Three Champagne cocktails with a Champagne cork an a plate of sugar cubes beside the drinks.
Chris Middleton
1 of 11

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.
Recipe
A glass gobelet filled with an Adonis cocktail and an orange twist garnish, in front of a painted background.
Jennifer May
2 of 11

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.
Recipe
A pitcher and glasses of white sangria spritzer, filled with slices of lemons and oranges
Stephen Kent Johnson
3 of 11

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.
Recipe
Two flutes filled with French 75 cocktail on a wooden table with a notebook and a plate of lemon slices nearby.
Quentin Bacon
4 of 11

French 75 Cocktail

Dear friends of ours who love great cocktails brought me Brian Van Flandern’s inspired first cocktail book, called Vintage Cocktails, and I’ve bought every book he’s written since. This very special Champagne cocktail from his book is both sweet and lemony, with the rich flavor of Cognac.
Recipe
A black velvet cocktail in a flute with a napkin and cork in the background.
Brent Hofacker
5 of 11

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. 
Recipe
A pitcher and 4 tumblers filled with amber colored whiskey sour.
Clare Winfield
6 of 11

Tangerine Whiskey Sour

Tangerine whiskey sour is a riff on a classic cocktail and makes a party-friendly punch. Hiccup.
Recipe
Blood orange and prosecco cocktail, in a coupe glass, on a small tray.
Brian Woodcock
7 of 11

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.
Recipe
Prosecco being added to a Prosecco and Aperol cocktail, with two partially filled glasses behind it.
Christopher Hirsheimer
8 of 11

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.
Recipe
A tall, cool pink Kitty highball, filled with ice, and sporting a lemon slice
Lizzie Munro
9 of 11

Kitty Highball

The kitty highball is a low alcohol aperitif made with red wine, ginger syrup, lime juice, and soda water or seltzer. Ideal for all night—or all day—sipping.
Recipe
Poor man's Champagne cocktail in a coupe glass with a twist of lemon
Beth Evans
10 of 11

Poor Man’s Champagne Cocktail

Made with no Champagne at all, this poor man's cocktail still brings elegance to your party without the expense.
Recipe
Two glasses of lime soda and one glass of angostura orange.
Susan Bell
11 of 11

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.
Recipe



About David Leite

David Leite has received three James Beard Awards for his writing as well as for Leite’s Culinaria. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Yankee, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and more.


Hungry For More?

8 Recipes for Fresh Peaches

Whether you’ve got a glut of peaches to use up or you simply can’t resist anything with peaches, you’re going to want to try each of these 8 incredible recipes that make the most of the irresistible summer stone fruit.

2 hrs 20 mins

10 Beach Picnic Food Ideas

Heading out to enjoy a day at the beach? Let us help you fill your cooler with the tastiest dishes you can imagine.

15 mins

7 No-Churn Ice Cream Recipes

No ice cream maker? No problem. These no-churn ice cream recipes require just a little stirring and a brief stint in the freezer before you can indulge in homemade ice cream bliss.

4 hrs 15 mins


Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *