Champagne Cocktail.

My Curated Tastes is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Champagne cocktails are classically prepared with Angostura bitters and a twist of lemon. Recently, I found Orange Angostura bitters (how exciting!) and made this classic drink using the orange bitters and an orange peel twist! It was just a nice twist on this classic drink. A classic with a twist!!! And if you like cocktails with a twist, be sure to try one of these:  Mixed Citrus Mimosa or my White Russian.

How to make a champagne cocktail

This classic cocktail comes together in just minutes with a few elegant touches that transform champagne into something truly special.

  1. Place one sugar cube in each glass. Use a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass for best results. The sugar cube will slowly dissolve as you sip, sweetening the cocktail gradually and creating a beautiful stream of bubbles rising from the bottom of the glass.
  2. Add a couple of dashes of the orange bitters. Aim the bitters directly onto the sugar cube—typically 2-3 dashes work well. The sugar cube will absorb the bitters, which will then release slowly into the champagne, infusing each sip with aromatic citrus notes.
  3. Rub a zest strip around the rim of the glass and twist the orange zest over the glass and drop into the glass. Cut a strip of fresh orange peel, about 2 inches long, avoiding the bitter white pith. Gently rub the colored side around the rim to coat it with the essential oils. Then, hold the zest over the glass and give it a good twist to express the oils into the drink—you should see a fine mist of citrus oil spray across the surface. Drop the twisted zest into the glass as a beautiful garnish.
  4. Top with champagne and enjoy! Pour your chilled champagne (or quality sparkling wine) slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. Fill to just below the rim. Serve immediately and savor this timeless cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Champagne Cocktails

A classic champagne cocktail contains just four simple ingredients: one sugar cube, 2-3 dashes of Angostura or orange bitters, a strip of orange peel (zest), and champagne or sparkling wine. This timeless recipe dates back to the 1860s and remains one of the most elegant cocktails you can serve.
Absolutely! Prosecco, cava, or any quality sparkling wine works beautifully in a champagne cocktail. In fact, many bartenders prefer using prosecco or cava since the cocktail’s other ingredients add flavor and complexity, making expensive champagne unnecessary. Save your vintage Dom Pérignon for sipping solo.
While Angostura bitters are traditional, orange bitters have become increasingly popular and complement the orange garnish perfectly. Peychaud’s bitters offer a lighter, more floral option. Feel free to experiment—even a dash of aromatic or grapefruit bitters can create interesting variations.
The rough, porous surface of the sugar cube provides nucleation sites where dissolved carbon dioxide in the champagne can escape and form bubbles. As the sugar slowly dissolves, it continuously releases these bubbles, creating that mesmerizing fountain effect rising through your glass throughout the entire drink.
Hold a 2-inch strip of orange peel (colored part only, no white pith) between your thumb and forefinger with the colored side facing down toward the drink. Quickly bend or twist it over the glass—you should see a fine mist of citrus oil spray across the surface. This releases the aromatic oils that enhance both the aroma and flavor.
A champagne cocktail uses a sugar cube, bitters, and orange zest, creating a sophisticated, bitters-forward drink. A mimosa combines champagne with orange juice in roughly equal parts, resulting in a sweeter, fruitier brunch beverage. The champagne cocktail is more complex and spirit-focused, while mimosas are lighter and more casual.
It’s best to assemble champagne cocktails just before serving to preserve the bubbles and fresh citrus aroma. However, you can prep your glasses in advance by placing the sugar cubes and adding the bitters up to an hour before guests arrive. Cover the glasses with plastic wrap, then add the orange zest and champagne right before serving.
A champagne flute is the traditional choice because its tall, narrow shape preserves carbonation and showcases the rising bubbles. However, a coupe glass (shallow champagne saucer) offers a more vintage, glamorous presentation and makes it easier to enjoy the aromatic orange oils. Both work beautifully—choose based on your aesthetic preference.
No, you don’t eat the sugar cube—it’s meant to dissolve slowly throughout the drink, gradually sweetening your champagne cocktail as you sip. The cube typically takes 10-15 minutes to fully dissolve, which means your last sip will be sweeter than your first, creating an evolving flavor experience.
Champagne cocktails pair wonderfully with salty, rich appetizers that complement their bittersweet profile. Try them with oysters, smoked salmon canapés, aged cheese, salted nuts, or caviar. The bitters and citrus also cut through fatty foods beautifully, making these cocktails excellent pre-dinner drinks that stimulate the appetite without overwhelming the palate.

If you enjoyed this drink, please leave a comment and review below…I’d love to hear from you.  Looking for other sparkling wine cocktails?  Try some of these:

Chambord Kir Royale

Sparkling Cherry Prosecco Cocktail

Pomegranate Spritzer

champagne cocktail.

Champagne Cocktail

A simple and elegant cocktail perfect for holidays and brunch.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 6 Serves

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Bottle of Quality Champagne
  • 6 Sugar cubes
  • 6 Strips of Orange zest
  • Orange bitters

Instructions
 

  • Place one sugar cube in each glass. Add a couple of dashes of the orange bitters.
  • Rub a zest strip around the rim of the glass and twist the orange zest over the glass and drop into the glass.
  • Top with champagne and enjoy!
Keyword classic cocktails, happy hour
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!