The holidays are just around the corner, and I could not pass up the opportunity to share one of my favorite drinks: a Champagne Cocktail.
A simple and elegant classic drink that has seen so many versions since its conception. However, it has satisfied many with the effervescent bubbly of the Champagne.
Champagne has always symbolized romance and love. The only drink that was and is, not bound by social standing throughout history.
The drink is toasted as the world’s most romantic.
In this Article
- Origins for the Champagne Cocktail
- Coupe or Flute?
- What Champagne to enjoy?
- What is Angostura Bitters?
- Here are a few helpful tips for the ingredients needed
- Equipment needed
- Tips and step by step to make this excellent Champagne Cocktail
- Have little one around?
- Here is how to make this a mocktail:
- If you enjoy this recipe for a Champagne Cocktail, look at my other recipes!
- Champagne Cocktail
Origins for the Champagne Cocktail
The first written mention of the Champagne Cocktail appears in 1855 in Panama and Aspinwall.
The water gets a bit unclear, as some believe it was first introduced at the passing of Prince Albert in 1861.
According to historians, a bartender at London’s Brooks’ Club decided that Champagne should mourn too and pair it with Guinness stout to make a black velvety, the color of mourning.
I love Guinness and Champagne separately. However, putting the two together is a bit of a stretch for me. Thus, I will leave it to that.
Meanwhile, a recipe for the cocktail appeared back in 1862 and 1887 as part of Jerry Thomas’s repertoire. Neither contained brandy nor Cognac. Furthermore, it was considered more of a classic American version.
Recipe books are filled with champagne cocktail recipes; the fun is trying them all if you feel inclined.
Coupe or Flute?
When Champagne was first introduced, it was poured on a coupe. Largemouth and short body glass downplayed the effervescence of the drink.
In the 20th century, the flute became more popular as it preserved and showcased the bubbly.
Although a quick comeback of the coupe has shown itself in recent years, I wish I had kept all my glasses now.
What Champagne to enjoy?
This is the million-dollar question. France, as well as California, have fantastic Champagne. This all depends on your budget.
If you are going to enjoy the Champagne by itself, with no mixes, then I would suggest you splurge a bit more.
If you are using it with other ingredients, go the middle of the way. I prefer Champagne more on the sweet side, not brut or dry.
However, with this recipe, Sparkling wine, Prosecco, or Spumante will make it way too sweet and not as enjoyable.
What is Angostura Bitters?
Neutral alcohol is infused with herbs, spices, fruits, roots, tree bark, and all sorts of botanicals. You may find orange peels, cassia bark, and much more.
Angostura aromatic bitter was developed initially as a cure for upset stomachs around 1824 by Dr. Siegert, surgeon general for the Venezuelan military.
It is, to this day, still produced in the city of Trinidad.
Here are a few helpful tips for the ingredients needed
Sugar cube: It will slowly melt, giving it that perfect flavor.
Angostura bitters: a must in this recipe. It brings a touch of bitterness to the sweetness.
Brandy: Adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
Lemon: The oils of the lemon and the rind add flavor but do not take it away.
Champagne: Use good champagne. I enjoy more on the sweet side, but you chose the one you enjoy most.
Tips and step by step to make this excellent Champagne Cocktail
There have been many versions throughout the century, from the first time it was written about to today.
- Start with very chilled glasses, and add a cube of sugar on the bottom. Shake a few drops of bitters to saturate the sugar.
- Secondly, add the Brandy I had at the house, but of course, you can use Cognac over the sugar.
- Fill the flute with champagne.
- Twist the lemon twist over the glass or a small part of the lemon peel.
- You want all the lemon oils in the champagne to give it the final touch.
Have little one around?
We all know how much children love to be part of all festivities, and they should, so why not make this for them as well, but with no alcohol, of course?
Here is how to make this a mocktail:
Use a plastic flute if they are too young or just a regular glass one. You will be amazed how much they love to feel so grown up.
- Place the sugar cube in a glass.
- Pour over some grenadine.
- Add some Sprite or any bubbly lemonade over it.
Enjoy this special day with your little ones. Trust me; they will remember and do the same with their kids one day.
If you enjoy this recipe for a Champagne Cocktail, look at my other recipes!
Even though it is my favorite Holiday drink, you can enjoy it all year round.
I love to serve it alongside some fresh strawberries that I will dip into sour cream, creme fraiche, and then on brown sugar.
The combination is sweet and divine.
Equipment and products used to make Champagne Cocktails.
Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 sugar, cube
- 2 Angostura bitters, dashes
- ½ teaspoon Brandy
- 1 lemon, twist
- 4 ounces Chamnpagne
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in a chilled champagne flute and saturate it with the bitters.
- Add the brandy and top with the Champagne
- Garnish with the lemon twist
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Appetizers, Drinks
- Cuisine: American
- Occasion: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year
Did you make this?
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Originally published on February 10, 2022. Updated on December 17, 2022.
Rosanna
Love a champagne cocktail! Thanks so much for this, I’d never think to use brandy. It was delicious!
Giangi Townsend
You are most welcome. The Brandy gives it that extra kick.
Daniel Ng
Wow. Enlighten by some history of the champagne. Thanks for sharing the champagne cocktail. A perfect drink for Valentine’s Day. A Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, Danie, and Happy Valentine’s to you as well.
Sue
I need to try this! And thanks for the tips on sweet vs dry champagne, I usually migrate to sweet as well.
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure.
Enjoy!
Leah
I’ve never thought to add bitters to champagne but I’m all about that!
Giangi Townsend
It gives a bit of a different flavor, quite pleasant.
Enjoy!
Bobbie
What a delicious drink for Valentine’s Day! My husband and I celebrated early and had this with dinner last night!
Giangi Townsend
I am so happy you made it and enjoyed it.
Thank you!
Sarah
Love this! Perfect cocktail to celebrate the holiday 🥂
Giangi Townsend
Thank you! Absolutely!
Jeannie
perfect to enjoy at home and just in time, we dont need to go out.
Giangi Townsend
I rarely go out on Valentine’s evening, however always have this cocktail.
Enjoy!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
We’ll celebrate tonight, and your cocktail will be on the table in a very romantic setting (a little and a bit hyper helper has been working hard since this morning to get it ready😉). I asked for a slice of orange in mine, too! Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you have a lovely one:)
Giangi Townsend
Thank you Miheala! Have a fantastic romantic dinner.
Gina Abernathy
Such a lovely cocktail to go with a romantic dinner. I like to add lemon to my drinks as well.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you! I think the lemon twist gives it that little lift.
Enjoy!
nancy
perfect for any romantic dinners
Giangi Townsend
So easy to make too.