Whisky Champagne cocktails are sparkling mixed drinks perfect for St Patricks Day on March 17th celebrations that combine the rich, smooth flavours of whisky with the crisp bubbles of champagne or sparkling wine. The deep caramel, vanilla, and oak notes found in bourbon or rye whisky balance beautifully with the light acidity and effervescence of champagne, creating a rich, celebratory cocktail with wide-appeal.
Popular at celebrations, brunches, and cocktail parties because they offer both complexity and refreshing sparkle. Some of the best-known whisky champagne cocktails include the Seelbach cocktail, the Whisky French 75, and other modern variations that blend whisky with citrus, bitters, and sparkling wine.
We have put together a few popular whisky and Champagne recipes you can easily make at home:
Whisky French 75
This whisky twist on the classic French 75 swaps gin for Scotch whisky, giving the cocktail a richer and deliciously, slightly smoky character.
Ingredients
25 ml Scotch whisky
15 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml honey syrup
Top up with Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Champagne
How to make it: Pour the Scotch, lemon juice, and honey syrup into a champagne flute. Top with chilled champagne. Stir gently before serving.
Seelbach Cocktail
The Seelbach is a classic Champagne and bourbon cocktail that originated in Kentucky. It is known for its bright citrus flavour and aromatic bitters.
Ingredients
1 oz bourbon
½ oz triple sec
7 dashes Angostura bitters
7 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
4 oz champagne - try Pol Roger Brut Champagne
How to make it: Add bourbon, triple sec, and both bitters into a shaker with ice. Shake briefly to chill the mixture. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and serve.
Boothby Cocktail
The Boothby is a historic cocktail that combines rye whiskey with vermouth and bitters, finished with a splash of champagne for added sparkle.
Ingredients
2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes orange bitters
1 oz Champagne - try Laurent-Perrier Champagne
How to make it: Stir the rye whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a small pour of champagne on top.
Golden Dram Cocktail
The Golden Dram is a simple yet elegant champagne and Scotch cocktail with aromatic bitters and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
1 sugar cube
3 dashes Angostura bitters
¾ oz Scotch whisky
Champagne - try Taittinger Brut Champagne
How to make it: Place the sugar cube in a glass and soak it with bitters. Add the Scotch whisky. Top with chilled Champagne.
Bourbon Champagne Cooler
This refreshing cocktail mixes bourbon with citrus and simple syrup, then finishes with champagne for a light, bubbly drink.
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
½ oz lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
3 dashes bitters
Champagne - try Pommery Champagne
How to make it: Shake the bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with Champagne and serve.
Why Whisky and Champagne Work well together is because they create a balanced cocktail that combines the rich depth from whisky (caramel, oak, spice), crisp acidity from Champagne and a light carbonation that enhances aroma and texture creating a drink that feels luxurious, refreshing, and complex.
Browse and shop at The Champagne Company for a simple, 'House-style' Brut Champagne and a popular whisky from our premium spirits collection, perfect for Champagne and whisky cocktails on St Patrick's Day or at other celebratory events that would suit a whisky & Champagne cocktail aperitif.
