Champagne Cocktails
There’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a little bubbly, but why not push the boat out a little further and create some fantastic Champagne cocktails. From the heady French 75 to the popular Blushing Bride cocktail there are a whole range of exciting & colourful Champagne cocktails which will add the X-Factor to any party or special occasion.
When looking at the origins of champagne cocktails, there are several references to them in old novels, newspapers and cocktail books. Champagne mixed drinks, containing orange liqueurs and brandy in the form of fruit cups & punches, can be found in old cookbook recipe collections such as Mrs Beetons “Book of Household Management” which was first published in 1861. We find the first recipe citation for a Champagne cocktail in the classic “The Bar-Tenders Guide” compiled by Jerry Thomas in 1862. It should be remembered that Champagne would have been much sweeter back then, as opposed to today’s popular dry `brut` style.
When selecting a Champagne to use in cocktails a classical brand `brut` without a year will normally work. It doesn’t make much sense to use a premium Champagne for mixing cocktails when many of the subtle nuances and notes will be lost to whatever you are mixing it with. You must ask yourself whether you like sweet cocktails versus dry and this will steer your choice of Champagne. Some people even prefer to use Prosecco or other sparkling wines instead of Champagne, which is usually perfectly acceptable.
At Social and Cocktail HQ we selected 3 Champagne cocktails that are very easy to make and will be a guaranteed hit with your guests.
1) Kir Royale
Cocktail Ingredients
80 ml Champagne, 20 ml Crème de Cassis
How to make a Kir Royale
Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of a chilled Champagne flute, then top up with Champagne, using a bar spoon to float the champagne on top. Stir gently to combine.
2) Blushing Bride Cocktail
Cocktail Ingredients
25 ml Peach Schnapps, 100 ml Champagne, 25 ml Grenadine Syrup
How to make a Blushing Bride cocktail
Pour the peach schnapps and grenadine syrup into a Champagne flute. Top-up with Champagne.
3) Bucks Fizz
Cocktail Ingredients
50 ml Orange Juice, 100 ml Champagne,
How to make a Bucks Fizz
Pour 50 ml of orange juice into Champagne flute. Using a bar spoon, float Champagne on top. Lightly stir to combine.