Six classic Champagne cocktails

French 75

Looking for a cocktail to kick off your evening? Try a French 75.

This timeless cocktail features the tartness of freshly pressed lemon juice, crisp gin botanicals, and the Brut Champagne's bubbly charm. A splash of simple syrup imparts a slight sweetness, yielding a well-rounded cocktail perfect for raising a glass with mates.

The French 75, also known as Soixante Quinze, is a classic cocktail with a mysterious origin story. Various claimants – including the well-known bartender Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar – have staked claim to its creation. What’s certain is that it likely made its first appearance during World War I and carries the same name as the 75mm Howitzer field gun, as a nod to the accuracy and ‘kick’ of both. This elegant cocktail is a must-try for gin lovers.

Ingredients

• 20ml lemon juice

• 10ml simple syrup

• 30ml gin

• Chilled Champagne to top

• Ice

• Lemon peel for garnish

Method

Mix the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin in a cocktail shaker, then fill it with ice. Shake it until well mixed, then strain it into a chilled flute glass. Fill the rest of the glass with Champagne and top it off with a twist of lemon peel. Enjoy!

Buck’s Fizz

Buck’s Fizz is a winning combination of orange juice and Champagne. This drink, created in the 1920s, has become a popular aperitif at weddings and brunches due to its universal appeal. Don’t let the poor-quality versions made with concentrated orange juice put you off. Make it with freshly squeezed orange to enjoy this cocktail's vibrant, refreshing flavour.

This cocktail has the same ingredients as the classic American Mimosa, but a Buck's Fizz is made with two parts Champagne to one part orange juice instead of equal parts.

Ingredients

• 50ml of freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled

• 100ml of Champagne

• Optional orange peel for garnish

Method

To make a Buck’s Fizz, pour orange juice into a flute glass, filling it up to one-third of its capacity. Then, carefully fill up the rest of the glass with Champagne. For an added touch of flair, garnish the drink with a twist of orange peel.

Black Velvet

The combination of Champagne and Guinness may seem like an unexpected pairing, but one sip of Black Velvet will reveal how the bitter, chocolate-like stout perfectly complements the effervescence of Champagne.

The Black Velvet cocktail traces its origins back to Britain’s Victorian era when it was served following the death of Prince Albert. With just two ingredients, it is one of the simplest Champagne cocktails to prepare. The key to crafting an impeccable Black Velvet is the gentle handling of the ingredients. The final presentation should showcase a dark Guinness base capped with golden sparkling wine and a frothy head.

Ingredients

• 1 part Guinness (other stouts can be used but can impact the taste)

• 1 part Champagne

Method

Start by filling a flute glass halfway with Guinness or your preferred stout. Then, gradually add chilled Champagne over the back of a spoon into the glass. With cautious pouring, your Black Velvet should present a creamy head and distinct layers of rich, black stout beneath the Champagne bubbles. Don't worry if the two layers mingle while pouring, your Black Velvet will still taste delicious.