Combining Champagne, a hint of sugar, and dashes of bitters is a classic choice for any classy event.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- 5 oz Champagne - chilled
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Champagne Flute
Measuring Spoon
Prep Flute: Place 1 sugar cube at the bottom of the Champagne flute.
Add Bitters: Drip 2-3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters directly onto the sugar cube.
Pour Champagne: Fill the flute with 5 oz Champagne, allowing the bubbles to dissolve the sugar.
Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils and drop it into the flute.
Substitutes:
- Sugar Cube: I sometimes use a teaspoon of granulated sugar if I run out of sugar cubes. The experience changes slightly, but the drink remains delightful.
- Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters are a delightful alternative, imparting a unique citrusy flavor profile.
- Champagne: I've used Prosecco or Cava before. While both are sparkling wines, each brings distinct characteristics to the cocktail.
Making a Pitcher of Champagne Cocktail:
- Scale: For a pitcher that serves 8, use 8 sugar cubes, 16-24 dashes of bitters, and about 40 oz (1.2 liters) of Champagne.
- Mix: In the pitcher, combine sugar cubes and bitters. When you're ready to serve, pour the Champagne and stir gently.
- Serve: Distribute the mixture into Champagne flutes, garnish with lemon twists, and serve at once.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Champagne Substitute: Choose a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or a fizzy grape juice. These often capture the bubbly essence without the alcohol.
- Angostura Bitters: infuse simple syrup with gentian root, cardamom and orange peel to replicate the bitterness and the aromas.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the Champagne with the non-alcoholic alternative and follow the original steps. You'll get a bubbly, non-alcoholic treat!
Making it Vegan:
Good news! The classic Cocktail already fits within a vegan diet. However, always check the labels on store-bought items, especially wines and bitters, as some might use non-vegan ingredients or processing agents. Choose vegan-certified products to be certain.