Karla, Megan and Sharon as champagne cocktail taste testersI have been neglectful about making the post - not for want of trying! So - I have finally had a few minutes, and want to talk about Easter drinks.
I hosted a somewhat impromptu Easter brunch this year - with Scott, Megan and friends Karla and Sharon. The stars aligned and everyone needed/wanted someplace to celebrate Easter this. So, I whipped up ham, hash brown casserole - and best of all - champagne!
I am BIG fan of champagne, but I have never really focused on making champagne cocktails. For some reason when I pull out the bottle, it always seem a shame to doctor it with other ingredients. Occasionally, I might have a mimosa, but nothing fancier than that.
I figured, though, that I had some good little drink guinea pigs in my guests (should it be good little drink bunnies?) so I would give it a shot. I googled champagne cocktails, and found lists and lists, but I settled on four types to try - two standards, and two I invented:
--the classic (champagne, bitters and sugar),
--french 75 (champagne, simple syrup, vodka (technically gin) and lemon juice)
--easter berry (champagne, raspberry, and lemon juice)
--spring flower (champagne, elderflower liquor, and lemon juice).
Surprising, we all agreed the classic was the best. It was SO simple, and it completely enhanced the flavor of the champagne. The second choice was the Spring Flower, as the Elderflower Liqueur added a nice note to the champagne. The recipes follow.
The Classic
In a champagne glass, add 1 sugar cube (or small tsp of sugar), and a few shots bitters. Fill the remainder of glass with champagne.
French 75
In a champagne glass, add a small amount of vodka (or gin). Add a splash of simple syrup and a splash of lemon juice. Fill the remainder of the glass with champagne.
Easter Berry
In a champagne glass, add a small amount of raspberry liqueur (I used Cold Creek from Portland, OR as I have been to the distillery), and a splash of lemon juice. Fill the remainder of the glass with champagne.
Spring Flower
In a champagne glass, add a small amount of elderflower liqueur (I used my stash of St. Germaine), and a splash of lemon juice. Fill the remainder of the glass with champagne.
I would really encourage people to give these a try. I have had to stop myself from making my own version of champagne brunch every Sunday since. I should have kept the recycling to remind myself why that isn't such a great idea!
Happy (Belated) Easter!
