Indulge in a Delectable Brandied Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Welcome, cocktail lovers! Today I bring you a recipe that is not only classic but also delicious and perfect for any celebration or even a romantic dinner. Are you looking for a fancy cocktail to impress your guests? Look no further as I have the perfect recipe for you – The Brandied Champagne Cocktail.
This exquisite cocktail dates back to the 19th century and has been one of the most popular champagne cocktails. The original recipe has seen many variations, but today we will be sharing a classic champagne cocktail recipe that you can easily make at home.
As the name suggests, this cocktail is made by pairing brandy with sweet vermouth and finishing it off with a splash of classic champagne. This little concoction is sure to give you an instant boost of elegance and sophistication. But why stop there? Elevate this classic champagne cocktail even further by adding some dashes of Angostura bitters, which gives it an aromatic burst of flavor.
Be warned – this recipe packs a punch! So, take my advice and pace yourself with sips of this delightful treat. Let’s get down to it and make ourselves a traditional Brandied Champagne Cocktail. Cheers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a classic and elegant cocktail recipe to impress your guests or simply to indulge in, look no further than the brandy champagne cocktail. This luxurious concoction combines the effervescence of classic champagne with the rich, smooth flavor of brandy, sweet vermouth, and creme de cassis.
What sets this champagne cocktail recipe apart from others is the addition of a sugar cube soaked in aromatic bitters. The sugar cube gives the cocktail a hint of sweetness while the bitters add depth and complexity. Plus, it’s hard to resist the orange zest along the rim of the flute that adds a mouthwatering citrus touch to each sip.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a deliciously rich and fruity beverage, this brandy champagne cocktail recipe is sure to please. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist the silky-smooth bubbles that envelop your taste buds with each sip. So grab your champagne glasses and get ready for an unforgettable drinking experience!
Ingredient List
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- 1 ounce of Brandy
- ½ ounce of Creme de Cassis
- ½ ounce of Sweet Vermouth
- Chilled Champagne or Sparkling Wine
- Orange zest along rim of flute
- One sugar cube for each flute
- A drop piece of orange slice as a Twist garnish
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the fun part – making the Brandied Champagne Cocktail recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 ounce brandy
- 1 tablespoon crème de cassis
- Champagne or sparkling wine
- Orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
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Begin by placing one sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute.
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Add two to three dashes of Angostura bitters to the sugar cube.
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Pour one ounce of brandy over the sugar cube and bitters in the glass.
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Add one tablespoon of crème de cassis, which will give your cocktail a sweeter, more fruity taste.
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Top off the glass with champagne or sparkling wine, until it is almost full.
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Use a vegetable peeler to cut a strip of orange zest, then rub it along the rim of the flute before dropping it into the cocktail as a garnish.
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Lastly, enjoy your brandied champagne cocktail!
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and uses classic ingredients that can be found in any bar or liquor store. The quality of the ingredients used will greatly impact the final product, so don’t skimp on anything!
If you’re looking to mix things up, feel free to experiment with different types of champagne or sparkling wine – you may discover new and exciting combinations!
Substitutions and Variations
The Brandied Champagne Cocktail is a classic champagne cocktail recipe that can be modified in various ways to suit different taste preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Fruit-flavored liqueur: Instead of using creme de cassis as the fruity base, you can try other fruit-flavored liqueurs such as triple sec, Grand Marnier, or pear brandy. These will add a different dimension of flavor to the cocktail.
– Different sweeteners: Rather than sugar cubes, you could use white sugar, brown sugar, or honey to sweeten the cocktail. Each of these will give a distinct sweetness and taste.
– Aromatic bitters: Angostura bitters are the classic option for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types such as orange or grapefruit bitters to add more depth to the drink.
– Cranberry Juice: You can add cranberry juice to your champagne cocktail if you want it to have a slightly tart taste.
– Sparkling wine: If you don’t have Champagne on hand, you could use another type of sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava instead.
– Garnishes: To give a unique touch to your cocktail, you could add an orange slice, lemon twist or even drop pieces of fruit into the glass before topping with chilled champagne.
Remember, feel free to experiment with these substitutions and take inspiration from other champagne cocktails like the French 75 or Champagne Punch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting delicious alcoholic drinks!
Serving and Pairing
There’s something incredibly elegant about sipping on a classic Champagne cocktail. It is the perfect drink to serve during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and brunches. The cocktail has a beautiful fizzy texture from the sparkling wine and a fruity sweetness that creates the perfect balance with the brandy and bitters.
When it comes to serving this delightful concoction, we recommend using tall and slender Champagne flutes. This way, you’ll be able to appreciate both the aroma and visual of the golden bubbles rising to the rim of the glass.
As for pairing, this cocktail can be enjoyed on its own before a meal or served with seafood dishes such as lobster tail, crab cakes, or shrimp scampi. For vegetarians, mushroom risotto or truffle fries are fantastic options. The acidic character of the cocktail also makes it suitable to pair with salads with a citrus vinaigrette dressing.
If you’re hosting a brunch or breakfast gathering, serve this cocktail alongside fresh fruit platters or cheese trays. A vibrant berry compote or a slice of savory quiche complements the beverage perfectly.
In general, it’s best to pair this cocktail with lighter food items and avoid heavier ones which might overpower the fizzy texture of your drink.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
While the Brandy Champagne Cocktail recipe is best served fresh, it is possible to prepare some of the elements in advance. The sugar cube can be soaked in the cognac ahead of time, and then stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Similarly, you can mix the sweet vermouth and creme de cassis together beforehand as well.
