About the Champagne Cocktail
The Champagne Cocktail is a timeless sparkling drink made with Champagne, cognac, bitters, sugar, and a lemon twist. It is light, elegant, and celebratory, but the bitters and citrus give it enough depth and aroma to feel like a true classic cocktail rather than just a glass of sparkling wine.
The drink appeared in Jerry Thomas’s Bartender’s Guide in 1862, making it one of the oldest cocktails still commonly served today. Unlike many 19th-century recipes, the Champagne Cocktail remains simple and practical: a little sweetness, a few dashes of bitters, a touch of spirit, and sparkling wine brought together into a drink that still feels perfect for weddings, parties, and celebrations.
