How to Make a French 77 (A Twist on a Classic)

The French 77 cocktail is a bubbly mix of elderflower liqueur, lemon, and Champagne! This spin on the French 75 is a step above the classic.

The French 77 is a Champagne cocktail that adds St-Germain elderflower liqueur to a classic French 75. While I love the original, there’s something special about the floral undertones in this one that tastes very special. The result is bubbly and effervescent with a zing of fresh lemon juice. When I need a signature cocktail to impress my friends, this is the one.

The Basics

The French 77, created by Simon Difford in 2006, is a spin on the classic French 75 cocktail using elderflower liqueur. Most sources say the original French 75 was invented in 1915 at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, earning its name because it was as powerful as a French 75mm field gun. A classic French 75 is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne.

The French 77 simply substitutes St-Germain elderflower liqueur for the gin and simple syrup in a French 75. While the St-Germain bottle might look like it has a long history, it’s only been around since 2007. (Since Difford claims to have invented this drink in 2006, he may have used another elderflower liqueur product!)

The ingredients in a French 77 are:

• St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• Lemon juice
• Champagne, prosecco, or another sparkling wine

Making the drink is as easy as pouring it all into a Champagne flute!

Making a lemon twist

A classic French 75 is garnished with a lemon twist, and it really makes the drink. I’ve come up with a way to make this classic garnish using no special tools. Here’s how to make a lemon twist:

1. Cut the lemon width-wise into a circle.
2. Run a paring knife around the edge to remove the peel, cutting away as much of the pith as possible. Remove the fruit and set aside.
3. Cut the remaining peel circle so that it becomes a long strip. Twist it, holding it for several seconds until the shape is kept.

Choosing the sparkling wine

The traditional sparkling wine for a French 75 and French 77 is Champagne. If you’re having trouble finding a bottle (or want something more budget-friendly), grab a bottle of prosecco.

Prosecco is a little cheaper with a sweeter, more floral flavor. You can find a great prosecco for $15 per bottle, but a good bottle of Champagne starts at $30 to $40. Either way, make sure it’s “brut,” which means dry.

Here’s more about the different types of sparkling wine:

• Champagne: This is the official name for sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. It’s bubbly and fruity, with undertones of almond and orange.
• Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is a little sweeter than Champagne. It’s fruity and flowery, with notes of apple, pear, and lemon.
• Cava: This Spanish sparkling wine has more citrus notes and is a little more savory and less fruity.

More Champagne cocktails

I love a Champagne cocktail, even if it’s not a special occasion! Here are a few more favorites for when you want to open a bottle of bubbly:

• Use vodka for a French 76.
• Try the ultimate classic, the Champagne cocktail.
• Go brunchy with a mimosa or Bellini.
• Try another classic, the Kir Royale.

01

The Classic Champagne Cocktail

02

Kir Royale

03

Best Mimosa (with Prosecco)

04

French 76

Serving ideas

The French 77 is the ideal signature cocktail for any occasion. Try it as a:

• New Year’s Eve drink
• Holiday drink or Christmas cocktail
• Signature drink for a dinner party

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