Champagne

Champagne is the world's most celebrated sparkling wine, bringing elegance, effervescence, and celebration to cocktails. True Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France, crafted using traditional methods that create fine, persistent bubbles and complex flavors. In cocktails, Champagne adds luxury, lightness, and festive character that transforms ordinary drinks into special occasions.

The crisp acidity and effervescence of Champagne make it perfect for cocktail mixing. The bubbles provide texture and mouthfeel while the clean, dry character enhances rather than competes with other ingredients. Different Champagne styles offer varying sweetness levels, from bone-dry Brut to slightly sweet Demi-Sec, allowing bartenders to match the wine to specific cocktail requirements.

Classic Champagne cocktails include the French 75, where gin and lemon juice meet bubbles for refreshing elegance, and the Bellini, where peach purée creates a romantic Italian aperitif. The Champagne cocktail itself, with sugar, bitters, and cognac, showcases how sparkling wine accepts classic cocktail elements.

For cocktail mixing, choose Champagne based on the drink style. Brut works perfectly for citrus-forward cocktails, while Demi-Sec enhances fruit-based drinks. Prosecco and Cava offer affordable alternatives for casual entertaining, providing similar bubbles and acidity at lower price points.

Serve Champagne cocktails immediately after preparation to preserve carbonation. Chill ingredients beforehand and use proper glassware to showcase the bubbles. Store opened Champagne refrigerated with a proper sparkling wine stopper to maintain effervescence for 2-3 days.