Champagne Cocktail recipes are a classic and elegant way to enjoy this effervescent drink. They combine Champagne and other ingredients such as liqueurs, syrups, and fruits. While Champagne has been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to the 17th century, cocktails, on the other hand, have a more recent history. The first recorded use of the word "cocktail" was in 1806, in a Hudson, New York newspaper. During the 1800s, the cocktail began to gain popularity with the invention of new, innovative drinks and the rise of the culture surrounding them.
Champagne cocktails, such as the French 75 and the Champagne Cocktail, have been popular since the 1800s and are popular for celebrations and special occasions. Over the years, both Champagne and cocktails have evolved and adapted to changing tastes and trends. Today, there are many different styles and variations, allowing for endless experimentation and creativity in mixing and pairing them.
Table of Contents:
- Classic Champagne cocktails
- Mimosa variation recipes
- Champagne and gin cocktails
- So, to summarise...
Classic Champagne cocktails
These tried and tested recipes are classics to have in any serious mixologist's arsenal. Many of them use readily available ingredients with delicious twists to celebrate any occasion.
The Classic Champagne Cocktail
Image courtesy: Withspice.com
The Classic Champagne Cocktail is a simple but elegant cocktail made by adding a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and cognac or brandy to a Champagne flute and then filling it with Champagne. It's a perfect way to add a little bit of sweetness and complexity to the taste of the Champagne.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 90-100 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- Champagne
- 10ml cognac or brandy
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Lemon for garnish
Directions:
- Put a sugar cube in the bottom of a Champagne flute
- Add the Angostura bitters to the glass, on top of the sugar cube
- Add the cognac or brandy
- Slowly pour in chilled Champagne, careful not to disturb the sugar cube
- Garnish with a twist of lemon
Mimosa
Image courtesy: Kitchengeekery.com
A Mimosa is a classic brunch cocktail that is made by mixing orange juice and Champagne.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 120-150 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 part chilled orange juice
- 1 part chilled Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a Champagne flute or wine glass halfway with chilled orange juice
- Slowly pour in chilled Champagne
- Stir gently if desired, and enjoy your Mimosa cocktail
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a strawberry if desired
Kir Royale
Image courtesy: Inspiredtaste.net
A Kir Royale is a classic French cocktail made with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and Champagne. It is a simple and elegant drink that is perfect for special occasions or as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150 Kcal (depending on the brand of liqueur)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz crème de cassis
- 4 oz Champagne
Directions:
- Pour the crème de cassis into your chosen glass
- Slowly pour the Champagne over the top of the liqueur, being careful not to disturb the layers
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or a blackberry, if desired
It is best to prepare each glass individually if you're making multiple servings.
Pimm’s Royale
Image courtesy: Stylenest.co.uk
A Pimm's Royale is a cocktail created by using Pimm's No. 1 Cup, a gin-based liqueur, and Champagne. It is a refreshing, sophisticated drink that is ideal for any special occasion or served as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Pimm's No. 1 Cup
- 4 oz Champagne
- Cucumber, orange and mint for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a Champagne flute with ice
- Add Pimm's No. 1 Cup, and gently stir
- Slowly pour the Champagne over the top of the liqueur, being careful not to disturb the layers
- Garnish with a slice of cucumber, orange and a sprig of mint
You can play with the amount of Pimm's you put in your glass to adjust the strength of the drink to your liking.
Airmail
Image courtesy: Thespruceats.com
An Airmail is a classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, honey syrup and Champagne. It is a refreshing, balanced drink with a unique combination of flavours.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 200-250 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 4 oz Champagne
Directions:
- In a shaker, combine the rum, lime juice and honey syrup
- Shake with ice and strain into a Champagne flute
- Slowly pour the Champagne over the top of the mixture, being careful not to disturb the layers
- Garnish with a lime wheel
You can make the honey syrup by mixing 1 part of honey with 1 part of hot water, stirring until the honey is dissolved, letting it cool and storing it in the fridge. It should last for a couple of weeks.
Death in the Afternoon
Image courtesy: Cooking.nytimes.com
Death in the Afternoon is a cocktail created by novelist and journalist Ernest Hemingway who created it using absinthe and Champagne. It is a strong and complex drink that is not for the faint of heart.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150
Ingredients:
- 1 oz absinthe
- 4 oz Champagne
Directions:
- Pour the absinthe into a Champagne flute or wine glass
- Slowly pour the Champagne over the top of the absinthe, being careful not to disturb the layers
Be aware that absinthe is a strong spirit with high alcohol content.
