How to Make a Champagne Cocktail

A Forgotten Classic

Champagne cocktails are probably up there amongst the other most sophisticated cocktails to order. Ordering a martini up and with a twist…mojito with Jamaican rum and fresh mint…or how about gin and tonic? These are classics, but one that we tend to forget is the Champagne cocktail—a little bit of Champagne, a little liqueur and a few extras and voila! Instant sophistication.

Background

Champagne cocktails actually started out as a drink for the ladies back in the late 1800’s for society’s upper class. When the gentleman would retire to the study after a meal (because, of course, where else would you retire to?) to have their Cognac and brandy, the ladies would also partake with a Champagne cocktail. The simple reason was that a Champagne cocktail was not as alcoholic as a glass of Cognac or snifter of Brandy. Let’s face it, back then gentlewomen did not get sloshed or very intoxicated—it just simply was not done.

Wine Cocktails

Actually, some of the well-known cocktails out there are actually made with wine. Take the following for example:

• Sangria — Citrus fruits, apples, berries and spices thrown together with red wine.
• Wine spritzers — White wine with flavored soda with citrus.
• Mulled wine — Red wine with sugar and spices, some cinnamon and served hot with clove garnishes.

These are all classic examples of wine related drinks and cocktails, so Champagne cocktails are really not all that strange.

Key Ingredients

Before we share some favorite recipes, it's important to note that the key to starting out making a good cocktail, before you even start mixing anything, is to buy good liquor. You don’t drink a $4.00 bottle in your martinis and if you do, splurge and buy some top shelf stuff and you will taste an amazing difference.

The secret regarding how to make a Champagne cocktail that tastes as elegant as it looks is starting with good Champagne or sparkling wine. Don't get carried away and open a bottle of Dom Perignon to mix into your cocktail, but that doesn’t mean you should head out and stock up on André either. As a general rule, if you spend between $20-$30 for a bottle and you’re really safe. Some people say you need to use real French Champagne for the cocktail but it really isn't necessary. You can find some good mid-range sparkling wines that will fit the bill nicely.

Some Great Recipes

Classic Champagne Cocktail

• Flute of sparkling wine/Champagne - Champagne cocktails should always be served in a flute.
• One sugar cube doused with some bitters - You'll find bitters in the liquor aisle of your favorite store. The most common brand is Angostura.
• One Tsp of brandy - You can also add a few drops of brandy to the sugar cube as well.
• One cocktail cherry to garnish

Bellini

• Flute of sparkling wine/Prosecco
• White peach puree

Raspberry puree Cherry puree or juice

Measure out about one and a half tablespoons of white peach puree and place it in the bottom of the flute. Add a few thinly sliced peaches to the glass for garnish and fill the rest of the flute with your sparkling wine or Prosecco.

Note — Although Italian Bellinis call for peach juice, there have been many variations so feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit juice or puree.

Kir Royale

• Flute of Champagne
• One ounce Crème de Cassis
• Top with a slight amount of dry/off-dry white wine

Add one to two tablespoons of Creme de Cassis to about six ounces of Champagne. If you can't find Creme de Cassis at your local liquor store, substitute Chambord.

French 75

• Flute of sparkling wine
• 1 oz of Gin (if you use Vodka it becomes a French 76)
• 1 oz of lemon juice
• Sugar to taste

Enjoy!

Try out these classic recipes when first learning how to make a Champagne cocktail. Once you've got the hang of it feel free to change and try new things. With summer coming along, feel free to try some of these at brunch or as an aperitif before dinner. Remember to start out with good ingredients and the rest is simple. Enjoy!