Champagne Cocktail

If you’re a fan of champagne, you know that it doesn’t have to be mixed with anything else to taste perfect. Nevertheless, you can use many different ingredients such as citrus, bitters, spirits, and liqueurs to enhance and subtly alter its taste and create a new, equally divine drink. A number of cocktails make use of champagne because it is so easily paired with other flavors, but arguably the most classic recipe is the simple and elegant Champagne Cocktail.

History of the Champagne Cocktail

This drink has a rich and long history, originating over 150 years ago in Jerry Thomas’s iconic book ‘The Bartender’s Guide’. Unlike some of the other cocktails presented by Thomas, the champagne drink does not make use of complex or hard-to-find ingredients. This and the delicious, sparkling taste is why it has survived for so many years and continues to be popular around the world.

A key difference between regular cocktails and those using champagne is that while the former are usually shaken or stirred, the latter are mixed directly in the champagne flute to preserve the bubbles of their main ingredient. What’s more, the alcohol content is lower than in many other options, which makes this drink suitable for a number of occasions, ranging from a casual get-together with friends to a sophisticated evening event.

Ingredients

The drink requires a very modest list of ingredients and is therefore easy to prepare, no matter where you are. You won’t even need a cocktail shaker. Of course, the most important ingredient is a high-quality champagne or other fizzy wine, which you can choose at will.

Most bartenders recommend using a sugar cube as a sweetener and to create the iconic fizzy effect, but if you don’t have any at hand, you can use some syrup. It won’t have the same effect, but you will still enjoy a delicious cocktail. In addition, you’ll require Angostura bitters, a concoction from Trinidad and Tobago which is crafted from a variety of different herbs and spices. Finally, most people like to add a lemon twist as garnish.

Your Optimal Ingredients

In summary, the following are recommended if you want to create the cocktail true to its original recipe:

• High-quality Champagne
• 2-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• One sugar cube
• One lemon twist

How To Make It

As mentioned, the cocktail is very easy to make and is prepared directly in the flute. In fact, there are only four steps involved in preparing the beverage perfectly. To achieve the best results, remember to use a chilled champagne glass, as this will ensure that your drink tastes fresh and cool.

1. Put your sugar cube on a bar spoon and douse it with 2-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
2. Let your sugar cube fall into your champagne flute
3. Fill the flute with your sparkling wine or champagne
4. Add the lemon twist as garnish

The classic and elegant champagne drink is one of the easiest cocktails to make and only requires four ingredients and four steps. Whether you are enjoying a quiet evening with friends or hosting a large, formal gathering, this beverage is sure to delight and refresh both you and your guests.