The French 76 swaps gin for vodka.
Why you are pouring this tonight
The French 76 is the French 75 made with vodka instead of gin, served at champagne bars in Paris in the 1970s by people who had decided the gin in the original was too aggressive. Vodka, lemon, simple syrup, chilled champagne, lemon twist. Slightly cleaner than the French 75, slightly less interesting, exactly right for somebody who does not love gin.
Use a clean wheat or rye vodka (Belvedere, Grey Goose). The vodka is the canvas; cheap vodka makes the drink taste flat. Real champagne, never prosecco. Build the vodka, lemon, simple syrup in a shaker with ice, shake briefly, double-strain into a chilled flute, top slowly with very cold champagne, lemon twist expressed over the surface. Pair with brunch, oysters, smoked salmon, the kind of Saturday morning that includes good coffee and a long shower.
What changes from the French 75
Gin out. Vodka in. Rest stays.
What to pour it alongside
Oysters, canapes, anything at a proper drinks party.
The recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Shake vodka, lemon juice and syrup with ice.
- Strain into a chilled flute.
- Top with champagne. Garnish with a long lemon twist.
Nutrition
Want the classic? Our French 75 recipe is here.
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