What to Mix with Champagne?
Champagne has long been celebrated as a symbol of celebration, fun, elegance and festivity. There is way more to this effervescent drink than simply sipping it straight out of the glass. Mixing champagne with some complimentary ingredients can elevate your experience and add a creative twist to classic cocktails. Forewarning: Don't waste vintage champagne (champagne produced with specific vintage years), on champagne mixers. You'll get some haters giving you some serious staredowns, and perhaps even black-listed for future fine wine events. Stick with non-vintage run of the mill champagnes. Here are some delightful and simple mixers to pair with champagne for a memorable drink.
Fruit Juices Adding fruit juice to champagne is a classic way to create a refreshing and vibrant cocktail. Here are some juices that pair exceptionally well:Orange Juice: The Mimosa is perhaps the most iconic champagne cocktail. Mixing equal parts orange juice and champagne creates a balanced, refreshing drink perfect for brunch. For a twist, try using blood orange juice for a deeper color and more intense flavor.
Cranberry Juice: A splash of cranberry juice adds a subtle tartness to champagne, making it a festive choice for holiday gatherings. The cranberry’s bright red color is perfect for adding a touch of seasonal flair.
Pineapple Juice: This tropical juice can bring out fruity notes in champagne, especially if you’re working with a Brut or drier variety. For a unique flavor, try combining pineapple juice with a splash of coconut rum.
Pomegranate Juice: Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate juice adds a slightly tart and tangy flavor, creating a vibrant pink hue in your glass. It's a sophisticated choice that’s ideal for holiday celebrations or romantic evenings.
Liqueurs Adding liqueurs to champagne allows you to explore bolder flavors. Here are some that blend beautifully:Crème de Cassis: This blackcurrant liqueur is the star of the Kir Royale cocktail. Just add a small amount to champagne, and you’ll have a striking deep purple drink with a hint of sweetness.
St. Germain: Known as the “bartender’s ketchup,” St. Germain is a French elderflower liqueur with floral and fruity notes. Its delicate flavors mix seamlessly with champagne, creating a light, refreshing drink that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Cointreau or Grand Marnier: These orange-flavored liqueurs add a citrusy depth to champagne, making them ideal for fans of orange-based cocktails. A splash of either can transform champagne into a luxurious drink with complex flavors.
Campari: For those who enjoy bitter flavors, adding a touch of Campari can give champagne a unique, sophisticated edge. This Italian liqueur brings out the citrus notes in champagne while adding a rich red color.
Spirits While champagne is generally lower in alcohol than spirits, mixing it with liquor can create bolder, more complex cocktails.Gin: Gin adds a botanical edge to champagne, complementing the bubbly’s natural floral and fruity notes. Mix a bit of gin with lemon juice and top with champagne for a French 75, a classic cocktail with a tangy kick.
Vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor, making it an ideal base for experimenting with champagne cocktails. For a refreshing twist, try a champagne and vodka spritzer with a splash of lime or grapefruit juice.
Tequila: If you’re feeling adventurous, tequila can add a spicy, earthy note to champagne. A small amount of silver tequila, combined with a squeeze of lime, can turn champagne into a vibrant and unexpected cocktail.
Fresh Herbs and Garnishes Fresh herbs and garnishes add a final flourish to champagne cocktails. Consider adding a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or basil to give your drink an aromatic boost. Edible flowers, such as violets or rose petals, can also elevate the visual appeal and make your champagne cocktail feel extra special.Mixing champagne with different ingredients can turn a simple glass of bubbly into an exciting, personalized cocktail. From fruit juices and liqueurs to spirits and fresh garnishes, there’s no limit to how creative you can get. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your perfect champagne mix!
Don't forget that you can personalize your champagne bottles or even some flutes for that special occasion. Personalized champagne with a custom wine label or an etched bottle of champagne goes a long way to leave a valuable impression. This takes "what to mix with champagne" to the next level!