As Long as it Fizzes we are Happy
With the summer season now upon us, minds drift to thoughts of holidays and cocktails by the pool, or even a glass of some nice cold bubbles. With BBQs being fired up and suntan lotion being spread, we take a look at the Top 10 Champagne Cocktails you could be tucking into this Summer season.
But before we look at the Top Ten, maybe we should first take a look at the difference between Champagne, Prosecco and Cava.
If you are lucky enough to be stood in the wine aisle facing the tough decision between many beautiful bottles of fizz, it may be pertinent to know the difference between all types of bubbly.
Despite what many people think, there are not all that many differences. Champagne may sound more expensive, but in a lot of cases, some Proseccos are just as good, if not better than many Champagnes.
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect from each:
Champagne
Location: Region of Champagne
Grapes Used: Pinot Noir/Chardonnay
Bubble: Fine
Decent Bottles Cost: Around $30/£19
Prosecco
Location: Veneto
Grapes Used: Glera
Bubble: Light and Frothy
Decent Bottles Cost: Around $13/£9
Cava
Location: Catalonia
Grapes Used: Macabeu/Parellada/Xarello
Bubble: Fine
Decent Bottles Cost: Around $15/£10
So with all that in mind, when looking through these cocktails, keep in mind that if you use a good Cava, it will be just as nice as using a cheap Champagne.
#1
Sparkler
Tart and punchy cocktail with the slice of strawberry really bringing out the best in the champagne.
Ingredients
1 oz Tequilla
5 oz Champagne
Splash of Sugar Syrup
Strawberry
Method
1: Add all the ingredients to a champagne flute
2: Stir gently and garnish with a strawberry slice
#2
French 75
This perfect combination of Gin and Champagne puts a touch of sparkle into summer nights. It’s a must have in the summer sun
Ingredients
2 oz Gin
2 tsp sugar
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Champagne
Lemon rind and a cocktail cherry to garnish.
Method
1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice and sugar.
2: Shake well until chilled and strain into a champagne flute
3: Top with Champagne and stir gently before adding the perfect twist of lemon rind and a cocktail cherry to garnish.
#3
The Lanesborough
This cocktail can only be described as the Mimosa’s bigger sister. Much more grown up and refined.
Ingredients
2 oz Grand Marnier
2 oz Cranberry Juice
2 oz Passion Fruit Juice
2 oz Champagne
Method
1: Add Grand Marnier, cranberry juice and passion fruit juice into a mixing glass
2: Add ice and shake vigorously
3: Strain into a champagne flute.
4: Add an orange spiral twist
#4
Very Sexy Martini
Anything with the word Martini in it is a good thing, but add the word ‘sexy’ and what could possibly go wrong!
Ingredients
3 Raspberries
5 Mint Leaves
1 oz Simple Syrup
1.5 oz Citrus Vodka
1.5 oz Champagne
Method
1: Mix the raspberries and mint in a shaker
2: Add remaining ingredients (except Champagne) to the shaker and fill with ice.
3: Shake and strain into a Champagne flute.
4: Top with Champagne and garnish with a sprig of mint and a raspberry.
#5
Nomayo
Strong, smooth and sophisticated. This is a ‘must try’ for anyone with a love of the fizz.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Gin
0.75 oz St Germain
0.5 oz Aperol
0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Champagne
Method
1: Add all ingredients (except the Champagne) to the shaker and fill with ice.
3: Shake and strain into a Martini Glass.
4: Float the Champagne over the top and garnish with a lime twist.
#6
Reserve Basilica
Basil and Champagne? Really? Trust me, you will not regret trying this little beauty.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Gin
0.25 oz Yuzu Juice
0.5 oz Simple Sugar Syrup
2 Basil Leaves
Champagne
Method
1: Add all ingredients (except the Champagne) to the shaker and fill with ice.
3: Shake and strain into a Highball Glass.
4: Top with Champagne and garnish with a basil leaf.
#7
Chambord Kir Royale
Ingredients
0.25 oz Chambord
Champagne
Method
1: Add the Chambord to the Champagne Flute and top with Champagne.
2: Garnish with a raspberry and a lemon twist.
#8
Black Velvet
For all the men in your life who think Champagne is a woman’s drink, tempt them with this silky black delight. You will soon win them over to the Fizzy side!
Ingredients
Guinness Beer
Champagne
Method
1: Fill a Highball Glass half way with Guinness.
3: Take a spoon and carefully pour the champagne over the back of a spoon into the beer.
#9
Happy Youth
Although I am not so sure it will give you back your ‘happy youth’, I am sure it will at least trick you into believing you are youthful again. If only until the hangover kicks in.
Ingredients
1 oz cherry Brandy
1-1/2 ounces sweet Vermouth
3 oz chilled orange juice
1 tsp sugar
Champagne
Method
1: Pour ingredients, except Champagne, into a large stemmed glass over ice cubes.
2: Stir gently and top with Champagne.
Garnish with a slice of orange.
#10
Chopin Poinsettia
Although this cocktail may strike a note of Christmas, we simply could not leave it off the list. In fact, I think that this cocktail could sit well in your drinks cupboard at any time of year.
Ingredients
1/2 oz Cointreau
3 oz cranberry juice
Champagne
Method
1: Pour Cointreau and cranberry juice into a chilled Champagne Flute
2: Stir gently and top with Champagne.
