If you're in the some-things-are-best-left-alone camp, we get it. You don't exactly have to be a wacky, die-hard fundamentalist to feel that Champagne cocktails are unnecessary; given a lovely flute filled with even the most straightforward sparkling wine, it's easy to make the argument. But here's one of the glorious things about a bottle of Champagne: You don't have to choose. Start out sipping it straight, and then break out those mixers and gild that lily.
Once you've mastered the Bellini, the French 75, and the Death in the Afternoon, spare some bubbles for the sparkling mojito and these other Champagne concoctions.
Cocktail
Chandon Pom Fizz
1/2 oz Grand Marnier Liqueur
1/2 oz Pomegranate juice
2 to 3 oz Chilled sparkling wine
Strip of orange peel
Pour the Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice into a sparkling wine flute. Fill the glass to the top with the sparkling wine. Twist the orange peel over, drop it in the glass, and serve at once.
Black Velvet
1 part Guinness stout
1 part Brut Champagne
Fill an empty Collins glass part-way with a Guinness (or other stout beer), top with Champagne. Stir.
Air Mail
2 oz Amber rum
1/2 oz Fresh Lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
5 oz Champagne
Combine the rum, lime juice, and honey in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Stir, the pour into a collins glass. Add Champagne.
Champagne Mojito
3 oz Brut Champagne
4 Sprigs fresh spearmint
3 tsp Superfine sugar
2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
1 lime wedge
In a bar mixing glass, muddle the mint with the lime juice and sugar. Add Champagne, stir, and strain into a Champagne flute.
Comments
Spear
That Chandon Pom Fizz sounds amazing - yum!
Sep 17, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Dal Piaz
Black velvet is a great way to end a night, something smooth, cold, and not terribly alcoholic. Perfect for the last hour out!
Sep 17, 2010 at 10:41 AM
I have to agree. The Black Velvet sounds dreadful, but somehow, it works.
Sep 17, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Dal Piaz
It's like some sort of mystic restorative. It has saved me on more than one occasion.
Sep 17, 2010 at 11:10 AM
I'm surprised that the St. Germaine cocktail was not cited... nor the bellini or kir royale... I like 4 parts prosecco, 2 parts limoncello, i part Dimi with a dash of Bitter Truth Grapefruit bitters and a twist of lemon.
Sep 17, 2010 at 1:51 PM
How about cocktails made from ingrdients that are available in a regular household where one does not have to do ingredient hunting!
Sep 19, 2010 at 1:25 AM
Your articles are always a source of inspiration, i will try the champagne mojito!
Sep 30, 2010 at 2:35 PM
I promise to try them all !
Oct 01, 2010 at 11:17 AM
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