The Classic Champagne co*cktail Recipe (2024)

Considered one of the earliest co*cktails ever made, there’s nothing quite like this classic champagne co*cktail recipe when you feel like celebrating.

Made especially easy with bitters-infused sugar cubes, this recipe is perfect for New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or pretty much any time you want to feel fancy.

“Bubblllllles! Bubbles! My bubbles.”

~Bubbles the Fish, Finding Nemo

I may or may not be like Bubbles the fish. Except, I go wild for champagne bubbles.

Seriously, the sound of a cork popping makes me giddy with excitement. There’s just something special about the effervescence. Make it a nice dry champagne, and I’m all in.

But sometimes, the occasion calls for a little bit more. Which is when I want a classic champagne co*cktail.

A good champagne co*cktail has just the right balance of sweetness and earthiness, and keeps bubbling for an extended period thanks to the sugar cube at the bottom of the glass.

According to Wikipedia, the classic champagne co*cktail dates back as early as 1862, and some consider it one of the very first co*cktails to be invented.

Best of all, the classic champagne co*cktail recipe is incredibly easy to make. It takes only three ingredients (four, if you choose to add cognac), and there’s no special mixing or tools necessary.

All you need is the right champagne flute, sugar cubes, and Angostura bitters.

Tips for Making a Delicious Classic Champagne co*cktail

Most Importantly, Use the Right Champagne.

No, you don’t have to use ‘true champagne’ for your champagne co*cktails, but using the right style and quality will make a big difference:

• Don’t use expensive champagne. Those are best consumed and appreciated straight from the bottle.
• Avoid sweet sparkling wines and Prosecco. Since you’re adding a sugar cube for the bubbles, those will get way too sweet.
• Skip the ultra-cheap sparkling wines. They’re great for mimosas and other mixed co*cktails, but there’s not enough added with a champagne co*cktail to hide the flavor.

In short, a mid-quality brut champagne is just right for champagne co*cktails.

Tall Champagne Flutes are Best

Gatsby style wide-mouthed champagne flutes are fun, but this recipe is all about keeping the bubbles alive. And tall flutes are designed to encourage the release of additional bubbles.

Look at all those lovely bubbles!

Make Sure to Prepare Your Supplies

We all know that champagne should be well chilled, but to keep your champagne co*cktail crisp, you’ll also want to chill the flute and the cognac.

Pour Your Champagne Correctly

Slightly tip your champagne flute while pouring, to avoid releasing all the bubbles in a frothy head. You want the bubbles to last as long as possible!

…in other words, don’t pour with your glass straight up like this:

Get Creative

• Pre-soak your sugar cubes to make it easy. Douse your sugar cubes with bitters and let them air dry for a day or so.
• OR make your own sugar cubes in festive shapes by combining bitters and white sugar in a silicone mold.
• Add a twist of lemon or orange peel to your champagne co*cktails to brighten up the flavor.

Free New Year’s Eve Bottle Labels

If you’re entertaining this New Year’s Eve, don’t forget subscribers can download this gold glitter New Year’s Eve banner and matching wine bottle label for free.

Don’t want to subscribe? No problem, the banner and bottle label are also available for a small price in my shop.

More co*cktail Recipes to Love:

• New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Garnish
• Peppermint Mocha-Tini
• Holiday White Wine Sangria

Join me over at Facebook, Instagram, orTwitter,

for more fun ideas and inspiration!