If you want to make a larger batch of the cocktail, you can combine all of the ingredients except for the champagne or sparkling wine in a pitcher or carafe. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. When your guests arrive, simply pour the mixture into chilled champagne glasses and top with chilled champagne.
If you end up with leftover Brandy Champagne Cocktail, you can store it covered in your refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind though that it may lose some of its carbonation during storage, so it’s best to consume it within 24 hours.
To reheat the cocktail, place it on low heat in a pot on your stove or microwave it at half power for short intervals until heated through. It’s important to note that heating champagne or sparkling wine will cause it to lose its fizz, but the brandy and other ingredients should still be flavorful enough to make a delicious cold weather treat even without carbonation!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a Brandied Champagne Cocktail, it’s important to get every little detail right. Every element in the recipe can significantly impact the final outcome of your cocktail. Here are a few tips that will help you make the perfect brandy champagne cocktail recipe.
1. Use Top-Quality Ingredients
To achieve the best results possible, always use top-quality ingredients in your cocktail recipe. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to the sparkling wine, cognac or sweet vermouth. A good quality creme de cassis and angostura bitters will also enhance the flavor of your cocktail.
2. Mind Your Measurements
It’s essential to measure each ingredient precisely and with accuracy as it determines the balance of flavors in your cocktail. Use a jigger or measuring cup to ensure you’re using the exact amount recommended in the recipe.
3. Add The Sugar Cube First
When building your brandy champagne cocktail, always start by adding one sugar cube and dashes of angostura bitters before pouring in the cognac and sweet vermouth mixture.
4. Chill Your Ingredients
Before mixing, chill your ingredients well before preparing your cocktails. This ensures that they are at optimal temperature when mixed, which affects both taste and appearance.
5. Use The Right Glassware
For serving, always use chilled champagne flutes as it preserves the carbonation, keeping your mixed champagne sparkling until you take that last sip.
By following these simple tips, you can easily create a delicious brandy champagne cocktail every time!
FAQ
Before we end this recipe article, I want to address some common questions about this brandied champagne cocktail recipe. In this FAQ section, I will provide you with answers to help you make the best version of this cocktail for your guests or yourself. So, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions!
What is the best alcohol to mix with champagne?
As a sommelier, I have tasted some outstanding liqueurs and spirits. Among them, there are eight classics that stand out in terms of taste, aroma and body. Topping the list is the Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, which offers a pleasing combination of fruity and tart flavors. Next up is Hayman’s Sloe Gin, known for its fruity taste which mellows pleasantly as it lingers on the palate. The third spirit on the list is St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur with its semi-sweet floral taste that makes it a perfect accompaniment to champagne. Luxardo Cherry “Sangue Morlacco” Liqueur comes in fourth, a rich, fruity spirit with a hint of cherry. Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire offers a perfect blend of rich and fruity flavors and comes in fifth. Moving along to the sixth ranked liqueur, we have Mathilde Cassis Liqueur, a classic black currant liqueur that is perfect for creating cocktails. Seventh on my list is Chambord Liqueur, an intense, raspberry-flavored liqueur that adds great flavor and aroma to cocktails. And finally, in eighth place is Grand Marnier, an orange-flavored liquor that is perfect for dessert cocktails.
What mixes good with champagne?
As a sommelier, I always love suggesting sparkling cocktails that will surely impress your guests. One of the crowd favorites is the Raspberry Royale which features the perfect marriage of fruity raspberry liqueur and crisp champagne. Another classic one is Mimosa, wherein you can choose any fruit juice you like and mix it with champagne to start your day with a refreshing drink. Lastly, Poinsettia offers a unique twist with its combination of tangy cranberry juice, orange-flavored triple sec liqueur, and champagne, making it the perfect holiday drink to toast with.
What’s the difference between champagne and Champagne Cocktail?
The term ‘Champagne Cocktail’ can refer to any cocktail containing Champagne or sparkling wine. The recipe I will be discussing is a classic version, which adds complementary ingredients for a delightful, citrusy taste.
How to make a Champagne Cocktail in Ina Garten?
For an enticing bubbly experience, take a sugar cube and place it in each flute before pouring a delectable tablespoon of brandy over it. Make sure the Champagne is chilled to perfection and pour it generously to the top of the glass. Take a piece of orange zest and rub it around the rim of each flute, and then, add a piece of it into the glass to enhance the flavor. To enjoy the perfect taste, savor it while it’s still fresh.
Bottom Line
With its balanced and sophisticated flavor, the brandy champagne cocktail is the perfect drink for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night in with friends, this classic champagne cocktail will delight your senses and leave you feeling refreshed.
With just a few simple ingredients, including brandy, sugar cube, and dashes of angostura bitters, and of course some champagne or sparkling wine; this champagne cocktail recipe is easy to make at home. And with the substitutions and variations section above, you can customize it to your liking by adding creme de cassis or triple sec.
I hope that this recipe has inspired you to try something new and experience the luxurious taste of the brandy champagne cocktail. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations of fruit flavors or twists for an even more unique taste. Invite some friends over and share in the joy that comes with mixing up creative cocktails!
Overall, a brandy champagne cocktail is a true classic that is always in trend – trust me as a sommelier – this recipe won’t disappoint you. Cheers!
Brandied Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 ounce cynzano sweet vermouth
- 3 -4 drops cognac
- 4 drops creme de cassis
- champagne
- 2 cherries preserved in brandy
Instructions
- In a champagne glass, combine the vermouth, cognac and cassis. Top with champagne and garnish with cherries.