Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Champagne Cocktail Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:12%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Champagne Cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It is said to have been invented by a bartender named John Dougherty in 1862 at the St. Louis Hotel in New Orleans. The drink quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among high society, often enjoyed at celebrations and special occasions.
- The Champagne Cocktail was featured in the first known cocktail book, 'The Bartender's Guide' by Jerry Thomas, published in 1862.
- The drink has been enjoyed by many famous figures throughout history, including Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe.
How Champagne Cocktail Tastes?
The Champagne Cocktail has a delightful balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the sugar cube and the bitterness of the Angostura bitters complementing the crisp, dry taste of the champagne. The drink is effervescent, refreshing, and slightly fruity.
Interesting facts about Champagne Cocktail
- The Champagne Cocktail is often associated with luxury and sophistication, making it a popular choice for toasting at weddings and other special events.
- The sugar cube in the drink helps to create a continuous stream of bubbles, adding to the visual appeal of the cocktail.
- Despite its name, the Champagne Cocktail can also be made with other sparkling wines, such as Prosecco or Cava, for a more budget-friendly option.
Ingredients
- Champagne: 5 oz(150ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2dashes
- Sugar cube: 1
- Lemon twist: 1
- Maraschino cherry: 1
Champagne
The star of the show! Champagne provides the celebratory effervescence and crisp, yeasty backbone to the cocktail. If you skimp on the Champagne, the cocktail loses its trademark fizz and charm. Too much, and you might just miss out on the other flavors dancing in your glass.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters
A classic cocktail's secret weapon, bitters bring complexity with their concentrated herby, spicy notes. Without them, you're basically toasting with bubbly sugar water – quite flat in the festivities department.
Emma Rose
Sugar Cube
Sweetness personified, it balances the bitters and adds a subtle caramel note as it dissolves. Drop it, and your drink could become a pucker-fest. Too much sugar and you're in kid's party punch territory.
Alex Green
Lemon Twist
The zesty perfume of the lemon oils expressed over the drink brightens the cocktail and invites your nose to the party. No lemon? It's like a smiling face without the twinkle in the eye—still pleasant but lacking a bit of sparkle.
Mary Mitkina
Maraschino Cherry
The celebratory garnish, a cherry offers a hint of sweetness and an eye-catching allure. Leaving it out doesn't ruin the drink, but cocktails are like outfits: accessories always elevate the look!
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Champagne Cocktail Drink
- Chill a champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Soak the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters and place it at the bottom of the chilled flute.
- Pour the champagne slowly over the sugar cube, allowing the bubbles to rise and dissolve the sugar.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.
Pro Tips
- Always chill your champagne before serving. It should be served at around 7-9°C.
- Instead of a sugar cube, you can also use a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- For a twist, try adding a dash of cognac to the mix.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Oysters: Their briny flavor complements the crispness of the Champagne.
- Canapés with smoked salmon: The smoky flavor pairs nicely with the effervescence and slight bitters of the cocktail.
Cheese
- Brie: Creamy textures work well with the bubbly and dryness of the Champagne.
- Aged Gouda: The nuttiness stands up to the complexity of the bitters.
Desserts
- Berry tarts or fruit-based desserts: Their natural sweetness will harmonize with the slight sweetness of the sugar cube.
- Dark chocolate: The bitterness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the cherry can create a delightful contrast.
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What you could change in Champagne Cocktail
- Prosecco or Cava can be used instead of Champagne for a more budget-friendly option.
- If you don't have Angostura bitters, you can use orange bitters.
- A lime twist can be used as a substitute for a lemon twist.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Rosé Champagne Cocktail
Switch out the standard Champagne for a Rosé Champagne, adding a blush of color and a touch of berry fruitiness. Expect the cocktail to have a rounder, slightly berry-inflected profile—quite the charmer for a sunset toast.
Old Cuban
Introduce aged rum, mint, and lime to the equation, taking cues from a mojito. The result is an exciting fusion that's like an island holiday in a flute—not your granddad's Champagne Cocktail!
Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail
Use a splash of elderflower liqueur in place of the sugar cube and bitters. The elderflower's floral sweetness is a beautiful complement to the Champagne's zest. This version whispers of spring gardens and fancy afternoon teas.
In case you forgot basics how to make Champagne Cocktail
Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Champagne Cocktail
What type of Champagne is best for a Champagne Cocktail?
A brut champagne, which is dry and less sweet, is generally best for a Champagne Cocktail as it balances out the sweetness of the sugar cube and maraschino cherry.
Is there a virgin alternative to a Champagne Cocktail?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, you can use non-alcoholic sparkling wine or soda water in place of the champagne and leave out the bitters.
What's the best way to store leftover champagne?
Once opened, a bottle of champagne should be re-corked and stored in the refrigerator. However, it is best consumed within 1-2 days of opening as it will lose its bubbles over time.
Does the size or shape of the champagne flute affect the taste of the Champagne Cocktail?
Yes, the size and shape of the flute can affect the taste and bubbles of the champagne. A smaller opening will help preserve the bubbles better and direct them to the back of the tongue.
What is the origin of maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries originated in the Dalmatian region of Croatia where local marasca cherries were preserved in maraschino liqueur.
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