Three Champagne cocktails with a Champagne cork an a plate of sugar cubes beside the drinks.
Chris Middleton
1 of 7

Champagne Cocktail

This Champagne cocktail is a classic for a reason, and we’ve tossed in a few signature extra flourishes (found as variations beneath the recipe that are remarkably easy to make and even more remarkably stunning to sip. And there’s no need to wait for a special occasion.
A glass gobelet filled with an Adonis cocktail and an orange twist garnish, in front of a painted background.
Jennifer May
2 of 7

Adonis Cocktail

The Adonis cocktail brings together vermouth, a couple of styles of sherry, orange bitters, and a twist. A cocktail classic named for that uber-handsome Greek god.
A pitcher and glasses of white sangria spritzer, filled with slices of lemons and oranges
Stephen Kent Johnson
3 of 7

White Sangria Spritzer

This white sangria spritzer is crisp white wine, Cointreau, plenty of citrus, and sparkling water collide. What results is a refreshing drink you can sip all evening long without getting TOO tipsy.
A black velvet cocktail in a flute with a napkin and cork in the background.
Brent Hofacker
4 of 7

Black Velvet Cocktail

The Black Velvet cocktail contains the word “velvet” in its title for a reason. The effervescent mingling of stout and Champagne is uncommonly smooth and subtly sophisticated. Go on. Take a sip and see for yourself. 
Blood orange and prosecco cocktail, in a coupe glass, on a small tray.
Brian Woodcock
5 of 7

Blood Orange and Prosecco Cocktail

This cocktail is the perfect way to begin a romantic dinner for two: a simple combination of blood orange nectar, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and prosecco. Serving it in a coupe is a more elegant, unexpected alternative to a Champagne flute, but a flute would work just as well.
Prosecco being added to a Prosecco and Aperol cocktail, with two partially filled glasses behind it.
Christopher Hirsheimer
6 of 7

Prosecco and Aperol Cocktail

This prosecco and Aperol cocktail, with its subtle effervescence and slightly sweet, citrusy, herbal, bitter flavor profile, may just be the ultimate simple yet sophisticated sipper. Made with sparkling white wine and the classic aperitif along with a twist.
Two glasses of lime soda and one glass of angostura orange.
Susan Bell
7 of 7

Lime Soda

This lime soda is an easy summer alternative to plain old water made with lime juice, soda water, and a little salt. Natch, there’s always the option of adding a splash of something stronger and turning it into a cocktail.



About David Leite

I count myself lucky to have received three James Beard Awards for my writing as well as for Leite’s Culinaria. My work has also appeared in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appรฉtit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Yankee, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and more.


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