French 77: The Elderflower Sparkler That Elevates Every Occasion

Elegant, floral, and effortlessly refined, the French 77 is the quieter, more alluring cousin of the well-known French 75. While the 75 brings gin and lemon to the party, the French 77 softens the experience with elderflower liqueur, making it a more romantic and aromatic twist. It’s the cocktail equivalent of a silk scarf—subtle, chic, and unforgettable.

I first discovered the French 77 at a wedding. The bar was serving “signature cocktails,” and this one caught my eye. Sparkling, garnished with a lemon twist, and tasting like a bouquet of fresh spring flowers, it was love at first sip. Since then, I’ve served it at bridal showers, brunches, garden parties, and even quiet nights at home when something bubbly and elegant felt right.

This cocktail is light in body but full of character, making it perfect for celebrations or simply elevating everyday moments. If you love the floral sweetness of elderflower and the pop of sparkling wine, this one’s for you.

---

Quick Facts: French 77

Method: Built in glass
Flavor profile: Floral, bright, subtly sweet
How to serve it: Straight up
Glassware: Champagne flute or coupe
Alcohol content: ~12% ABV, 14–16 grams of alcohol per serving

---

Ingredients

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain is the classic choice)
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 oz chilled sparkling wine (Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava)
• Optional: 1 oz gin (if you want a hybrid French 75/77)
• Garnish: lemon twist or edible flower

Elderflower liqueur, especially St-Germain, is what gives the French 77 its signature character. It’s floral, lightly sweet, and has notes of pear, lychee, and citrus blossom. Just 1 oz is enough to perfume the entire drink.

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the liqueur.

Sparkling wine adds effervescence and sophistication. Choose a dry Brut-style wine—Champagne is classic, but Cava or Prosecco will also shine. The wine should be well chilled to maintain fizz and flavor.

Want to make it boozier? Add 1 oz of gin for a “French 75/77 hybrid.” It becomes more assertive and complex, ideal for evening affairs.

---

Equipment Needed

Simplicity is one of the French 77’s biggest strengths. Here’s all you need:

• Jigger (for measuring)
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Champagne flute or coupe
• Paring knife or peeler (for garnish)
• Bar spoon (optional for gentle mixing)

No shaking, stirring, or fancy techniques required. You’re simply building the drink directly in the glass for minimal effort and maximum style.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill your glass. Place your flute or coupe in the freezer while prepping your ingredients.
2. Add elderflower liqueur and lemon juice to the glass. Pour in 1 oz elderflower liqueur and ½ oz lemon juice.
3. Top with chilled sparkling wine. Slowly pour about 3 oz of sparkling wine down the inside of the glass to maintain the bubbles and avoid overflow.
4. Garnish. Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in, or add an edible flower for a delicate floral touch.
5. Serve immediately. This cocktail is all about sparkle and freshness—don’t let it sit too long.

The total time from start to sip? Less than 3 minutes. Elegant cocktails don’t get easier than this.

---

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The French 77 opens with delicate floral notes from the elderflower liqueur, followed by the bright zing of fresh lemon juice. The sparkling wine adds body, crispness, and effervescence. The finish is light and aromatic, with hints of pear, citrus blossom, and gentle sweetness.

It’s incredibly balanced—never cloying, never too tart. Instead, it offers a refreshing, slightly romantic profile that suits any time of day.

This cocktail is ideal as an aperitif or brunch companion. It also pairs beautifully with dishes that share its light, fragrant qualities.

Try it with:

• Goat cheese crostini with honey
• Fresh berries and cream
• Cucumber sandwiches
• Sushi or sashimi
• Light citrusy salads

Or serve it as a welcome drink at an event—it sets the tone with grace and charm.

---

Garnishing and Presentation

Presentation is key with a French 77. Its pale golden hue and sparkling clarity deserve to be shown off in tall flutes or vintage coupes.

The most common garnish is a lemon twist, which complements the acidity and adds a hint of oil to the surface of the drink. Use a sharp peeler to cut a long, thin strip, twist it over the glass to release the citrus oils, then drop it in.

