The Champagne Cocktail

HISTORY OF THE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

HISTORY OF THE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

One of the oldest mixed drinks, dating back at least to the mid-1800s, the Champagne Cocktail consists of a sugar cube combined in aromatic bitters dropped into the base of a glass, over which a standard pour of Champagne or other dry, sparkling wine is added.

Over the next hundred years, it appeared in many classic cocktails text by authors like Jerry Thomas, Harry Craddock, and David Embury, all of whom make small tweaks to the formulation: granulated sugar vs. a sugar cube, perhaps a small lump of ice, perhaps served in a tumbler or a small, slender highball glass, perhaps embellished with a dash or two of Cognac. But regardless of these small “improvements” or modifications, the true heart of the Champagne Cocktail remains the bright, citrus notes of the sparkling wine and the garnish, accented by the slowly-released spice notes from the bitters.

HOW TO MAKE A CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 oz Brut Champagne (or a similar dry, sparkling wine)
  • 1 sugar cube
  • Several dashes of Embitterment Lavender Bitters

GARNISH:
Lemon twist

DIRECTIONS:
Prior to service, pre-slice as many lemon twists as you will need for garnishes. Then soak your sugar cube(s) with several dashes of bitters (Angostura is traditional, but we recommend using our exquisite Lavender Bitters). Be sure to do this on a napkin that will absorb any excess bitters – remember: you want the bitters to gradually infuse the drink as the bubbles interact with the sugar cube. For each serving, add the soaked sugar cube to a chilled Champagne flute and gently pour the sparkling wine into the glass. Garnish and serve immediately so that your guests can enjoy the pleasing visual of the bubbles fizzing on the sugar cube, infusing the drink with flavor.

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL VARIATIONS

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL VARIATIONS

Aside from playing with the bitters, or perhaps substituting an orange peel for the lemon twist garnish, there are a couple cocktails that have managed to expand on what the Champagne Cocktail offers. One variation, which amps up the flavor and the alcohol is called the Casino Cocktail, which substitutes absinthe for the bitters and adorns the drink with a Cognac float. Another, called the Prince of Wales Cocktail, jacks the sweetness by including a half ounce each of Grand Marnier and Cognac, in a addition to the sugar, bitters, and Champagne.

One thing that shouldn’t be changed, however, is the use of a decent-quality Brut Champagne in this cocktail  You don’t need to break the bank account by purchasing a bottle of vintage bubbles, but always try to use something slightly drier and more sophisticated than a budget Prosecco.