Bubbly, effervescent and full of flavour, cocktails prepared using good quality champagne have a lot of mixology potential. While the countdown to the new year is the classic champagne toast, the actual party can feature cocktails made using the bubbly, to explore newer forms of the classic serve. Beyond the mimosa, there exist a number of flavourful concoctions that you can dive into, whether you are hosting a party yourself, or attending one. From fruity spritzers to herb-infused highballs, fizzy champagne cocktails can be the unexpected surprise element which adds a flavourful touch to the new year party.
Pomegranate French 75
Elegant, jewel-toned and superbly sophisticated, this is a champagne cocktail that brims with fizzy textures and sweet, tart flavours. A fruity take on the classic French 75, it brings together gin, lime juice and pomegranate juice in a festive mixture, topped off with a stunning bubbly. The drink can be garnished with pomegranate arils for an acidic touch. Swap the fresh pomegranate juice with grenadine for a stickier, syrupy drink that matches the festive vibe without disturbing the sweet and tart flavour of the classic cocktail.
Sparkling Clementine Spritz
This is a winter spritz that feels like a soft, bright and citrusy sparkle in the cold weather. Bright and low-prep, it can be one of the drinks you add to your cocktail roster if you are hosting a new year’s gathering at home. Bring together clementine juice, an Italian aperitif of choice and honey. Top this mixture off with a premium bubbly for the fizzy touch. Build the drink in a wine glass for an elegant look and garnish it with rosemary and a clementine wheel for a fruity, sweet and citrusy effect. Wine glasses containing the sparkling spritz can be arranged neatly on a tray and circulated among guests at the party.
Raspberry Kir Royale
The kir royale is as elegant as champagne cocktails can get and infusing it with raspberry is just the precise way to add a festive touch into the blend. Bring together crème de cassis and champagne in a flute-shaped glass and garnish with fresh raspberries. A touch of raspberry syrup added to the cocktail will infuse it with a festive look. Deeply hued and touched with luxury, this drink is the perfect aesthetic, photo-worthy addition to a new year’s eve gathering you host at home.
Bubbly Ginger Highball
Put a bubbly, effervescent and citrusy spin on the classic highball by swapping out the whisky and soda combination with champagne. Add just a hint of sharp ginger syrup which will introduce a pungent spice into the cocktail, laced with a lemon twist garnish. An eclectic take on the highball, this spritzer combines the sweet and spicy flavours of ginger syrup with the acidity of champagne in a drink that is fresh and light.
Elderflower Champagne Spritz
Fresh, floral and chic, the elderflower spritz is made bubbly by topping it off with champagne: a delightfully light and fresh drink to behold at a winter gathering. Do away with heavy spices laden with thick aromas and go for something brighter for an unexpected twist in the cocktail menu. Elderflower liqueur and champagne can come together in this cocktail, exclusively at a festive, new year’s party, finished off with an elegant lime wheel garnish that introduces just the right citrusy brightness. This spritz is the perfect champagne cocktail for guests looking for something chic, that’s at once bubbly and celebratory.