Other beautiful garnishing options include:

• Edible flowers like pansies or violets (especially for spring weddings)
• A thin cucumber ribbon, curled inside the flute
• A single fresh raspberry for a subtle pop of color
• A sprig of fresh thyme or lavender for herbal elegance

Keep the look light, seasonal, and sophisticated—nothing too heavy or fussy.

---

Pairing Suggestions

French 77 pairs beautifully with light, fresh dishes. Its balance of sweet and tart, with a floral note, means it complements rather than competes with food.

Brunch Pairings:

• Lemon ricotta pancakes
• Avocado toast with microgreens
• Fruit salad with mint and honey
• Smoked salmon canapés

Appetizers and Bites:

• Goat cheese-stuffed dates
• Prosciutto-wrapped melon
• Cucumber tea sandwiches
• Shrimp ceviche

Desserts:

• Lemon tart
• Madeleines
• Elderflower sorbet
• Vanilla panna cotta

For special occasions like bridal showers or spring garden parties, create a mini French 77 flight with different garnishes or a subtle twist in citrus (grapefruit juice, yuzu, or Meyer lemon).

---

Cocktail History and Trivia

The French 77 is a modern cocktail, evolved from the classic French 75, which itself dates back to World War I. The French 75 was named after the 75mm field gun used by the French military—punchy, explosive, and bracing, thanks to its combination of gin, lemon, and champagne.

The French 77 trades in that aggressive profile for elegance, using elderflower liqueur instead of gin and sugar. It’s unclear exactly when or where the French 77 was born, but its rise coincided with the popularity of St-Germain, which launched in 2007 and quickly became a darling of mixologists.

The drink has gained traction in recent years as a lighter, more floral option for weddings, brunches, and warm-weather toasts.

Think of it as the French 75’s dreamy younger sibling—just as refined but with a softer touch.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve the French 77 ice-cold, in flutes or coupes, for maximum elegance and fizz. It’s best suited for:

• Bridal showers
• Garden parties
• Mother’s Day brunch
• Spring and summer weddings
• Romantic dinner starters
• New Year’s Eve toasts (for a floral twist on tradition)

You can also scale it for events with ease:

Batch for 8 servings:

• 8 oz elderflower liqueur
• 4 oz lemon juice
• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine

Mix the elderflower and lemon juice ahead of time in a pitcher. Chill thoroughly. Just before serving, pour 1 oz of the mixture into each flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish each glass individually.

---

Alcohol Content and Alternatives

The French 77 sits around 12% ABV, depending on the wine and whether or not you include gin. That puts it roughly in line with a glass of champagne—light enough for day drinking but still festive and adult.

To reduce the alcohol, use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine (like Noughty or Leitz) and a non-alcoholic elderflower cordial such as Belvoir or Monin.

For a zero-proof version:

• 1 oz elderflower cordial
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 oz sparkling water or non-alcoholic wine

Serve and garnish as usual. It looks and feels just as festive as the original, perfect for inclusive gatherings.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between a French 75 and a French 77?
A French 75 uses gin, lemon, simple syrup, and champagne, while the French 77 swaps the gin and sugar for elderflower liqueur, making it sweeter, floral, and less boozy.

Can I add gin to a French 77?
Yes! Adding 1 oz of gin creates a floral variation of a French 75 with added complexity. It’s great for evening occasions.

Can I use other sparkling wines?
Absolutely. Cava and Prosecco both work well. Just make sure it’s on the drier side (Brut or Extra Brut).

Can I make it less sweet?
Use a drier sparkling wine and reduce the elderflower liqueur slightly. Adding more lemon juice also balances sweetness.

Does it have to be made fresh?
Yes. Because it’s carbonated, the French 77 is best served right after pouring.

---

---

Conclusion

Delicate, sparkling, and gracefully floral, the French 77 is proof that elegance doesn’t require complexity. It’s the perfect cocktail when you want something celebratory yet soft, with a touch of botanical charm. Whether you’re toasting a milestone or just elevating your next brunch, this drink never disappoints.