Our Guide to Gin and Champagne Cocktails

The vibrant botanicals of gin pair wonderfully with the crisp bubbles of champagne, offering a delightful twist to classic cocktails and some fun modern takes. Here are a few must-try gin and champagne cocktails that are easy to make and sure to impress.

French 75 The French 75 is the classic gin and champagne cocktail that dates back to World War I. It’s simple, elegant, and packs a punch, making it perfect for special occasions. The drink combines the botanical notes of gin with the bright acidity of lemon and the effervescence of champagne.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• Champagne

Instructions: In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a champagne flute. Top with chilled champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

French 75 Twist: Gin Fizz Royale If you love a French 75 but want something slightly more adventurous, try a Gin Fizz Royale. This drink brings a little more fizz and adds a hint of herbal complexity with elderflower.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin

• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• Champagne

Instructions: Shake gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an herbal touch.

Negroni Sbagliato with Champagne While the Negroni Sbagliato usually calls for sparkling wine, swapping it with champagne creates a refined, bubbly version of this Italian favorite. The combination of gin’s botanicals, sweet vermouth, and champagne’s crispness makes for a balanced yet complex cocktail.

• 1 oz gin

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• Champagne

Instructions: Combine gin and sweet vermouth in a glass filled with ice. Stir gently, then top with champagne. Garnish with an orange twist for a citrusy aroma.

Gin and Champagne Martini For a sophisticated cocktail, try this Gin and Champagne Martini. It’s a lovely blend of botanical gin, dry vermouth, and the light sparkle of champagne, creating a fresh twist on the classic martini.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz dry vermouth

• Champagne

Instructions: Stir gin and vermouth with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass, then top with a splash of champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive for a martini-inspired touch.

Sparkling Bee’s Knees A modern twist on the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail, this version adds a splash of champagne, bringing a refreshing sparkle to the honey-sweetened gin cocktail.

• 1 oz gin

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)

• Champagne

Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain into a coupe or flute glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon wheel for extra flair.

Southside Royale The Southside cocktail is already a gin lover’s dream with its minty, citrusy freshness. Adding champagne takes it up a notch, turning it into a Southside Royale, perfect for warm evenings or anytime you want a refreshing, sparkling drink.

• 1 oz gin

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves

• Champagne

Instructions: Muddle mint leaves in a shaker with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a flute or coupe glass. Top with champagne and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Gin and champagne cocktails are easy to make and bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. So, grab a bottle of your favorite gin, pop some bubbly, and try one of these delicious gin and champagne cocktails!