If you love sparkling celebrations and crave a touch of old-school glamour at your next gathering, the Classic Champagne Cocktail is an absolute must. This timeless concoction is a dazzling marriage of bubbly, bitters, and a hint of citrus, elevating every toast into a special occasion. Whether you’re kicking off date night, raising a glass at brunch, or looking for a foolproof cocktail to impress friends, there’s endless charm in this simple but sophisticated drink. Let’s pop some bottles and craft something unforgettable!

Classic Champagne Cocktail Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Classic Champagne Cocktail lies in its simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients come together for a drink that feels far greater than the sum of its parts. Each component plays a crucial role, from texture to a burst of aromatic brightness, ensuring every sip is delightfully lively.

Sugar cube: This humble cube is the perfect carrier for bitters and provides a touch of mild sweetness as it dissolves slowly, transforming your bubbles with character.
Angostura bitters: These aromatic bitters bring depth and warming spice, balancing the drink and providing that signature pink-amber blush when mixed with the sugar.
Champagne (or other dry sparkling wine): Choose your favorite dry sparkling wine—Champagne, prosecco, or cava all work beautifully—and make sure it’s well-chilled for vibrant bubbles and crisp flavor.
Lemon zest strip: A twist of lemon peel adds an invigorating citrus aroma and a beautiful finishing touch to this classic cocktail.

How to Make Classic Champagne Cocktail

Step 1: Soak the Sugar Cube

To build an irresistible layer of flavor, start by soaking your sugar cube with Angostura bitters. Hold the sugar cube steady on top of the bitters bottle (I like to use my finger to balance it), then quickly flip the bottle upside down. The bitters will drip onto the cube, turning it a rosy pink and infusing it with warming spice.

Step 2: Drop the Cube into the Glass

Gingerly drop your now-soaked sugar cube into a chilled champagne flute. You’ll hear that delightful fizz as the sugar meets the glass, beginning to infuse your drink with sweetness and depth.

Step 3: Add Sparkling Wine and Zest

Pour in 4 ounces of your favorite chilled Champagne or sparkling wine—do this slowly to avoid overflowing bubbles. Finally, take a strip of lemon zest and give it a gentle twist over the glass to release those fragrant oils before adding it as the crowning garnish. That’s it: your Classic Champagne Cocktail is ready to sip and savor!

How to Serve Classic Champagne Cocktail

Garnishes

The finishing touch is everything! A fresh strip of lemon zest is classic, but you can also try an orange peel for a playful twist or drop in a couple of fresh raspberries for an elegant pop of color. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprig of rosemary lends a subtle herbal note and makes your drink sparkle with a wintery touch.

Side Dishes

The versatile and elegant Classic Champagne Cocktail pairs beautifully with a wide range of light bites. Try it alongside tangy goat cheese crostini, fresh oysters, or smoked salmon canapés. Even salty snacks like marcona almonds or truffle popcorn become next-level delicious with a bubbly cocktail in hand!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with presentation! Serve your cocktails on a mirrored tray for instant Gatsby vibes, or nestle each flute into a bed of crushed ice for outdoor soirées. For a playful twist, use vintage coupe glasses or garnish with edible flowers to celebrate springtime occasions and add a little magic to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While the Classic Champagne Cocktail is always best freshly made and enjoyed immediately, you can store any leftover sparkling wine in the fridge for a day or so. Be sure to use a champagne stopper to help preserve those precious bubbles!

Freezing

Freezing a prepared Classic Champagne Cocktail isn’t recommended, as sparkling wine loses its delightful fizz and the sugar bitterness can intensify when defrosted. For the best experience, prepare only what you intend to serve fresh.

Reheating

No need for reheating here—the magic of this drink is its ice-cold, sparkling freshness! If your bubbly has turned flat, use it for a different recipe like poached pears or risotto, and start a new cocktail with a chilled bottle for that perfect effervescence.

FAQs

Can I use something other than Angostura bitters?

Absolutely! While Angostura is traditional for a Classic Champagne Cocktail, try orange or aromatic bitters for a unique twist. There are so many fun bitters on the market—find one that suits your mood or the season.

Is prosecco or cava just as good as Champagne for this cocktail?

Definitely. Both prosecco and cava work beautifully, as long as you pick a dry bottle. Each brings slightly different bubbles and flavor notes, so experiment and pick the one you love best!

Can I prep Classic Champagne Cocktails ahead for a party?

While you should pour the sparkling wine right before serving to keep it fizzy, you can pre-soak your sugar cubes with bitters and have everything set up ahead of time. Just pour and garnish when your guests arrive!

Are there alcohol-free options for this cocktail?

You sure can. Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or seltzer and alcohol-free bitters for a mocktail that’s just as special and festive as the original.

What’s the origin of the Classic Champagne Cocktail?

This beloved beverage dates back to the early 19th century and was popular in elegant cocktail bars across the world. Its enduring appeal is all about simplicity, style, and sparkle—and it’s stayed in style for good reason!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about raising a glass of the Classic Champagne Cocktail, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just brightening up an ordinary evening. Its combination of simplicity, flavor, and festive fizz makes every occasion feel like an event. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let the bubbles work their celebratory magic!

Classic Champagne Cocktail Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Champagne Cocktail recipe that combines the sweetness of sugar with the effervescence of Champagne, finished with a hint of aromatic bitters and a twist of lemon zest for a sophisticated and celebratory drink.

Ingredients

Sugar Cube:

Angostura Bitters:

as needed

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or any dry sparkling wine:

4 oz.

Lemon Zest Strip:

Instructions

Soak the Sugar Cube: Place the sugar cube on top of the bitters bottle. Hold the cube in place with your finger and turn the bottle upside down to drip bitters onto the cube, soaking it quickly.
Drop the Soaked Cube: Into a champagne flute.
Pour in the Sparkling Wine: Add the strip of zest for garnish.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: International