Champagne Cocktails: The Classic Champagne Cocktail Drinks

Beer, spirits, and different varieties of wine are great but cocktail drinks are even better sometimes. Popular cocktails, and not-so-popular ones, offer a good taste and a drink to share with good company. They create an experience that can significantly boost customer satisfaction. Which is what you want, right? 

The effort of finding good suppliers and quality alcohol for your restaurant will be worth it in the long run. Although drinks are not an official factor that helps you earn a Michelin Star, they are a part of the experience and deserve proper attention. They can put you among the top 25 Michelin Star restaurants in the US. You need to create many great cocktails or have a mixologist make special options for your restaurant. 

From brandy cocktails and gin cocktails to prosecco and champagne cocktails - there is a huge variety of drinks that you can include in your beverage menu. What you need to do is curate the drinks based on your business concept, food offers, and any historical data about customer behavior you may have. 

Since we already have a lot of articles about popular and unpopular cocktails, and we have shared a bunch of great prosecco cocktails, it’s time to talk champagne. Here’s what you can create with this timeless sparkling wine!

Champagne Cocktails: What to Expect

When there is a special occasion or a great achievement because of which people want to treat themselves, they commonly think of champagne. There are not many drinks as sophisticated as good champagne. The effervescent, golden elixir has been synonymous with joyous occasions for centuries.

This bubbly wine is so loved by consumers that they want to have it in a variety of ways. Although enjoying a glass of champagne with some fruits like strawberries can be enough of a treat, champagne cocktails are even better! 

Champagne can add a unique and unexpected twist to bar drinks because of its bubbliness and flavors. There is a list of classic recipes you can make for your restaurant. But you can also craft your own unique drinks. To do so, it is best to work with a cocktail expert who knows how to combine flavors and can suggest a type of glassware to use. 

The great news is that champagne cocktails can be combined with a wide range of food. This allows you to craft great pairings and create a memorable experience for your customers. 

Key Takeaway: Champagne cocktails are not only delicious but easy to make. They will bring joy to your guests who want to celebrate a special occasion or want to have a good meal with a drink that complements it well. Simple champagne cocktails are a must-have for any beverage menu. 

Popular Champagne Cocktails You Need on Your Menu

If you want to enrich your cocktail menu with delicious wine cocktails, and more specifically champagne cocktails, this list is for you. We have gathered some of the people’s all-time favorites.

French 75

A delightful and refreshing cocktail that is perfect to toast all your special occasions! Especially on a sunny summer day. It has zesty citrus notes from the lemon and the effervescence of the champagne. Here’s what you need for this great drink: 

• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Champagne 
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish (optional)

To make French 75:

• Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and the simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. 
• Add ice to it and shake well the ingredients. 
• Stain the drink into a champagne glass.  
• Top it off with champagne. Pour it gently to preserve the bubbles. 
• Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. 

Bellini

This is probably the most famous among the champagne cocktails. The Bellini is a fruity cocktail, that is perfect to add to your brunch menu. It is a perfect cocktail for occasions when you want to add a touch of elegance. To make this delicious drink, you need: 

• 2 oz peach purée or peach nectar
• Champagne (or prosecco wine)

How to make Bellini: 

• Get peach nectar or peach purée. You can make it from scratch by using ripe peaches, but the first two options are more convenient. 
• Pour the nectar into a chilled champagne glass. 
• Top it off with champagne and enjoy!

Mimosa

Another great cocktail for all the brunch lovers out there. The Mimosa is for everyone who wants a fruity and effervescent drink. It combines the tanginess and natural sweetness of orange juice and the bubbly notes of the champagne. You only need: 

• 2 oz fresh orange juice
• Champagne (or sparkling wine)

To make a good Mimosa you should: 

• Chill the champagne glasses in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes prior to serving the cocktail. 
• Pour the orange juice and then the champagne. Pour the sparkling wine gently so you can preserve the bubbles. 
• Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the ingredients. 
• You can use an orange slice or a twist of an orange peel as a cocktail garnish. 

Sgroppino

A delightful palate-cleansing cocktails that customers find refreshing. It’s a perfect match for Italian cuisine. All you need to make it is: 

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz lemon sorbet (or lemon gelato)
• 3 oz Prosecco
• Lemon twist or zest for garnish

How to make Sgroppino:

• Chill a stemmed glass or a champagne flute for about 15 minutes. 
• In a blender, combine vodka and lemon sorbet or gelato. Blend to make a smooth and creamy consistency. 
• Pour the drink into the chilled glass. 
• Add the champagne to it but pour gently to preserve the bubbles. 
• Give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients. 

Raspberry Fizz

Yet another vibrant and fruity cocktail that will make any celebration better. It can be used an as aperitif, too. To make this raspberry goodness, you will need: 

• 2 oz raspberry liqueur (such as Chambord)
• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Fresh raspberries for garnish

How to make a Raspberry Fizz: 

• Start by chilling the champagne glass. Do that about 15 minutes before making the cocktail and serving it. 
• Pour the raspberry liqueur into the champagne flutes. Then top it off with champagne. Be gentle, so you can keep the bubbles. 
• Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.  
• You can garnish this delicious drink with some raspberries. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Champagne Cocktails

Want to know more about champagne cocktails? We answered the most common questions about them below. The answers will give you insightful information about these types of cocktails. 

Are Champagne Cocktails Sweet or Dry?

Champagne cocktails can vary in sweetness. Bellini, for example, is a very sweet cocktail, while French 75 is on the drier side. If you are experimenting with your own champagne cocktails, control the sweetness by either adding or avoiding sweeter ingredients. 

When Are Champagne Cocktails Typically Served?

Champagne cocktails are versatile. They can be enjoyed on various occasions. These drinks are often served during brunch, celebrations, and as a pre-dinner aperitif.

Do Champagne Cocktails Pair Well With Food?

Champagne cocktails pair well with a variety of foods. For example, Bellini goes well with brunch dishes, while French 75 is a great match for savory appetizers. 

What Is the Best Type of Champagne to Use for Cocktails?

For champagne cocktails, it's best to use a good quality but not overly expensive brut champagne or sparkling wine. Prosecco or Cava can also be excellent alternatives, providing the necessary bubbles and flavors without breaking the bank​.

Are Champagne Cocktails Only for Special Occasions?

While champagne cocktails are often associated with special occasions and celebrations, they can be enjoyed anytime. Their versatility and elegance make them suitable for brunches, dinners, or casual gatherings as well​.

What Are Some Popular Variations of Champagne Cocktails?

Popular variations include the Kir Royale, the Poinsettia, and the Aperol Spritz. These variations offer different flavors and can be tailored to personal preferences​.