CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS
Sparkly, bubbly and oh so fabulous- that’s how many of us would probably describe the greatest celebratory drink of all times. Whether it’s a wedding, engagement, birthday or the start of the New Year, expect bottles on bottles of champagne to be popped in all their glory. While the history of champagne dates back to centuries ago, not too many of us are aware of its legendary greatness and existence in today’s era.
It’s time to take a fantastically boozy trip in backwards direction as we explore the famous roots of society’s favourite and beloved social accessory- champagne cocktails. So let’s take a look!
Looking back at the history behind the most well known yet least understood of all wines today, Champagne is the name given to a wine as well as a region in the southeast of Paris. The term champagne may only be used for sparkling wine that is produced in the French region of Champagne.
Considered as a wonderful marker of happiness and celebration, the battle for Champagne’s existence never came easy. The region has a long history of being conflicted in world wars, disasters, and political strife. In the past, Champagne houses were the spoils of war where they served their masters during victory as well as defeat.
Champagne (sparkling white wine) was first founded in 1676 in England where it was considered fashionable and in great demand. While the society of London loved it, the producers of Champagne saw the fizzy effect as a fault as fermentation wasn’t quite understood during that time.
Champagne underwent fermentation twice in cool conditions and was only produced using Chardonnay or Pinot Meunier grapes, giving it that white or rose wine appearance. It has a distinct flavor and higher sugar content, coming packaged in glass bottles with corks to retain longevity.
Legendary champagne cocktails of the ancient era
There are a number of champagne cocktails that have peaked in the past yet continue to be renowned for their greatness today. However, there are two that have stood the test of time. The Champagne Cocktail is a supreme blend of sugar, bitters, some Cognac and Champagne, coming dressed to perfection with a maraschino cherry. French 75 is a tantalizing concoction of lemon juice, champagne, sugar, and gin, known to revive the senses with freshness like none other.
Understanding the science and art of champagne
Especially when it comes to the festive season, understanding the science and art of champagne is so pivotal in ensuring a pleasurable drinking experience. Champagne shouldn’t be over-chilled when served as this can cause an alteration in taste. Next, champagne is best consumed when it’s been recently opened as the effervescence begins to die out after some time. Lastly, experts recommend steering clear of champagne mixed with other alcoholic beverages like beer or wine to avoid intense hangovers the following day.
Top 5 bubbly champagne cocktail recipes sure to float anyone’s boat.
Here are our top picks for simple to make and sensational to drink champagne cocktails.
Limoncello Sparkler
Ingredients:
• 2tbsp limoncello
• Rosemary sprig for garnish
• Chilled champagne as needed
Method:
Pour limoncello into a chilled champagne glass and top it up with champagne. Garnish with rosemary sprig.
Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
• 2tbsp pureed cranberry sauce
• Chilled champagne as needed
Method:
Spoon the cranberry puree into the champagne flute and top it with champagne by tilting the glass and slow pouring down the sides of the flute. Serve this immediately.
Champagne Fizz
Ingredients:
• 6pcs of candied ginger(2inch each)
• 1 bottle 6.7oz angostura bitters
• 2 bottles (750ml)of chilled Champagne Brut
Method:
Place candied ginger into a bowl and pour the bitters on top. Cover and allow to stand for 4 hours at room temperature. Strain the ginger pieces while reserving the liquid for use next time. Now slice each ginger lengthwise into half. Place one half at the bottom of each champagne glass. Now top every glass with champagne and then serve immediately.
Blood Orange Flavored Champagne Cocktails
Ingredients:
• 2(750ml) chilled champagne bottles
• 2 ¼ cups of frozen or freshly squeezed blood orange juice
Method:
Add 3tbsp of juice into champagne glasses and top with champagne. Serve immediately.
Champagne and Cherries
Ingredients:
• 2tbsp of Amaretto
• 12 pitted and halved cherries
• Brut champagne as needed
Method:
Divide the cherries equally into four narrow champagne glasses and top them with 1 1/2 tsp of Amaretto. Allow to stand for 10mins. Now pour chilled champagne on top and serve immediately.