Black Velvet
Image courtesy: Justbeerapp.com
A Black Velvet cocktail is a simple mixed drink made by combining equal parts of Guinness stout and Champagne.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-200 Kcal
Ingredients:
- Guinness stout
- Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a tall glass (such as a pilsner glass) halfway with Guinness
- Gently pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the Guinness
- Serve immediately
Grand Royale Champagne Cocktail
Image courtesy: Esquire.com
A Grand Royale Champagne Cocktail is a classic cocktail typically made with Champagne, Cognac, and Grand Marnier. It is a sweet, elegant, and sophisticated drink that is perfect for special occasions.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 200 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Cognac
- 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Champagne
Directions:
- In a Champagne flute, add the Cognac, Grand Marnier, sugar cube, and bitters
- Stir gently until the sugar cube is dissolved
- Top with Champagne
- Garnish with a lemon or orange peel
Mimosa variation recipes
Mimosa's are a ubiquitous brunch drink, but did you know there are lots of variations on the classic orange juice and Champagne cocktail?
Blushing Mimosa
Image courtesy: Southernliving.com
A Blushing Mimosa cocktail is a variation of the classic Mimosa, with the addition of grenadine for a subtle sweetness and a beautiful pink colour.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-200 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of orange juice
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 2 ounces Champagne
- Orange slice or cherry, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Fill a Champagne flute with ice
- In a separate glass, mix the orange juice and grenadine together
- Slowly pour the orange juice mixture over the ice in the flute
- Slowly pour the Champagne over the orange juice mixture
- Garnish with an orange slice or cherry, if desired
You can adjust the ingredients as per your taste and use more grenadine for a stronger colour if needed.
Watermelon Mimosa
Image courtesy: Apinchofparsley.com
A Watermelon Mimosa is a refreshing variation of the traditional mimosa cocktail, made by blending watermelon juice with Champagne.
Prep: 5-10 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-200 Kcal
Ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon juice
- Champagne
- Watermelon chunks or slices (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Blend fresh watermelon chunks to make the juice
- Pour the watermelon juice into the glass, about 1/3 full
- Gently pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the watermelon juice
- Garnish with a watermelon slice or chunk if desired
Pear Mimosa
Image courtesy: Delish.com
A Pear Mimosa is a variation of the traditional mimosa cocktail, made by blending pear juice or pear puree with Champagne.
Prep: 5-10 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-200 Kcal
Ingredients:
- Fresh pear juice or pear puree
- Champagne
- Pear slices (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Blend fresh pears to make the juice or puree
- Pour pear juice or puree into the glass, about 1/3 full
- Gently pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the pear juice or puree.
- Garnish with a pear slice if desired.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Image courtesy: Thecookierookie.com
An Apple Cider Mimosa is a variation of the traditional mimosa cocktail, made by blending apple cider with Champagne. It's a perfect drink for autumn or winter.
Prep: 5-10 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-200 Kcal
Ingredients:
- Fresh apple cider
- Champagne
- Cinnamon stick or apple slices (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Pour apple cider into a glass, about 1/3 full
- Gently pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the apple cider
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice if desired
Mimosa Margarita
Image courtesy: Simplejoy.com
A Mimosa Margarita is a cocktail that combines elements of both the traditional mimosa and margarita cocktails. It is made by blending orange juice with tequila, triple sec, and Champagne.
Prep: 5-10 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 250-300 Kcal
Ingredients:
- Orange juice
- Tequila
- Triple sec
- Champagne
- Salt and lime wedges (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Rim the glass with salt
- Add orange juice, tequila, triple sec, and ice in a shaker. Shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the glass
- Gently pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the orange juice mixture
- Garnish with a lime wedge if desired
This may have a higher alcohol content than the traditional Mimosa or Margarita.
Piña Colada Mimosa
Image courtesy: Kitskitchen.com
A Piña Colada Mimosa is a cocktail combining elements of traditional Piña Colada and Mimosa cocktails but with a higher alcohol content. It blends pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum with Champagne to create a wonderfully unique cocktail.
Prep: 5-10 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 300-350 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 6 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz white rum
- Champagne
- Pineapple wedges (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- In a shaker, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum and ice. Shake well
- Strain the mixture into the glass
- Gently pour the Champagne over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the pineapple and coconut mixture
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge if desired
Tequila Sunrise Mimosa
Image courtesy: Thesweetestoccasion.com
A Tequila Sunrise Mimosa is a cocktail that combines the flavours of a Tequila Sunrise and a Mimosa. The grenadine settles at the bottom of the class to create a wonderful sunrise effect.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 210 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice
- 2 oz grenadine
- 1 oz Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour in the tequila and orange juice, and slowly pour in the grenadine slowly
- Top the glass off with Champagne
- Add an orange slice or cherry to garnish
Tiffany Mimosa
Image courtesy: Copymethat.com
A Tiffany Mimosa, also known as a Blue Mimosa, is a refreshing variation of the classic Mimosa cocktail that incorporates blue curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit, and is known for its bright blue colour.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 120-130 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Blue Curacao
- 5 oz Champagne
- Lemon wedge
- 2 tbsp. sugar
Directions:
- Place sugar on a small shallow plate. Rim the Champagne flute with a lemon wedge and dip in sugar.
- Pour the blue curacao into the glass
- Add the Champagne
You can top up your glass with a dash of lemonade for extra citrus fizz.
