Posted by Chelsea Cawthon on April 01, 2010 11:23 a.m.
When most people think of cocktails, hard liquors like vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey immediately come to mind. Although most cocktails are concocted with the hard stuff, why not mix it up and use champagne instead? The bubbles will make for a refreshing change and a light, refreshing, crisp taste.
Throwing a classy champagne cocktail party is a great way to celebrate a special occasion. Of course, you can throw one “just because”—no one’s judging! There are plenty of delicious, not to mention simple, champagne cocktail recipes. Plus, since the flavor of the champagne is usually not important, using inexpensive alternatives is no problem (I recommend Cook’s or Andre).
Remember to put the mixers in the glass first and then top off with champagne to avoid excess fizz. Here are a few tasty ideas:
Mimosa
Perhaps the most well known champagne concoction, mimosas are one of the only alcoholic refreshments acceptable to drink before noon! This one’s a no-brainer: Champagne and orange juice. Add a splash of Triple Sec to liven it up.
Bellini
It’s a fruity and refreshing drink, not to mention super easy to make. Put a little peach nectar in the bottom of a flute and fill with champagne. Peach nectar comes in a can and can be found at any grocery store. This one’s also delicious if you can scrounge up some fresh peaches.
Strawberry Sensation
Okay, so I just made up the name, but this is a delicious drink! Simply cut up fresh strawberries (frozen will work, too) and mix with champagne.
Lemon Drop
An energizing drink full of citrusy goodness, this one needs to be made in bulk. Combine one bottle of champagne, 1 liter of soda water, and one package of Minute Maid frozen lemonade. Then, garnish with a lemon wedge.
Mixing any fruit—pineapple, raspberry, mango, cheery—with champagne is fool proof. Yes, these recipes may seem traditional, but that’s what champagne is about: Tradition! These drinks would be a perfect complement to a summertime cookout on the grill, or serve with a variety of bite-size hors d’oeuvres, from the simple cheese-and-cracker staple, to something a little more exotic like sushi. Gather up your closest friends, and prepare for an elegant and delicious occasion.