Classic Champagne Cocktail

Like the name suggests, the Classic Champagne Cocktail is a popular champagne cocktail, blending the elegance of champagne with the depth of cognac. At its heart is a sugar cube soaked in bitters, placed at the bottom of the glass, which adds both sweetness and complexity.

It starts with a sparkling, dry base that sweetens as the sugar cube dissolves, mixing with the spicy complexity of bitters. Cognac adds a rich depth to the drink, while the bright citrus aroma from the orange zest pulls everything together for a sophisticated sipping cocktail.

Like many classic cocktails, the exact origins of the Champagne Cocktail are a mystery. It’s thought to have been invented in Panama around the mid-1800s. At least, the first written mention of the drink appeared in an 1855 book detailing observations from a short stay on the Isthmus of Panama, covering the Panama railway and the cities of Panama.

Therefore, it’s almost certain that the Champagne Cocktail existed before 1855, though it was different from the version we know today. Originally, it was served in a tumbler over crushed ice with aromatic bitters, sugar syrup, and champagne, but there was no mention of cognac. Cognac likely didn’t become part of the recipe until the late 1930s.

Even though some cocktail critics back then considered it sacrilegious to “ruin” vintage champagne with sugar and cognac, the drink has stood the test of time and remains a favorite champagne cocktail today.

• Chill your ingredients
  Serving the Classic Champagne Cocktail chilled is a must. Make sure to refrigerate your champagne and brandy until they’re well chilled. Also, pop your champagne flute in the freezer about 30 minutes before serving.
• Choose Quality Ingredients
  To make great-tasting drinks, using the best quality ingredients is key. Opt for a brut champagne that’s dry and citrusy – G.H. Mumm champagne is a great choice. For cognac, go for a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and dark fruits like raisins.

• Sparkling Wine instead of Champagne
  The original Classic Champagne Cocktail was made with – you guessed it – champagne. However, today, it’s common to find it made with other sparkling wines. So, if you have a favorite Brut sparkling wine, substitute champagne for sparkling wine.
• Use a Brown Sugar Cube
  Again, although a traditional Classic Champagne Cocktail is made with a white sugar cube, opt for a brown sugar cube. Brown sugar works incredibly well with a rich, fruity and warming cognac.

• Change up your garnish
  The Classic Champagne Cocktail is garnished with orange peel. However, it’s not uncommon to say bartenders use a lemon twist instead.
• The original Champagne Cocktail
  As noted in the history section, the original Champagne Cocktail recipe didn’t include cognac and was served in a tumbler glass with crushed ice.

  Want to recreate the original? Start by adding crushed ice to your tumbler glass, then add half a teaspoon of sugar, a couple of dashes of bitters, and top it off with champagne. Give it a good stir and you’ve now got a classic from 1855.

• Serve your drink in a pre-chilled champagne flute for the best experience. Alternatively, a coupe glass is a popular choice. If you’re feeling nostalgic for 1855, serve your Classic Champagne Cocktail in a tumbler (just skip the crushed ice from the original 1855 recipe).

• For garnish, an orange peel is a classic choice, but a twist of lemon adds a wonderful touch – or better still, use both! Express the oils from the citrus peels and place them directly in your glass.

• For a little something extra, add a maraschino cherry alongside the orange peel for garnish. The combination of cognac and maraschino cherry is heavenly.