Elevate Your Cocktail Game with Champagne Cocktails
What better way to kick off a holiday gathering than with a delicious and elegant champagne cocktail? And not just any champagne cocktail, but Craig’s Champagne Cocktail, a classic recipe that has been perfected over the years.
This recipe was inspired by Elijah Craig, the man credited with inventing bourbon whiskey. It’s a blend of simple yet sophisticated ingredients that come together seamlessly in each sip.
But what makes this champagne cocktail truly special is the addition of Grey Goose Fruits de Fête Champagne, which elevates the flavor profile to new heights. Pair it with some hors d’oeuvres or your favorite delicious dinner, or enjoy it on its own as you celebrate the season with friends and family.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for an elegant drink to serve at your next cocktail club, this recipe is sure to impress. So break out your favorite wine glasses and get ready to mix up something truly special – Craig’s Champagne Cocktail will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a cocktail recipe that is sure to impress your guests at the next holiday party or brunch? Look no further than Craig’s Champagne Cocktail Recipe!
Why will you love this recipe? For starters, it incorporates classic champagne, a timeless favorite among wine connoisseurs. But the addition of Elijah Craig bourbon and Grey Goose Fruits de Fête takes this cocktail to the next level, adding a complex and flavorful twist.
But that’s not all – the recipe also includes simple syrup and a dash of angostura bitters, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. And to make it extra special, top it off with an orange twist for a hint of citrus.
Not only is this cocktail deliciously refreshing, but it’s also elegant and sophisticated. Perfect for holiday cocktails or any special occasion, Craig’s Champagne Cocktail Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and shake up some cocktails for your next event. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for Craig’s Champagne Cocktail recipe:
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 tbsp of simple syrup
- A lump of ice
- 2 dashes of angostura bitters
- Grey Goose Fruits De Fête Champagne or classic champagne
- 1 slice of orange
- Doug Capozzoli’s cranberry juice (provided with the recipe)
Note: This recipe is designed to serve up to 12 bottles of champagne cocktail, so be sure to adjust the quantity of ingredients according to your requirements.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: In a wine glass, soak one sugar cube with 1 tbsp of Angostura bitters.
Step 2: Add 5 oz of champagne or sparkling wine.
Step 3: Finish filling the glass with champagne and add a touch of simple syrup, if desired.
Step 4: Garnish with an orange twist.
If you want to make this recipe for a crowd, start by placing 12 bottles of champagne in the refrigerator, and then for each serving:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 lump of sugar with 1 tbsp Angostura bitters, and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Add 2 oz Grey Goose Fruits de Fête (or any vodka or liquor you prefer) to the shaker and shake with ice.
- Strain into champagne flutes and top each glass with chilled bubbly.
- Garnish with an orange twist or even some fresh fruit.
This version of the classic champagne cocktail is inspired by the talented bartender Craig Rice. He created this fruity take on the cocktail for his Cocktail Club column on Liquor.com. I have adapted it slightly, combining elements from Rice’s recipe and one shared by Doug Capozzoli of the SousVide Supreme team.
By linking two classics together—the champagne cocktail and the Grey Goose Fruits de Fête Champagne Cocktail— this recipe creates an elegant drink that should appeal to fans of both styles. And since it’s light and sparkling, it would be perfect as an Easter brunch or poinsettia drink during Christmas or other holiday cocktails.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own spin on this classic Champagne cocktail recipe, there are endless possibilities when it comes to substitutions and variations.
For instance, if you don’t have a sugar cube on hand, you could use half an ounce of simple syrup instead. You can also mix in a splash of cranberry juice to create a festive “poinsettia” cocktail – perfect for holiday get-togethers or Christmas celebrations.
If you prefer your cocktails with a bit more kick, try substituting the vodka in the recipe with Grey Goose La Poire, which infuses the drink with a refreshing pear flavor that pairs perfectly with champagne. Alternatively, add a lump of fresh grated ginger to give the drink some spicy heat.
For those looking for non-alcoholic options or offering this drink at a family-friendly gathering, simply omit the vodka and replace the champagne with sparkling non-alcoholic wine.
The possibilities for substitutions and variations are endless! Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your tastes.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Craig’s Champagne Cocktail, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, make sure the cocktail is chilled before serving. You can either chill the cocktail glasses in the fridge or freezer beforehand, or pour the cocktail over ice.
