The 11 Best Champagne Cocktails
Champagne cocktails are the epitome of elegance and celebration. Whether it’s a New Year’s Eve party, a wedding toast, or simply a fancy brunch, these bubbly concoctions can elevate any event. Here are eleven of the best Champagne cocktails that are both delightful to sip and impressively sophisticated.
1. Classic Mimosa: Fresh orange juice meets sparkling Champagne in this timeless brunch cocktail. Simply combine equal parts of both ingredients in a flute and garnish with an orange slice.
2. Bellini: Another brunch staple, the Bellini, hails from Venice. Purée ripe peaches or use peach nectar, pour it into a chilled glass, and top with Prosecco for an Italian twist on bubbly.
3. French 75: A potent mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and Champagne creates this crisp and refreshing cocktail with a kick.
4. Kir Royale: A splash of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) topped with Champagne gives you a Kir Royale, an elegant French cocktail perfect for an evening celebration.
5. Champagne Mojito: Muddle mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a glass, then add rum and top with Champagne for a fizzy take on the classic Mojito.
6. Airmail: This exotic cocktail features rum, lime juice, and honey syrup topped with Champagne. It’s said to celebrate the early days of air travel.
7. Black Velvet: For something truly unique, mix stout beer with Champagne. The combination of rich beer and sparkling wine creates a seamless blend known as Black Velvet.
8. Poinsettia: Perfect for festive occasions, combine cranberry juice with triple sec before topping with Champagne to create the Poinsettia cocktail.
9. Death in the Afternoon: Created by Ernest Hemingway, this cocktail is simple — combine absinthe with Champagne — but it’s not for the faint-hearted due to its strong flavor profile.
10. The Champagne Cocktail: Place a sugar cube soaked in bitters at the bottom of a flute, add brandy (optional), and gently pour in chilled Champagne for this celebratory classic.
11. St-Germain Cocktail: For a botanical flair, mix elderflower liqueur (St-Germain) with Champagne. Add club soda to lighten it up and garnish with a lemon twist.
These 11 cocktails showcase the versatility of Champagne as more than just a standalone beverage — it’s also an impressive mixer that can transform any gathering into a memorable occasion.