Champagne is an undisputed symbol of celebration, luxury, and sophistication. While enjoying the effervescence straight is a time-honoured tradition and experience, the realm of mixology opens up endless possibilities. Cocktails create opportunities for this regal elixir to mingle with spirits and ingredients both traditional and unique.
The art of mixing with bubbles requires finesse and an understanding of the subtleties of flavours coming from this lively category. From some of the most iconic classics to boundary-pushing modern concoctions, using the best Champagne to elevate each individual cocktail can lift the flavours beyond the sum of their parts. Here are five of the best bubbles to combine with cocktails.
Champagne Piaff
Piaff is the balance of the bunch, bringing an après-ski crushability to the Champagne scene. It's perfect for the traditional champagne cocktails. With prominent crisp green apple and delicate citrus notes, it evokes a bright and invigorating experience like a hot-air balloon over a sun-kissed orchard. The fruity layers are balanced with toasted brioche, adding depth and complexity. A light brush of decadent texture adds richness, while a light acidity provides balance and vibrancy, ensuring harmony in any classic. Light fruit lingers on the finish with just a touch of sweetness at the end.
Perfect champagne cocktail pairings:
Mimosa: A classic brunch cocktail made with Champagne and orange juice.
Alfonso: a mix of Dubonnet, an Angostura-soaked sugar cube and Champagne
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42
Moët & Chandon 'Brut Impérial' Champagne
A true legend of dry delight, a juggernaut of the industry, and the Champagne upon which most cocktail traditions have been built. It's the golden colour of country sun-soaked hay and as soon as it connects to the tongue, you get a rush of graceful bubbles bursting out of the liquid. There is a unique lemon-lime citrus quality parallel to honey, yeast, and baked biscuit flavour. Probably the most important part of this champagne is the airy and light texture and slight drying grip. Moët is going to be the go-to for cutting through any sweetness in the other ingredients.
Perfect champagne cocktail pairings:
French 75: A timeless cocktail combining Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and sugar
Kir Royale: A simple yet elegant cocktail featuring Champagne and crème de cassis
Diamond Fizz: A luxurious frothy cocktail made with Champagne, gin, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £42.99
Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut
This Champagne brings more ripe fruits than others on this list, including soft apple and smooth pear, mingling harmoniously with zingy citrus notes. This sweet and confectionary start is followed by toasted almonds and freshly baked bread in the middle. This Champagne finishes with a satiny texture that envelops the palate. Veuve Clicquot is rounder and sweeter on the front palate so this should be prioritised where sweetness is a strength.
Perfect champagne cocktail pairings:
Champagne Cocktail: A traditional cocktail made by adding a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters to Champagne, garnished with a lemon twist
Pornstar Martini: The iconic combination of vanilla and passion fruit, originally flanked by a Champagne sidecar
Seelbach Cocktail: A blend of Champagne, bourbon, triple sec, and Angostura and Peychaud's bitters
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £48.99
Champagne Gaston Declos Brut
Gaston Declos leads heavy with Pinot Noir as its dominant grape, which gives the Champagne a rich weight in cocktails. The perceived density of this will make it a heavy hitter when paired with bolder flavours or stronger spirits. It's also worth noting that this feels like it brings a tinier bubble structure than its peers in pricing. The combo of light bubbles and a more staunch presence make it perfect for modern Champagne cocktails that tend to be more untethered in their delicacy.
Perfect champagne cocktail pairings:
Bellini: Champagne and peach purée
Champagne Punch: one of the first celebratory cocktail concoctions
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £32.99
Telmont Réserve Brut Champagne
Telmont is luxurious at every turn. While well-balanced, the terroir sings through the minerality of the liquid. Just a bit of melon comes through right at the beginning and gives way to vanilla notes and poached tree fruits. A prominent acidity provides structure and vibrancy for more floral and aromatic Champagne cocktails. The finish continues the mineral freshness which would be perfect for anything with fruit juices or a touch of added salinity. This Champagne is going to bring the best out of many unique ingredients and flavour sensations.
Perfect champagne cocktail pairings:
Poinsettia: A festive cocktail made with Champagne, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange liqueur
Black Velvet: A mainly US-based cocktail made with equal parts Champagne and Guinness
Daiquiri Royale: a classic daiquiri with a lowball champagne sidecar
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £39.95
Different producers, different approaches, and different traditions all lead to the versatility of this incredible category. Whether it is cocktails for a bougie brunch, a decadent black tie affair, or an effervescent classic, choosing the right Champagne for the right cocktail can make all the difference. Since Champagne is so bold and bubbly, and such an investment for many, make sure your Champagne cocktail is using the bubbles to lift it up rather than making it fall flat.
If you need a rum for your Daiquiri Royale, or a brandy for your modern riff on the French 75, there's lots more to explore in other articles!
By Zach Sapato
