Delicious champagne cocktail recipe for happy hour
Raise your glass, my friends, because I have a classic champagne cocktail recipe that will make you want to celebrate! This fizzy and refreshing drink is perfect for any occasion from weddings to New Year’s Eve. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you guys because not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
The classic champagne cocktail has stood the test of time and remains a popular drink at bars and restaurants around the world. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness, bubbles, and bold flavors. This cocktail has been around since the 1800s but it still remains as popular as ever. The traditional recipe calls for cognac or brandy, a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and chilled Champagne topped with a lemon twist garnish.
But if you want to change it up a bit, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to customize your drink. Whether you prefer fruit juice, cranberry juice or maraschino cherries as your topping or twist garnish, you can add your own flair without sacrificing quality.
So don’t wait any longer, grab your ingredients and let’s get started on making the perfect classic champagne cocktail. It’s time to celebrate life with this delicious drink in hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Welcome to the world of the Classic Champagne Cocktail recipe! Are you looking for a delicious, elegant and refreshing cocktail recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Then look no further than the Classic Champagne Cocktail!
This luxurious drink, made with a blend of champagne, cognac, brandy and sugar cube as its base ingredients, is pure decadence in every sip. Its luscious aromas and flavors combine perfectly with a twist of lemon and maraschino cherries that create an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
The reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it is versatile enough to be enjoyed at brunch, parties or simply as a special treat for yourself. It’s easy to prepare and customizable enough to fit anyone’s preferences. You can substitute the traditional sugar cube with fruit juice or cranberry juice to add an extra twist of flavor depending on your mood.
It’s also perfect for celebratory occasions such as weddings, anniversaries or graduations. Nothing says celebration like a glass filled with sparkling wine cocktails that also come with the added bonus of being alcoholic drinks.
So why settle for mediocre drinks when you can have the delicious Classic Champagne Cocktail instead? Bring out the fancy glasses, pop open a bottle of chilled champagne and get ready for an experience that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Try this recipe today and see why it’s considered one of the 23 classic champagne cocktails!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic Champagne Cocktail recipe:
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- ¼ oz of cognac or brandy
- 4 oz of chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
The recipe calls for some simple ingredients that pack a punch, elevating the mixed champagne to another level. The sugar cube, when combined with Angostura bitters and sugar, creates a sweet, slightly bitter base that balances excellently with the bright and dry nature of champagne. The cognac or brandy adds a subtle earthiness that pairs well with the fruit juice. A lemon twist garnish and maraschino cherry complete the cocktail, contributing their sweetness and sourness to bring the drink together. Refreshing, flavourful and suitable for all occasions, this classic Champagne Cocktail is easy to whip up and will impress your guests every time.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
Before you start making the Classic Champagne Cocktail, make sure that you have all the necessary recipe ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 oz cognac or brandy
- Sparkling wine or champagne [750 ml bottle should make around 6 cocktails]
- Maraschino cherries [for garnish]
- Lemon twist [for garnish]
Step 2: Add Sugar Cube and Bitters into Flute
Place one sugar cube into a champagne flute. Then, add two to three dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the sugar cube.
Step 3: Pour in Cognac or Brandy
Next, pour one ounce of cognac or brandy into the flute over the sugar and bitters. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Step 4: Top with Champagne
Finally, top off the glass with chilled sparkling wine or champagne up to about an inch from the top. Stir gently with a spoon if desired.
Step 5: Garnish
Garnish the Classic Champagne Cocktail with a maraschino cherry and a twist of lemon zest.
And Voila! You have just made yourself at home-made Classic Champagne Cocktail.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several ways to switch up the classic champagne cocktail recipe to fit your personal taste preferences. Switching out some of the ingredients can create a unique twist on this timeless drink.
To add a fruity spin, try adding a splash of cranberry or other fruit juice to the mix. This is a great way to change up the flavor profile while still keeping the champagne as the main ingredient.
For those who prefer their drinks stronger, consider adding more cognac or brandy than the recipe calls for. While this will increase the alcohol content of the drink, it will also add a complex and rich flavor that compliments the sweetness of the sugar cube.
If you want to add an extra pop of color, replace your typical maraschino cherries with fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries. This substitution not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor profile, creating a fresh and fruity taste with each sip.
Finally, for those looking for a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail, replace the cognac or brandy with an alcohol-free variant. The bitters and sugar cubes will still create that classic champagne cocktail taste even without alcohol.
Whatever modifications you choose to make to your classic champagne cocktail recipe, remember that experimentation leads to discovery. So don’t be afraid to play around with ingredient substitutions and variations until you find your perfect twist on this classic drink.
Serving and Pairing
The classic champagne cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. It pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes and is best served cold.
For a light and elegant meal, serve the cocktail with delicate appetizers such as smoked salmon or oysters. The effervescence of the champagne enhances the flavors of these dishes while the cognac adds a hint of depth and richness to the overall taste.
If you’re looking to complement more robust meals, consider pairing the cocktail with grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes. The sweetness of the sugar cube balances out the saltiness of these dishes while the bitters cut through any richness in the food.
For dessert, try serving the champagne cocktail alongside a fruit tart or cheesecake. The bubbles from champagne make it a perfect match for sweet treats while the cognac adds complexity to every sip.
To elevate your serving style, garnish each glass with a maraschino cherry and a lemon twist. The fruity flavor of cherries complements the sweet notes in the cocktail, while a lemon twist garnish adds tanginess and freshness to each sip.
