French 75 is one of my favorite drinks. Once you try one, it’ll be one of yours, too.
• French 76 – Replace the gin with vodka in this bright, crisp, and effervescent treat.