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Champagne and sparkling wine have long been used as an ingredient in cocktails all over the globe. One of the most popular Champagne cocktails is the “French 75” which was originally created in 1915 at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The French 75 calls for 2 oz. Champagne, ½ oz. lemon juice, 1 oz. gin, and 2 dashes of simple syrup, and it is the perfect example of how the addition of bubbles can brighten up a spirit and add a refreshing elegant twist to cocktails.
The addition of Champagne or sparkling wine to a cocktail not only adds flavor, but the carbonation added during the second level of the wine’s fermentation gives concoctions a light and bubbly appeal. Throughout this article, I will provide you with tips and recipes on how to make cocktails sparkle for any season or occasion. Whether it is holiday cocktails by the fire in December, or drinks on the deck in July, Champagne may be the ingredient needed to impress your guests and make your drink the highlight of the season.
Fall & Winter Season
The distinct sound of a cork popping out of a freshly chilled bottle of bubbly is synonymous with celebrations, and the holiday season is filled with many opportunities to celebrate! Whether its Thanksgiving, holiday parties, Christmas or most importantly National Champagne Day on New Year’s Eve, Champagne shines the brightest. I myself do love ringing in the new year with a crisp, refreshing, carbonated glass of bubbles, but if you really want to “wow” your guests, and kick the new year off with an elevated twist, try this simplistic yet refined blood orange sparkling cocktail.
Blood Orange Spritz
.5oz Solerno Blood Orange
1oz Peychaud Aperitivo
1oz Pomegranate juice
Sparkling wine
Q Soda
Served: Build over ice, top with Champagne and a splash of Q Soda
Glassware: Wine Glass
Garnish: Blood orange slice and rosemary sprig
Spring & Summer Season
Here comes spring – the snow has melted, and if you are anything like me, you probably don’t even remember what your New Year’s resolution was. The outdoor drinking season has officially begun! Now you could easily go with a cooler filled with ice cold beer or whip up a pitcher of margaritas, BUT if you are anything like me, you don’t want to be serving the same old same old libations people are accustomed to. Step up your BBQ, pool party or ladies’ night with this crisp and refreshing sparkling cocktail.