As for pairing, this classic champagne cocktail pairs well with a variety of dishes. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, try pairing it with light bites such as crudités or seafood. For a heartier meal, this cocktail is great with roasted chicken, fish or seafood pasta dishes.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink to serve alongside this cocktail, a simple orange or cranberry juice spritzer would be a refreshing option.
Overall, Craig’s Champagne Cocktail is ideal for any celebratory occasion or fine dining experience. Its elegant and sparkly charms offer a luxurious touch that can enhance any occasion no matter how casual or formal it may be. So go ahead and indulge yourself and your guests with this timeless classic champagne recipe that will never go out of style.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Craig’s Champagne Cocktail recipe is that it can be made ahead of time to ensure that you are not scrambling to entertain your guests. Simply prepare the sugar cubes, simple syrup and bitters mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you need it.
When it comes to champagne cocktails, freshness is key. Therefore, it is not recommended to store the cocktail itself for an extended period of time. If you would like to make this cocktail ahead of time, prepare everything but the champagne so that when you are ready to serve, all you need to do is top it up with champagne.
If you happen to have leftover champagne cocktail, which is unlikely considering how delicious this drink is, pour it into an airtight container or capped bottle and store it in the fridge for up to one day. When you are ready to drink it again, give the container a gentle shake and pour it into a glass.
Reheating champagne cocktails is not recommended as heat can cause the bubbles in sparkling wine or champagne to dissipate. This would completely change the mouthfeel of the drink and negatively impact its flavor profile.
To summarize: prep ahead when possible so that entertaining is stress-free but always aim to serve freshly made cocktails for optimal enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the perfect Craig’s Champagne Cocktail, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Tip #1: Use Classic Champagne
To create a truly classic Champagne cocktail, it is important to use classic Champagne. Don’t skimp on quality when selecting your bottle of bubbly. Cheap sparkling wines may work for some cocktails, but for this recipe, classic Champagne is essential.
Tip #2: Don’t Overdo the Orange Flavor
While orange is an important component of this cocktail, be careful not to go overboard with the orange flavor. Adding too much juice or zest can overpower the delicate flavors of the Champagne and other ingredients. Stick to the recipe’s recommended amount for best results.
Tip #3: Use Quality Ingredients
All of the ingredients in this recipe contribute to the final product, so it’s important to use high-quality ones. Opt for organic oranges if possible, and choose a good-quality vodka like Grey Goose. Invest in Angostura bitters for optimal flavor.
Tip #4: Opt for Simple Syrup
Using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar ensures that the sweetness is distributed evenly throughout the cocktail. It also blends more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother texture.
Tip #5: Chill Your Ingredients Carefully
Be sure to chill all of your ingredients thoroughly before mixing your Champagne cocktail. Warm ingredients will cause your champagne or sparkling wine to lose its bubbles quickly, resulting in a less enjoyable beverage.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Craig’s Champagne Cocktail turns out perfectly every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking to add some sparkle to your next party, Craig’s Champagne Cocktail is the perfect recipe for you. This classic champagne cocktail is simple to make but tastes elegant and sophisticated, and its bright orange color is sure to impress your guests.
With its unique combination of ingredients, including Elijah Craig bourbon, Grey Goose fruits de fête champagne, and just a touch of cranberry juice, this cocktail recipe is perfect for any celebration – from a holiday bash to an Easter brunch or even a Cocktail Club soirée.
So why not give Craig’s Champagne Cocktail a try? Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or a novice bartender, this recipe will be sure to wow your guests with its delicious flavor and stunning presentation. So raise a toast to the festive season with this sparkling wine concoction and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors in every sip. Cheers!
Craig’s Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 white sugar cube
- 1 slice fresh orange
- 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or similar, or Curacao if you want a drier mix)
- 1 glass champagne or 1 glass dry sparkling wine
- 3 drops Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in a wide glass ( brandy glass is ideal).
- Drip the bitters onto the sugar.
- Pour the orange liqueur around the sugar.
- Place the slice of orange on top of the sugar.
- Gently dribble the champagne over the orange slice so that a clear layer is visible between the liqueur and the wine.
- Drink - it gets subtly more lethal as you go down the glass.
- The diameter of the glass needs to match the diameter of the orange slice for best layering effect.