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Tested and perfected by the Southern Living Test Kitchen team.
When it comes to impressing guests with minimal effort, the classic Champagne cocktail reigns supreme. With just three simple ingredients and a delicate lemon twist, this timeless drink blends sophistication, flavor, and sparkle into every sip. It’s the perfect addition to any celebration, offering a harmonious balance of brightness, bitterness, and sweetness. Here’s how you can create this elegant cocktail in mere minutes.
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Why This Cocktail Works
The magic of the Champagne cocktail lies in its simplicity. Each element plays its role:
- Champagne delivers vibrant acidity and effervescence that feels luxurious and refreshing.
- Angostura bitters add depth with subtle aromatic and bitter notes.
- A sugar cube provides a gentle sweetness that evolves throughout the drink, creating a dynamic flavor experience.
The lemon twist? It’s the finishing touch—a burst of citrus that ties it all together and elevates the presentation.
Southern Living’s Tips for Perfecting the Drink
- Champagne Choice: Brut Champagne is ideal for its dry profile, but Prosecco or cava are excellent alternatives. For a slightly sweeter twist, opt for extra-dry Champagne.
- Pour with Care: Adding Champagne too quickly can cause an overflow of bubbles. A slow, steady pour keeps things classy and controlled.
- Serve Fresh: This cocktail is best prepared and served immediately. Pre-mixing or batch preparation will cause the Champagne to lose its fizz, and nobody likes a flat drink!
- Where to Find Bitters: Angostura bitters are typically found near the mixers in grocery stores or at most liquor stores.
Ingredients
- 1 sugar cube
- 5 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 5 oz. chilled Brut Champagne
- 1 lemon twist
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Glass
Begin by placing a sugar cube at the bottom of a coupe glass. Add five dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the cube. This small but mighty combination creates the aromatic backbone of the cocktail.
Step 2: Add the Star Ingredient
Slowly pour chilled Champagne over the sugar cube. The fizz from the Champagne will react with the sugar, creating a gentle cascade of bubbles.
Step 3: Garnish with Style
Complete your masterpiece with a delicate lemon twist. Not only does it enhance the drink’s aroma, but it also adds a touch of visual flair.
The Experience in Every Sip
From the first sip, you’ll notice a delightful interplay of flavors. The bitterness from the Angostura bitters and the sweetness of the dissolving sugar cube create a dynamic contrast, while the Champagne’s acidity and effervescence bring it all together. As the sugar gradually dissolves, the cocktail subtly shifts toward sweetness, making the last few sips irresistibly satisfying.
Why It’s a Party Must-Have
This classic Champagne cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Perfect for weddings, holiday parties, or an intimate evening with friends, it’s as versatile as it is elegant. Plus, its simplicity ensures that even novice mixologists can serve it with confidence.
So, the next time you’re looking for a drink that dazzles without effort, reach for a bottle of bubbly, a sugar cube, and bitters. With this cocktail, you’ll toast to timeless style and endless celebrations.
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