Champagne cocktails are one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary moment into something worth celebrating. Whether you’re hosting brunch, welcoming friends, or simply opening a bottle because it’s Tuesday, these recipes prove you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy Champagne.
At Champagne Hunters, we believe you don’t have to earn a reason to celebrate. You already are one. Sometimes all it takes is the sound of a cork popping and bubbles rising in the glass.
Table of contents
- Why Champagne cocktails are always a good idea
- 10 Champagne cocktails to try
- Which Champagne should you use?
- Champagne cocktails comparison table
- Frequently asked questions
- Celebrate today
- Continue your Champagne journey
Why Champagne cocktails are always a good idea
The best Champagne cocktails don’t hide the wine. They simply add another layer of flavour while letting the bubbles, freshness and character of Champagne remain the star of the glass.
Whether you’re mixing drinks for brunch, a birthday, New Year’s Eve or a quiet evening on the patio, these recipes are simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests.
10 Champagne cocktails to try
French 75 (Perfect for Reels)
Elegant, refreshing and full of citrus, the French 75 has been delighting cocktail lovers for more than a century. It’s one of the most iconic Champagne cocktails ever created.
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) gin
- ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- 3 oz (90 ml) chilled Champagne
- Lemon twist
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Shake well and strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with chilled Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
A slow-motion Champagne pour and the bubbles rising through the glass make this a perfect cocktail for Instagram Reels.
Mimosa (Perfect for Reels)
The Mimosa is a brunch classic that’s fresh, bright and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- Equal parts fresh orange juice
- Equal parts chilled Champagne
- Orange slice (optional)
Method
- Pour the orange juice into a Champagne flute.
- Slowly top with Champagne.
- Stir gently if desired.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Bellini
Originally created in Venice, the Bellini combines Champagne with sweet white peach purée for a soft, fruity cocktail that’s perfect on warm afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) white peach purée
- 4 oz (120 ml) chilled Champagne
Method
- Spoon the peach purée into a chilled flute.
- Slowly pour in the Champagne.
- Stir gently until combined.
- Serve immediately.
Kir Royale
Simple, elegant and beautifully colourful, the Kir Royale is a favourite before dinner.
Ingredients
- ½ oz (15 ml) crème de cassis
- Chilled Champagne
- Fresh blackberry (optional)
Method
- Pour the crème de cassis into a flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a blackberry if desired.
Aperol & Champagne Spritz (Perfect for Reels)
Love an Aperol Spritz? This Champagne version is brighter, livelier and perfect for golden hour.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
- 3 oz (90 ml) chilled Champagne
- Splash of soda water
- Orange slice
Method
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add the Aperol.
- Pour in the Champagne followed by a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
The bright orange colour and sparkling finish make this one especially eye-catching on video.
Poinsettia
Traditionally served during the holidays, this cocktail is delicious throughout the year.
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) cranberry juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) orange liqueur
- Chilled Champagne
Method
- Add the cranberry juice and orange liqueur to a flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries if available.
Champagne Cocktail
Sometimes the oldest recipes remain the best. This classic dates back to the 1800s.
Ingredients
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Chilled Champagne
- Lemon twist
Method
- Place the sugar cube in a Champagne flute.
- Add the bitters.
- Slowly pour over the Champagne.
- Finish with a lemon twist.
Black Velvet
A surprisingly smooth blend of Champagne and stout beer that has been enjoyed for generations.
Ingredients
- Equal parts chilled stout
- Equal parts chilled Champagne
Method
- Pour the stout into a glass.
- Slowly top with Champagne.
- Serve immediately without stirring.
Death in the Afternoon
Created by Ernest Hemingway, this bold cocktail combines Champagne with absinthe for a completely different experience.
Ingredients
- 1 oz (30 ml) absinthe
- Chilled Champagne
Method
- Pour the absinthe into a flute.
- Slowly top with Champagne.
- Serve immediately.
Raspberry Champagne Smash
Fresh berries make this cocktail feel bright, fresh and wonderfully summery.
Ingredients
- Handful of fresh raspberries
- ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- Chilled Champagne
- Fresh mint
Method
- Lightly muddle the raspberries with the syrup.
- Spoon into a Champagne flute or wine glass.
- Top with chilled Champagne.
- Garnish with fresh mint.
Which Champagne should you use?
You don’t need the most expensive bottle to make great Champagne cocktails. A good-quality non-vintage Brut Champagne is usually the best choice because it offers fresh acidity, lively bubbles and balanced fruit.
If your cocktail includes fruit juice or sweeter ingredients, avoid sweeter styles of Champagne so the finished drink stays refreshing rather than overly sweet.
Champagne cocktails comparison table
| Cocktail | Difficulty | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| French 75 | Easy | 5 min | Dinner parties |
| Mimosa | Very easy | 2 min | Brunch |
| Bellini | Easy | 3 min | Summer afternoons |
| Kir Royale | Very easy | 2 min | Celebrations |
| Aperol & Champagne Spritz | Easy | 4 min | Aperitifs |
| Poinsettia | Easy | 3 min | Holiday gatherings |
| Champagne Cocktail | Very easy | 2 min | Classic occasions |
| Black Velvet | Easy | 2 min | Beer lovers |
| Death in the Afternoon | Easy | 2 min | Adventurous drinkers |
| Raspberry Champagne Smash | Easy | 5 min | Garden parties |
Preparation times are approximate.
Frequently asked questions
The Mimosa is one of the easiest Champagne cocktails you can make. Simply combine equal parts fresh orange juice and chilled Champagne for a timeless brunch favourite.
Fresh citrus juice, peach purée, crème de cassis, Aperol, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, bitters and fresh berries all pair beautifully with Champagne while allowing its character to shine.
The Champagne Cocktail, made with a sugar cube, Angostura bitters and Champagne, is one of the oldest Champagne mixed drinks. The French 75 and Kir Royale are also considered timeless classics.
Absolutely. Most easy Champagne cocktails require only two to four ingredients and take less than five minutes to prepare.
A non-vintage Brut Champagne is usually the best choice. It offers freshness, lively acidity and enough structure to complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Celebrate today
Champagne has always been associated with life’s biggest milestones, but some of the best memories begin on completely ordinary days.
Whether you’re mixing a Mimosa for Sunday brunch, shaking a French 75 for friends or opening a bottle simply because the evening feels right, remember that celebrations don’t always need a reason.
At Champagne Hunters, we believe you don’t have to earn a reason to celebrate. You already are one.
Continue your Champagne journey
Looking for somewhere to enjoy Champagne beyond your home?
Visit the Champagne Hunters Map to find a Champagne bar near you and discover outstanding Champagne bars, restaurants and hotels around the world.
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