Giangi's Kitchen

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I mean just around the corner and I could not pass up the opportunity to share one of my favorite drinks: 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.

As a matter of fact, the drink is toasted as the world’s most romantic.

Origins for the Champagne Cocktail

The first written mention of the Champagne Cocktail appears in 1855 in the cities of Panama and Aspinwall.

The water gets a bit unclear, as some believe it first was 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 on trying them all if you so 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 would have 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, 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 do like Champagne more on the sweet side, not brut or dry if you prefer.

However here, 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 originally developed 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.

How to make the Champagne Cocktail

Throughout the century there have been many versions in between the first time it was written about to today.

• Start with very chilled glasses, add a cube of sugar on the bottom. Shake a few drops of bitters to saturate the sugar.
• Secondly,  add the Brandy, that is what I had at the house but of course, you can use Cognac, over the sugar.
• Fill with the champagne the flute. Twist the lemon twist, or a small part of the lemon peel, over the glass.
• You want all the lemon oils into the champagne to give it the final touch.

Even though it is my Valentine’s Day favorite 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 absolutely divine.

Have little one around?

We all know how much they love Valentine’s or any other holiday for that matter, why not make this for them as well, but with no alcohol of course.

Use the sugar cube which you will pour over some grenadine. Add some Sprite or any bubbly lemonade over it and enjoy this special day with your little ones.

Trust me they will remember and one day will do the same with their kids.

Looking for other delicious recipes?

Why not try making:

Mango Martini – So much fun

Prawns Cocktail with Kiwis

Potatoes with Basil

Champagne Rice – Something New

Equipment and products used to make Champagne Cocktail

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