Champagne Cocktail

Champagne Cocktail Variations

There are plenty of champagne-based cocktails, we recommend one of these:

• Mimosa – Effortlessly combining champagne with fresh orange juice, it offers a citrusy, refreshing experience perfect for brunch. The natural sweetness of the orange juice complements the bubbly lightness of the champagne beautifully.
• Bellini – Champagne meets peach purée in this mix, creating a fruity, velvety delight. The soft, sweet touch of peach purée enhances the crispness of the champagne, making it a festive favorite.
• Kir Royale – Champagne gets an elegant twist with a splash of crème de cassis, introducing a luxurious blackcurrant flavor. The deep berry taste from the crème de cassis pairs exquisitely with the champagne.
• French 75 – Gin, lemon juice, and sugar join champagne in this classic, balancing tartness and sweetness with a botanical complexity from the gin. The combination elevates the champagne’s effervescence to a sophisticated level.
• Black Velvet – Stout beer layers with champagne in this unique choice, contrasting the deep richness of the stout with the light, crisp champagne.
• Air Mail – A tropical twist emerges as champagne blends with rum, lime juice, and honey. The zesty kick from the rum and lime juice, smoothed by honey, creates a refreshing experience.
• Death in the Afternoon – Champagne and a dose of absinthe come together for a potent, anise-flavored kick. The strong flavor of absinthe boldly stands out against the champagne’s backdrop.
• Poinsettia – Cranberry juice and triple sec mix with champagne, resulting in a fruity, holiday-inspired creation. The tartness of cranberry juice and citrus notes from the triple sec harmonize delightfully.
• Seelbach – Bourbon, Cointreau, and bitters combine with champagne for a complex, spirited lift. The warm depth of bourbon contrasts nicely with the champagne’s lightness.
• Diamond Fizz – Offering a more carbonated experience, this is similar to a French 75 but served as a fizz. I enjoy its lively extra fizziness, which elevates the classic gin and champagne combination.
• Rossini – Strawberry purée and champagne blend to create a berry-infused, sweet treat. The natural, fruity sweetness of strawberry purée is something I find irresistibly refreshing, especially on warm days.
• St-Germain Cocktail – St-Germain elderflower liqueur infuses champagne, adding a unique floral sweetness. The subtle floral notes from the elderflower create a sophisticated, aromatic experience.
• Champagne Mojito – This brings a bubbly twist to the classic mojito mix of rum, mint, and lime. The addition of champagne makes the traditional mojito even more celebratory and refreshing.
• Hibiscus Champagne – Champagne is enhanced with hibiscus syrup, introducing a tart and floral note. The vibrant color and distinct tangy flavor of hibiscus syrup beautifully complement the champagne.

History and Origin of the Champagne Cocktail

The Champagne Cocktail boasts a storied past that dates back to the 19th century. Historians often regard it as one of the earliest concoctions labeled a “cocktail,” a testament to its timelessness and appeal. The drink first made its printed appearance in Jerry Thomas’s 1862 bartending guide, “How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant’s Companion.” Its simplicity and elegance quickly endeared it to high society, making it a staple in upscale bars and salons across the United States and Europe.

Its popularity dovetailed with Champagne’s increasing availability and allure during the same period as more people gained access to this once exclusive beverage. The Champagne Cocktail offered a novel way to enjoy the bubbly in a mixed drink format. Over time, the cocktail has maintained its stature, continually appearing on bar menus and in literature, cementing its place as a classic in the world of mixology.