Shirley Temple Mimosa
Image courtesy: Enjoyorangecounty.com
A Shirley Temple Mimosa is a variation of the classic Mimosa cocktail that incorporates the flavours of a Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic drink made with ginger ale and grenadine, typically garnished with a cherry.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz ginger ale
- 1 oz grenadine
- 2 oz orange juice
- 1 oz (non-alcoholic) Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour in the ginger ale, grenadine and orange juice and stir
- Top the glass off with Champagne
- Garnish with a cherry if desired
Paloma Mimosa
Image courtesy: 56kilo.se
A Paloma Mimosa is a variation of the classic Mimosa cocktail that incorporates the flavours of a Paloma, a traditional Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit juice.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 oz Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup
- Slowly pour in the Champagne
- Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wheel if desired
Champagne and gin cocktails
Gin has seen a resurgence in recent years, so why not celebrate this deliciously herby beverage with Champagne?
French 75
Image courtesy: Celebratingsweets.com
A French 75 is a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and Champagne. It's a refreshing, effervescent drink believed to have originated in World War I. The cocktail is said to have such a kick that it felt like being hit by the French 75mm artillery gun.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4-5 oz chilled Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne flute
- Slowly pour in the chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a lemon twist if desired
Diamond Fizz
Image courtesy: Absolutdrinks.com
A Diamond Fizz is a classic cocktail that is similar to the French 75, but it includes an egg white and a dash of orange flower water that gives it a creamy, frothy texture. It is believed to have originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s and is a great option for those who love the French 75 and want to add some variation to it.
Prep: 5-7 minutes Difficulty: Moderate Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Dash of orange flower water
- 4-5 oz chilled Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and orange flower water
- Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne flute
- Slowly pour in the chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a lemon twist if desired
Beverly Hills Iced Tea
Image courtesy: Cocktails.de
The Beverly Hills Iced Tea is a cocktail that is said to have originated in the famous Rodeo Drive. It is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea, a well-known cocktail that combines several types of alcohol with cola. The Beverly Hills Iced Tea is a similar concoction, but it uses cranberry juice instead of cola, giving it a different flavour profile.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 220-250 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz rum
- 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients and shake well
- Strain into a glass filled with ice
- Top up with Champagne
- Garnish with a lime wheel if desired
Cucumber Gin Spritz
Image courtesy: Cookinginmygenes.com
A Cucumber Gin Spritz is a refreshingly light cocktail that combines the flavours of gin, cucumber and Champagne. It's a perfect summertime drink and a great alternative to traditional fruity cocktails.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3 slices of cucumber
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4-5 oz chilled Champagne
Directions:
- Place 2 slices of cucumber in the bottom of a wine glass
- Fill the glass with ice
- Add gin, simple syrup and lime juice, and gently stir
- Slowly pour in the chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a slice of cucumber
Sparkling Bees Knees
Image courtesy: Cookieandkate.com
The Sparkling Bees Knees is a cocktail that combines the classic Bees Knees cocktail with Champagne. It's a refreshing effervescent drink that is perfect for special occasions or as a unique twist on a traditional gin cocktail.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 4-5 oz chilled Champagne
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice
- Slowly pour in the chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a twist of lemon
Sparkling Apple Gin
Image courtesy: Tastebudsmagazine.co.uk
A Sparkling Apple Gin Cocktail is a refreshing drink that combines gin, apple juice, and sparkling Champagne. It is a great option for those who enjoy gin and Champagne and is perfect for special occasions or as a unique twist on a traditional gin cocktail.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 2 oz fresh apple juice
- 2 oz chilled Champagne
- 1/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/4 oz syrup (adjust to taste)
- Apple or lemon slice for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, apple juice, lemon juice, and syrup
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice
- Slowly pour in the chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a slice of apple or lemon
Hedgerow Fizz
Image courtesy: Craftginclub.co.uk
A Hedgerow Fizz cocktail is a refreshing drink full of flavour that combines gin, hedgerow berries and Champagne. The hedgerow berries are a mix of wild fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, sloe, and elderberries that give the drink a unique and delicious taste.
Prep: 5 mins Difficulty: Easy Servings: 1 Kcal (per serving): 150-160 Kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz hedgerow berry syrup
- 2 oz chilled Champagne
- 1/4 oz lemon juice
- hedgerow berries or lemon twist for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add the gin, hedgerow berry syrup, and lemon juice and shake well
- Strain into a glass filled with ice
- Slowly pour in the chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a few hedgerow berries or a slice of lemon
So, to summarise…
While there's nothing quite as satisfying as a glass of Champagne, you can do a surprising amount with the bubbly beverage. Plenty of fantastic Champagne cocktail recipes offer a twist on the original sparkling drink.
Check out our Champagne Guide to learn more about what goes into a perfect flute of Champagne and all the different types and varieties. You'll then be ready to browse our extensive range of Champagne bottles before buying online.
