Four Dry Champagne Cocktails To Serve At Your Next Party
Champagne cocktails have the reputation of being light and fruity, but they don't necessarily have to be this way. If you and your guests tend to prefer drier drinks, try serving these champagne cocktails at your next party. Make sure you use a dry variety of champagne, such as one labeled "brut" or "extra brut."
Death in the Afternoon
This drink has a morbid name, but its flavor will make you feel lively. You'll need:
- 1/2 ounce absinthe
- 5 ounces champagne
Fill a lowball glass with ice, and pour the absinthe over the ice. Top with the champagne, give the drink a gentle stir, and serve.
Irish Velvet
Combining champagne with stout may sound a bit strange, but once you try this rich-bodied cocktail, you'll understand why the Irish love it. The drink tastes sort of like a combination of wine and chocolate. You'll need:
- 2 ounces champagne, chilled
- 3 ounces good-quality Irish stout beer, chilled
Combine the two ingredients in a lowball glass, and stir. Serve garnished with a few shavings of dark chocolate, if desired.
Dry Gin and Ginger
Real, fresh ginger root gives this cocktail a bit of spice, which certainly makes it unique. Gin lovers will enjoy this unique drink in which the flavor of gin is present, but understated. You'll need:
- 1 small segment of ginger root, peeled
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 3 ounces champagne, chilled
Grate the ginger, and measure 1 teaspoon of it into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, and add the lemon juice and gin. Shake briefly, and then strain the mixture into a martini glass or champagne flute. Top with champagne, and serve garnished with a lemon slice.
Chilled Kiss
There are only two ingredients in this cocktail, so to make sure it is a success, buy the highest quality you can afford. To take things up a notch, use a flavored vodka such as lemon or orange. You'll need:
- 2 ounces high quality vodka, chilled
- 3 ounces champagne, chilled
Combine the two ingredients in a champagne flute, and stir gently to combine. If the drink is too strong for your tastes, you can add a splash of lemon-lime or club soda to soften it.
These four less-sweet champagne cocktails are sure to bring your party to life. Companies such as Pacific Wine Merchants may have more drink ideas for your next social gathering. Serve them with salty appetizers, like prosciutto and olives, for a taste sensation you're sure to enjoy.