When it comes to celebrating special occasions like summer barbecues, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or bridal showers, nothing says “festive” quite like classic champagne cocktails.
And the best part? You don’t need a lot of ingredients or time to create these elegant drinks.
Today I’m sharing some easy 2-ingredient champagne cocktail recipes that are perfect for your next event. Let’s pop some bubbles!
Classic Mimosa
A good old’ regular mimosa is one of the most beloved champagne cocktails, perfect for brunch, happy hour, or a simple celebration. In fact, it’s one of my favorite cocktails to serve for a group. Who doesn’t love ’em?
Ingredients:
- Orange juice
- Brut champagne or sparkling wine
Simply pour the orange juice into a champagne flute, top with chilled champagne, and garnish with an orange slice or an orange peel twist for extra sparkle. This refreshing drink is a perfect combination of sweetness and bubbles, making it a great way to kick off any celebration.
Kir Royale
A Kir Royale adds a touch of sophistication and berry flavor to your bubbly.
Ingredients:
- Blackcurrant liqueur (Crème de Cassis)
- Brut champagne
Pour the blackcurrant liqueur into a champagne flute and top with champagne. This elegant drink, with its deep, rich color, is a classic choice for dinner parties and special occasions.
Champagne Punch
For those who enjoy a sweeter side to their cocktails, a Champagne Punch is an excellent option.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple juice
- Brut champagne
In a large punch bowl, combine chilled pineapple juice with champagne. Serve in champagne flutes or a martini glass, garnished with fresh fruit like strawberries or a lemon slice to add a festive touch.
Cranberry Mimosa
A Cranberry Mimosa brings a tart twist to the traditional mimosa, perfect for holiday celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Ingredients:
- Cranberry juice
- Brut champagne
Pour cranberry juice into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a lime slice for a festive drink that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Grand Royale
If you’re looking for a drink with a bit more complexity, try the Grand Royale.
Ingredients:
- Grand Marnier (or another orange liqueur)
- Brut champagne
Add a dash of Grand Marnier to a champagne flute and fill with champagne. This cocktail combines the liqueur’s bright citrus notes with the champagne’s crispness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Perfect for autumn, the Apple Cider Mimosa is a refreshing drink with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider
- Brut champagne
Mix equal parts apple cider and champagne in a champagne flute. Garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick for a cozy, festive feel.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a trendy, low-ABV cocktail that’s perfect for summer afternoons and happy hour.
Ingredients:
- Aperol
- Brut champagne
Fill a champagne glass with ice, add Aperol, and top with champagne. Garnish with an orange slice for a vibrant, refreshing drink.
Pomegranate Bellini
For a unique twist, the Pomegranate Bellini offers a burst of berry flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pomegranate juice
- Brut champagne
Pour pomegranate juice into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or a lemon twist for a visually stunning and delicious cocktail.
Peach Bellini
Another fruity favorite is the Peach Bellini, which is especially delightful during peach season.
Ingredients:
- Peach puree
- Brut champagne
Add peach puree to a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a fresh peach slice for an elegant drink that’s sure to impress.
Black Velvet
The Black Velvet is a bold and striking cocktail, combining the richness of stout with the lightness of champagne.
Ingredients:
- Stout beer (like Guinness)
- Brut champagne
Fill a champagne flute halfway with stout beer and top with champagne. This unique combination creates a layered effect and a memorable flavor experience.
Tips for the Perfect Champagne Cocktails
- Chill Everything: Make sure your champagne and other ingredients are thoroughly chilled before mixing to keep your cocktails crisp and refreshing.
- Garnishes: Garnishes like lemon slices, orange twists, fresh cranberries, and fruit add visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
- Glassware: Use the proper glassware, such as champagne flutes or martini glasses, to enhance the presentation and experience of your cocktails.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh juices and fruits whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup: If you prefer sweeter cocktails, add a dash of simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water.
Elevate Your Presentation
When serving champagne cocktails, presentation can make all the difference. Consider adding a decorative touch to your glassware with a sugared rim. Simply dip the rim of the champagne flute in a little bit of lemon juice or water, then dip it into a plate of sugar to coat the edge.
This not only adds a sweet finish to each sip but also creates an elegant look. Additionally, using themed stirrers or picks can add a fun and festive vibe to your cocktails. Whether it’s tiny umbrellas for a summer party or glittery picks for New Year’s Eve, these small details can enhance the overall experience.
Pairing with Appetizers
To complement your champagne cocktails, pair them with light and flavorful appetizers. Classic choices include cheese platters with a variety of soft and hard cheeses, fresh fruit skewers, and smoked salmon canapés.
For a more substantial bite, consider serving mini quiches, bruschetta topped with tomato and basil, or prosciutto-wrapped melon balls. These appetizers not only match the elegance of the cocktails but also provide a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will keep your guests satisfied and ready for more.
The combination of well-crafted cocktails and delicious bites ensures a memorable event that your guests will talk about long after the last glass is emptied.
Classic champagne cocktails are a fantastic addition to any celebration, offering elegance, simplicity, and delightful flavors. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve bash, a bridal shower, or a casual happy hour, these easy champagne cocktails are the perfect choice. So grab your champagne flute, pick your favorite recipe, and toast to good times and great company! Cheers!