10 Terrific Champagne Mixers
You're hosting the New Year's Eve festivities this year and you're totally prepared. You've got it all: Food, favors, and most importantly — a well-stocked bar.
Good vodka for those who like it simply with club soda, whiskey or scotch for the neat and on-the-rocks drinkers, tequila for taking late-night shots. And of course, it being New Year's Eve, Champagne (or at least some alternative) is a must. But you know how parties go — the later it gets, the more likely it is that people will just start mixing together whatever is on-hand.
So in an effort to help avoid any champagne-liquor mixing misshaps, we've compiled a list of ten great spirits to mix with Champagne — and the cocktails you should make with them.
Gin: French 75
From The Daily Meal
Arm tired from shaking all those dirty martinis? Pour some of that gin into a flute with what's left of the Champagne and make this pre-Prohibition classic. Or if you have some other mixers behind the bar, like pear liqueur or blood orange juice, you could always whip together something that expands upon the theme.
Tequila: Champagne Margaritas
From The Daily Meal
You might not necessarily think it, but tequila and sparkling wine make a nice match. Especially for those who find the taste of tequila a little harsh, this bubbly take on the classic margarita is well-balanced.
Grand Marnier: Grand Champagne Cocktail
From The Daily Meal
If you have some of this organge-flavored liqueur on-hand (maybe you used a little to make something sweet for your guests), try it in combination with a nice, dry champagne.
Cognac: Classic Champagne Cocktail
From The Daily Meal
Champagne and cognac? This smooth, distinguished spirit is actually one of the main ingredients of the classic Champagne cocktail.
Rum: Bacardi Champagne Cocktail
From The Daily Meal
Tiki-flavors meets bubbly in this bright, fruity punch.
Absinthe: Death in the Afternoon
From The Daily Meal
With absinthe cocktails making a comeback, this straightforward drink adds a touch of sparkle to anise-flavored green spirit. Let's just hope the name doesn't indicate how you'll be feeling the next day.
Brandy: Champagne Cooler
From Bar None Drinks
With just three ingredients this recipe keeps things simple, without slacking on spirits or flavor.
Vodka: Champagne Martini
From Drink of the Week
For those who fall on the vodka side of the iconic martini debate, make it a Champagne Martini this New Year's Eve.
Whiskey: Americana
From Drink Swap
Champagne and whiskey combine to powerful effect in this boozy cocktail, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
St. Germain: Elderflower Champagne Cocktail
From Zested
The natural pairing of St. Germain and Champagne creates a light, floral drink, here garnished with cucumber and mint.