Champagne
Drinks
By Scott Miller
Always wondered what the big fuss is about champagne? Or are
you looking for something a little more, or a little different
from champagne? Champagne is a wonderfully adaptable wine,
offering far more versatility than many realize. These four
classic drinks: Bellini, Mimosa,
Champagne Cocktail, and Passion-Fruit
Champagne Cocktail will introduce you to some delightful
options. Champagne is not just for toasts!
BELLINI
The Italian masterpiece. Often makes converts and becomes a 'Drink
of Choice' after just one taste! If you can find them, is at it's
best with Italian white peaches.
1 quart puree of fresh peaches
pinch of sugar to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 quarts chilled champagne
Sweeten the peaches to taste, stir in the lemon juice and put
into a punch bowl. Add the champagne and mix well. Makes about 12
servings.
MIMOSA (aka 50/50)
A standard for brunches--and for good reason. It's easy. Also a
great way to finish off any left-over champagne from the night
before. And with sweet fresh-squeezed orange juice, many swear by
it's restorative powers.
1 part orange-juice
1 part champagne
To minimize fizzing, add orange juice to champagne flute first,
then add champagne to top off.
CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
A great cocktail to offer at a sophisticated black-tie party, and
something different New Year's Eve (before the midnight toast).
Sweet and tart and a pretty color, too.
1 sugar cube
2-3 drops Angostura bitters (or to taste)
4 oz. champagne
Put sugar cube in flute, drip the bitters onto the sugar cube,
then add champagne. If making a round (or several) of these, put
sugar cubes in a bowl and soak with bitters first, then drop
pre-soaked cubes into flutes just before filling.
PASSION-FRUIT CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
Our Valentine's Day favorite! Makes two servings.
1 cup chilled passion fruit nectar
1/2 teaspoon Angostura bitters
1 cup chilled champagne or other sparkling white wine
4 fresh raspberries or small strawberries
1 orange slice, cut in half
Divide nectar and bitters between 2 chilled champagne flutes. Add
champagne. Drop 2 berries into each drink. Garnish with orange.
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