Paul Kushner
The Colletti Royale is a sparkling, citrus-driven cocktail that layers the depth of reposado tequila with floral St-Germain, zesty blood orange, and rosé Champagne. Balanced, bright, and refined, it’s a modern cocktail that works beautifully for toasts, brunches, or early evening sipping.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Colletti Royale offers a bold yet refined balance of fruit, citrus, and floral character. Reposado tequila provides soft oak and vanilla undertones, while blood orange juice and lime juice contribute tangy, slightly sweet notes. Cointreau sharpens the citrus edge, and St-Germain adds a touch of elderflower that plays well with the rosé Champagne. A couple of dashes of orange bitters bring everything into focus. The drink is bright but grounded, with layered complexity from start to finish. Each sip is crisp, with a gently sparkling texture and a smooth finish that carries both fruit and botanical notes.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, and fine strainer to assemble the Colletti Royale properly. A bar spoon can be helpful for gently incorporating the Champagne. Shake the tequila, liqueurs, juices, and bitters with ice before straining into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Then top with the rosé Champagne. A citrus wheel garnish adds visual appeal and a hint of aromatic brightness. Serving this cocktail in a flute keeps the bubbles concentrated and ensures the sparkling element remains lively throughout.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz reposado tequila
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz St-Germain
- 0.5 oz blood orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 3 oz rosé Champagne
- Blood orange wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Add tequila, Cointreau, St-Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice, and bitters to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a wine glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with rosé Champagne.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed blood orange and lime juice for the best flavor.
- Shake only the still ingredients, add Champagne last to keep it bubbly.
- Don’t skip the bitters, they help blend the citrus and floral components.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a better drinking experience.
- Pour Champagne gently down the side of the glass to reduce foam.
- For a slightly drier finish, reduce the St-Germain slightly.
When to Serve
The Colletti Royale is ideal for special occasions like New Year’s Eve, weddings, anniversaries, or holiday brunches. It fits perfectly into celebratory settings where sparkling drinks are appreciated but something with a little more complexity is welcome. Its color and garnish make it seasonally appropriate for winter and early spring, but it’s versatile enough for year-round serving. Offer it as a welcome drink or signature cocktail at gatherings where guests appreciate something bright, balanced, and festive.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Reposado Tequila: Espolòn, Herradura, Olmeca Altos
- Cointreau: Cointreau (preferred), Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
- Elderflower Liqueur: St-Germain (classic), St. Elder
- Rosé Champagne: Veuve Clicquot Rosé, Mumm Rosé, La Marca Prosecco Rosé (as a sparkling alternative)
Similar Cocktails
- Strawberry Champagne Margarita
- Tequila Limeade
- Tropical Aperol Margarita
- Calamansi Margarita
- Frozen Kiwi Mint Margarita
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz reposado tequila
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz St-Germain
- 0.5 oz blood orange juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 3 oz rosé Champagne
- Blood orange wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add tequila, Cointreau, St-Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice, and bitters to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a wine glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with rosé Champagne.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the most vivid flavor and color.
- Chill the wine glass before serving to keep the Champagne crisp.
- Stir gently after topping with Champagne if you’d like a more unified blend.
