Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail

Some drinks feel right for those slow fall afternoons when you want something simple but still a little special. This Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail gives you that mix. I made it on a quiet Sunday while getting ready for a small family dinner, and it became an easy favorite. The warm bourbon, the soft sweetness from the cider honey syrup, and the crisp bubbles from the Prosecco fit the season without feeling heavy.

It has a warm start from the bourbon, a light sweetness that doesn’t overpower, and a clean finish once the bubbles settle in. The rosemary garnish brings a gentle scent that feels right for holiday cocktails. I like this drink because it’s calm, quick to mix, and still feels like a treat when the month gets busy. It works for fall dinners, holiday parties, and nights at home when you want a sparkling wine cocktail that tastes relaxed and steady.

If you enjoy simple bubbly cocktail recipes or champagne bourbon drinks, this one fits easily into your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This

This Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail blends comfort with brightness. The bourbon gives depth, the Prosecco keeps it fresh, and the cider honey syrup adds a soft seasonal touch. It’s an easy holiday cocktail that feels more thoughtful than the effort it takes.

Here are a few reasons it stands out

• Quick to mix with only a few ingredients
• Smooth blend of warm and light flavors
• Cider honey syrup adds seasonal sweetness
• Prosecco champagne keeps the drink crisp
• Rosemary garnish adds an uplifting aroma
• Easy to serve for a crowd

Once you make it, you’ll see how well it fits into holiday menus or simple weekend evenings.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail plays a clear role. The bourbon gives the drink structure. The cider honey syrup offers steady sweetness. The Prosecco tops it with bubbles that keep the drink refreshing.

You will need

• 1 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz cider honey syrup
• 1 oz Prosecco champagne
• 1/2 rosemary sprig for garnish

The bourbon brings warmth. The syrup smooths the edges. The Prosecco adds the crisp finish you expect from a sparkling wine cocktail. The rosemary adds a small herbal lift that ties everything together.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

A few good bottle choices make this drink even smoother. You don’t need top-shelf picks. A steady bourbon and a clean Prosecco help the drink stay balanced.

Use these options if you want a reliable mix

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon, smooth and steady for mixed drinks
• Maker’s Mark, soft sweetness that pairs well with honey
• Four Roses, lighter bourbon that fits sparkling cocktails
• La Marca Prosecco, bright and crisp
• Mionetto Prosecco, gentle bubbles with clean flavor
• Honey syrup, if you cannot make cider, honey syrup

For a deeper finish, try a slightly richer bourbon. For a lighter version, add more Prosecco champagne.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few items for this Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail. Cleanup stays simple, which makes it great for hosting.

Helpful items

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Coupe Glass

A coupe glass keeps the bubbles light and leaves room for the rosemary garnish.

How to Make It

This recipe is simple and comes together quickly. Most of the work happens in the shaker, then you pour, top, and garnish.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon and cider honey syrup.
3. Shake until cold.
4. Strain into a coupe glass.
5. Top with Prosecco champagne.
6. Stir gently so the syrup and bubbles connect.
7. Add a rosemary sprig for aroma.
8. Serve right away.

If you want a slightly sweeter drink, add a small extra splash of syrup before topping with champagne.

Pro Tips

A few minor adjustments can further enhance the taste of the Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail. These minor adjustments help you shape the flavor exactly the way you want it.

Try these ideas

• Chill your coupe glass before pouring
• Use cold Prosecco champagne so the bubbles stay strong
• Shake the base longer for a smoother finish
• Use a honey that tastes clean, not overly floral
• Garnish right before serving so the rosemary stays fresh
• Use large ice cubes for a colder shake
• Adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or a touch of cider
• Try different bourbons if you want a softer or richer flavor

Once you try it a few times, you’ll find the version that fits your taste.

Variations

This cocktail is easy to customize. A few small changes shift the flavor while keeping the same style.

Ideas you can try

• Use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco
• Add a splash of apple cider for a fruitier drink
• Try maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper fall note
• Make a zero alcohol version using non-alcoholic bourbon
• Add a slight squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Each variation alters the drink’s personality while maintaining its simple structure.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail fits into so many fall and winter moments. It works as an easy holiday cocktail when you want something warm from the bourbon but still fresh from the bubbles. The balance makes it a steady choice for anyone who enjoys a champagne bourbon drink that feels light and relaxed.

You can serve it during

• Holiday dinners
• Fall brunch plans
• Small dinner parties
• Thanksgiving afternoons
• Cozy nights at home
• Christmas gatherings, when you want a simple sparkling wine cocktail
• New Year’s Eve, when people want a bubbly drink that isn’t too sweet

The flavor works well with foods that match both the warm notes from the bourbon and the bright lift from the bubbles. These pairings fit right in with holiday cocktails and bourbon holiday drinks.

Pair it with

• Soft cheeses
• Rosemary crackers
• Apple tarts
• Light charcuterie
• Cinnamon pastries
• Small desserts you’d normally serve with Christmas cocktails or other bubbly cocktail recipes

The drink stays smooth from the first sip, and the bubbles from the Prosecco keep it crisp, which makes it an easy prosecco cocktail to serve when you want something relaxed but still seasonal.

Storage and Serving Notes

This bubbly cocktail recipe is best served fresh. If it sits too long, the bubbles fade. You can prep the bourbon and syrup ahead of time by mixing them in a small container and storing it in the fridge.

For a group, scale the bourbon and syrup mixture in a pitcher. Let guests top their own glass with Prosecco so the bubbles stay lively.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions people ask about the Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail.

Do I need a specific type of bourbon?
Any smooth bourbon works. Choose one you enjoy on its own for the best result.

Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco?
Yes. Champagne tastes slightly drier but works well in this drink.

What if I do not have cider honey syrup?
Use regular honey syrup and add a tiny splash of cider.

Can I make this sweeter?
Add a bit more syrup before topping with bubbly wine.

Does the rosemary change the flavor?
It adds aroma more than taste, which keeps the drink balanced.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy the warm and bright balance of the Bourbon and Champagne Cocktail, here are more drinks to explore.

• Grapefruit and Sage Champagne: light grapefruit with an herbal finish
• Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail: warm bourbon with gentle pear
• Airmail: rum, and honey topped with sparkling wine
• Peach and Basil Bourbon Smash: sweet peach with herbal notes
• Pomegranate Orange Champagne: citrus and tart fruit with bubbles