Overall, this classic champagne cocktail recipe is perfect for any occasion whether it be an elegant dinner party or a casual get-together with friends. It is simple to make but complex in flavor, making it an all-time favorite among cocktail connoisseurs.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to impress your guests with this classic champagne cocktail recipe, then you may want to prepare some components in advance. The sugar cubes and maraschino cherries can be prepared ahead of time and stored properly for later use.
To make a larger batch of sugar cubes, dissolve the sugar in water and let it cool. Then pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. You can also store the maraschino cherries in their syrup or soak them in cognac or brandy for added flavor.
When it comes to storing the mixed champagne cocktail, make sure it is covered and refrigerated. If you are not serving it immediately, add the champagne right before serving to keep the cocktail from going flat.
Reheating champagne cocktails is generally not recommended as it could alter its taste and flavor. However, if you have leftover champagne cocktail that has not yet been mixed with sparkling wine or champagne, you can store it in the refrigerator and add the sparkling wine when ready to serve.
Remember, freshness is key when making delicious cocktails, so always try to prepare and mix your drinks as close to serving time as possible.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to creating a perfect classic champagne cocktail, following the recipe and using quality ingredients is key. However, here are some additional tips that can elevate your cocktail game and help you create the perfect drink every time.
Firstly, ensure your ingredients are chilled before making the cocktail. Chill your cognac, brandy, and sparkling wine/champagne in advance to prevent dilution of the drink.
Secondly, use high-quality bitters and be mindful of the amount used. Too little bitters can leave the drink flat, while too many can overpower the taste.
Thirdly, for a sweeter cocktail, use fruit juice or a flavored syrup as an alternative to sugar cubes. This also helps to introduce new flavors and make your cocktail unique.
Fourthly, opt for maraschino cherries instead of other types of cherries for a tastier twist garnish. The yellow cherries add sweetness and flavor that pairs perfectly with the drink.
Fifthly, don’t over-stir the drink after adding champagne/sparkling wine – a gentle stir is enough to mix everything together. Over-stirring can result in losing the carbonation from sparkling wine/champagne, which affects both texture and flavor.
Lastly, serve your classic champagne cocktail in a chilled champagne flute glass with a twist garnish or lemon peel – this adds a touch of sophistication and also complements the citrus flavors in the drink.
By following these tips, you’ll master making classic champagne cocktails in no time and impress your friends with delicious cocktails at your next party!
FAQ
Before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions that may help you perfect your classic champagne cocktail recipe.
What mixes good with champagne?
As a sommelier, I love suggesting unique wine cocktails to my clients. One of my favorite blends is the Raspberry Royale which combines the fruity flavors of Chambord – a raspberry liqueur – with the bubbly effervescence of champagne. Another delicious option is the Mimosa, a classic cocktail that is made by mixing champagne with your favorite fruit juice like grape, cranberry, orange, raspberry lemonade. Additionally, I recommend the Poinsettia cocktail which perfectly balances the tangy flavor of cranberry juice with the sweetness of Cointreau – an orange-flavored triple sec liqueur – and of course, champagne.
What is the difference between champagne and a Champagne Cocktail?
Step aside, classic cocktails! Make way for the Champagne Cocktail – the epitome of timeless sophistication. This classic drink focuses solely on the crisp effervescence of champagne with a hint of sweetness from a sugar cube and a pop of flavor from an aromatic dash of Angostura bitters. To top it off, a fresh lemon twist adds a bit of tanginess to this luxurious sip. Savor every moment of this all-champagne concoction.
What alcohol is in a Champagne Cocktail?
One of the classic drinks recognized by the International Bartender Association is the Champagne Cocktail. This alcoholic beverage is composed of a mixture of sugar, Angostura bitters, Champagne, Cognac or brandy, and is topped with a Maraschino cherry or lemon twist garnish.
Why put a sugar cube in a glass of champagne?
When producing champagne, sugar is commonly added at different stages to produce the desired taste. One addition of sugar is used to elevate the alcohol level, another to promote the second fermentation process in the bottle, and a third amount of sugar is added during the bottling process. The latter addition serves to give the champagne a delicate and smooth quality without adding much sweetness.
What’s the best thing to add to champagne?
When it comes to jazzing up your Champagne cocktail, incorporating a small amount of fruit juice can go a long way. Consider adding some freshly squeezed lemon, lime, orange, or cranberry juice to add a pop of color and extra flavor to your drink. Just be cautious not to go overboard, as using too much juice can quickly turn your cocktail into a mimosa.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the classic champagne cocktail recipe is a drink that has stood the test of time for good reasons. It is an elegant and delicious way to add some sparkle to your soirées or simply to treat yourself after a long day.
This recipe’s ingredients are easy to find in any well-stocked liquor store, and you can also make substitutions to fit your taste preferences. The maraschino cherries, cognac, and angostura bitters give this classic cocktail a unique flavor profile that is sure to wow your taste buds.
The champagne cocktail recipe can be served at any celebration, whether it be a wedding, New Year’s party, or just a simple get-together with friends. When paired with appetizers or desserts, this cocktail adds an extra touch of class and sophistication.
In sum, mixing up one of these classic champagne cocktails is a great way to add some fun and excitement to your next celebration or gathering. Give it a try and impress your guests with your bartending skills. Cheers!
Classic Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 sugar cubes
- 4 drops Angostura bitters
- 1 (25 ounce) bottle champagne, very cold
- 4 teaspoons cognac or 4 teaspoons brandy
- 4 teaspoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 4 orange slices
- 4 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- For each cocktail, place 1 drop Angostura bitters on a sugar cube in the bottom of a chilled champagne flute.
- Fill with very cold champagne.
- Garnish with a squeeze of fresh orange juice, a drop of brandy, an orange slice and a cherry.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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