Champagne is for celebrating. So whether it’s your best friend’s engagement party or simply a dinner with loved ones, the occasion is worth celebrating. But why settle for simple glasses of champagne when you can make the cocktail the star of the night?
Here are several champagne cocktail recipes that will turn your $8 champagne into the thing your guests can’t stop talking about. (Psst! The secret is freshly harvested herbs.)
St. Germain French Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Nothing says celebration more than a bubbly glass of champagne. A time-tested French classic, champagne’s effervescence is only improved upon with a dash of sweet elderflower liqueur and a few sprigs of freshly harvested thyme. This is the special occasion you’ll revert to for the major festivities.
INGREDIENTS:
- Champagne
- St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- Champagne flutes
- Thyme, for garnish
HOW-TO:
Fill 1/5 of a champagne flute with St. Germain liqueur. Fill rest of the glass with chilled champagne, garnish with thyme, and enjoy!
Grapefruit & Sage Bubbly
Grapefruit and sage is the flavor combo made for toasting — especially if that occurs at a brunch. This chilled cocktail’s fizz contains delicious hints of tart citrus and warm, astringent sage. Light and refreshing, it’ll be a drink that feels like happiness.
*This is our favorite of all of the champagne cocktail recipes.
INGREDIENTS:
For the simple syrup:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 2 bunches fresh sage leaves
For the cocktail:
- Pink grapefruit juice
- Sage simple syrup
- Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Champagne or other sparkling white wine
- Fresh sage leaves
HOW-TO:
- To make the simple syrup, combine the sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer and sugar is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the two bunches fresh sage and cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Set aside and let cool.
- Once the syrup is room temperature, remove and discard the sage. Transfer the simple syrup to a clean re-sealable container and store it in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
- For a single cocktail, vigorously shake 3 oz (6 Tbsp) grapefruit juice, 1½ oz (3 Tbsp) of sage simple syrup, and 2-3 dashes of bitters in a shaker with ice.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
- Top with ½ cup champagne.
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve immediately.
Moët Melon on the Rocks
This champagne cocktail recipe from Delish is one of our favorites. Sweet and refreshing, the fresh mint really steals the show in our opinion. Feel free to substitute with the champagne of your choosing and let the festivities begin!
