A classic Champagne cocktail lets the bubbles shine through—with a hint of added flavor from a bitters-soaked sugar cube and added aroma from a citrus peel.
Editor’s note: This elegant sparkling cocktail, which dates back to the 1850s, hardly requires a recipe. You can substitute 1 tsp. sugar for the sugar cube if desired, and dash with 3–5 dashes of bitters—the Angostura adds warming spice to the mix, while the sugar softens the sparkling wine's tartness. Top with 4 ounces of chilled Champagne or sparkling wine. The wine is really featured here; more so, perhaps, than in many sparkling cocktails that came later.
This recipe originally appeared in 101 Champagne Cocktails by Kim Haasarud, and was first published on Epicurious November 4, 2010.
Ingredients
Makes 1 serving
Soak the sugar cube in Angostura bitters and drop into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne or a sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist.
Leave a Review
Reviews (7)
Back to TopWonderful for New Year's eve celebration this year. It is on must do list.
Anonymous
Palm Springs California
1/1/2022
Has always been one of my favorites. Great way to test a bartender and see if they know their stuff. Amazing how many try to give me a Kir Royale instead which is not AT ALL the same.
Anonymous
Washington, DC
2/15/2017
One of my favorites, but, to make it even better, before adding the champagne, add about an inch of Lillet (a French aperitif wine) to the glass and then fill with champagne.
janekaren
New Haven, Ct.
2/22/2012
This is my "go-to" cocktail! Simply perfect!! Classy too!
Anonymous
12/26/2011
I couldn't find bitters - so I used candied ginger in lieu of the sugar & bitters.
contra_laura
1/11/2011
This is a classic champagen cocktail, however, just to give it a bit more of a kick add a nip of brandy to the glass as well as the Bitters & sugar cube.(good french brandy if you have it) Voila, you have the Classic French Champagne Cocktail - French '75.
greenfk
Brisbane, Australia
12/28/2010
The very best and simple to make!!! Always my drink of choice for a special occasion.
2rallan
Stockton, CA
11/24/2010
See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
39 Classic Cocktails That Shaped the Way We Drink
Mix your way through these iconic drinks for a crash course in the fundamentals of bartending.27 Simple 3-Ingredient Cocktails to Make Now and Memorize for Later
Cocktails don’t need a million ingredients to be delicious. These are simple enough to commit to memory for next time.29 Best Champagne Cocktails for New Year’s Eve (or Any Festive Occasion)
It's time to pop some bottles.The 12 Cocktails Of Christmas
Classic holiday tipples for the 12 days of Christmas.
