French 77 Cocktail

Introduction

The French 77 Cocktail is an effervescent twist on the classic French 75, combining the elegance of sparkling wine with floral elderflower liqueur, lemon, and gin. Its balance of bright citrus and delicate sweetness makes it a sophisticated yet approachable sipper, ideal for celebrations, brunches, or any moment you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

The star appeal of the French 77 lies in how it brings together complexity and freshness in a glass—offering a vibrant, floral flavor profile that’s both festive and refreshing.

Why the French 77 is a Crowd-Pleaser

What sets the French 77 apart is its harmonious layering of flavors. The elderflower liqueur brings an aromatic, slightly sweet lift, while fresh lemon juice adds tang and brightness. Topped with sparkling wine, each sip is bubbly and light, yet memorable. It’s a cocktail that feels effusive—perfect for making any gathering feel special.

Essential Steps for a French 77 Cocktail

Getting the best from this cocktail is all about using fresh ingredients and preparing them with care. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is key, ensuring brightness and balance against the floral St-Germain (elderflower liqueur) and robust base of gin.

For even lemon slices or garnish, a handy tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can make your prep extra precise and efficient. A good Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender can also help if you want to whip up a crowd-pleasing lemonade base or batch cocktails with consistent flavor.

Serving Up the Sparkle

The French 77 is traditionally served in a champagne flute, which preserves the delicate bubbles and offers visual appeal. When building the cocktail, adding the sparkling wine last maximizes effervescence for that signature fizz. For entertaining, a chilled Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is useful for ensuring your pours are always on-point and your ratios are precise whether making singles or a large batch.

Consider garnishing with a thin lemon twist or edible flower. For prepped parties, keep your bar tools and glassware organized with the Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each French 77 cocktail is approximately 150–180 calories, with most of the sugar coming from the elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine. The recipe below serves 1, but is easily scaled for a crowd, making it a practical yet elegant addition to your beverage menu.

Instructions

1. In a shaker filled with ice, add gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick lemon prep).
2. Shake briefly until just chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
4. Top with sparkling wine, pouring gently to preserve bubbles.
5. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist or an edible flower. Organize your bar tools with the Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer for a polished setup.

Prep and Serve Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

French 77 Cocktail (Recap)

The French 77 is a dazzling cocktail that transforms simple ingredients into a sparkling, floral, crowd-pleasing drink. Its elegant presentation and balanced flavors make it a standout at any event—from brunch buffets to bridal showers or New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whether served individually or batched for a party, it’s a fast, impressive way to add flair to your festivities. Cheers!