Champagne, sparkling wine, and bubbly cocktails are synonymous with celebration. A classic Champagne cocktail only has three ingredients: Champagne, bitters, and sugar. We’ve created our own twist on this classic using homemade sweet and tangy blood orange syrup.
Winter is the season for beautiful citrus fruits. Make the most of this time of year by picking up a few colorful blood oranges. Make a blood orange syrup by juicing 8 fruits and reducing the liquid into a thick sap, using the same technique found in this recipe. This all-natural syrup adds both flavor and an incredible pink-orange hue to the cocktails.
If you can’t find blood oranges, you can substitute any kind of orange as needed. You won’t get the same color, but thy syrup will taste delicious. Be sure to taste and adjust the sugar content at the end. The amount needed may vary depending on how sweet or sour your oranges are.
Cheers!
Blood orange Champagne cocktail recipe
INGREDIENTS
8 blood oranges
1 bottle Champagne, or other sparkling wine made in the traditional method
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Cut the oranges in half. Reserve one half and juice the others into a medium pot. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Lower to medium low and simmer, uncovered, until the juice thickens into syrup. This can take up to 30 minutes. Taste the juice: if it’s really sour, add 1 tablespoon sugar (or more to taste.
While the juice is reducing, cut the remaining orange half into slices, then quarters.
Place about 1 inch of juice in the bottom of 8 flutes. Place two orange quarters in each. Slowly pour in sparkling wine til the glasses are full. You might need to let the bubbles settle down before finishing the pour. Toast, and drink!
Serves 8.
