From fruity concoctions to a dessert in a glass to fizz-filled treats, the array of flavours that can be found in cocktails is impressive, and nothing says glamour and sophistication like a tipple made with the finest sparkling wines.
From the classic Bellini to a French 75 and a Kir Royale to more modern take on the sparkling wine cocktail, there are plenty of ways to add some fun, fizz and flavour to your celebrations, so whether you’re planning a party for a big birthday, hosting a fundraiser, holding a Jubilee party or perhaps your weekends just need a little spicing up, look no further for some lip-smackingly good cocktail inspiration.
Using an array of the finest French sparkling wines by Veuve du Vernay, we’ve highlighted six of the most scrumptious cocktails that you can whip up with ease to make your next celebration go with a bang.
VDV Kir Royale
A perfect pairing for a summer celebration and so simple to create, the Kir Royale is a classic pairing of crème de cassis – blackcurrant liqueur – and sparkling wine and is a crowd pleaser for its fruity, delicious flavour. To make, measure 1/6 of crème de cassis and pour into a flute glass, top with 5/6 of Veuve du Vernay Brut and garnish with a raspberry or two.
VDV Ginger Parisian
Add a little spice to the proceedings with a VDV Ginger Parisian, the perfect tipple to whet your whistle. To make, take a coupe glass and pour 1oz of elderflower liqueur followed by 1 oz of ginger liqueur, add 3 oz of VDV Brut and finish with a few drops of ginger extract. Stir, serve and enjoy the tantalising mix of flavours.
VDV Bellini
No sparkling wine cocktail list would be complete without the classic peach Bellini; a gentle, light and refreshing cocktail that will never lose its appeal. To make it, firstly peel and blend a white peach then pour your fresh puree into a flute glass, measuring one third of the puree to two thirds of VDV Brut. Slowly top with the brut and stir gently to incorporate the ingredients. Garnish with a slice of peach and enjoy.
VDV French 75 Twist
Get creative with this delicious take on the classic French 75 as it’s a great excuse to sharpen your bartending skills. Expect fruity flavours with a sharp twist, this is one that you’ll need to pace yourself with as it’s sure to knock your socks off! To make, pour 1 oz of raspberry liqueur and 1 ½ tbsp of gin into a cocktail shaker, press a lime and add 1 ½ oz of lime juice along with ½ tbsp of cane syrup into the shaker also. Add some ice and shake before pouring into a tumbler glass. Top with 3 oz of Veuve du Vernay Rosé and add some ice cubes and a dash of orange bitter (optional).
VDV Mimosa
Keep it simple with a classic Mimosa, the ideal way to start the party and perfect for those who wish to sip on a slightly lower alcohol drink. The VDV mimosa uses one third orange juice to two thirds VDV brut, but you can switch this up to make a lower alcohol version if you wish. To make, simply add the orange juice to a flute glass and top with the brut, you can also add a slice of orange to decorate.
VDV Paloma Twist
A tequila-based drink traditionally made with grapefruit soda, why not try this delectable take, which is sure to quench your thirst and have you whipping another round in no time? Grab your cocktail shaker and add 1 ½ oz of grapefruit liqueur and 1 ½ oz of Tequila Blanco, press a lime and add 1 ½ oz of the juice along with ½ tbsp of cane syrup and some ice to the shaker, and shake. Pour the mixture into a highball glass and top with 3 oz of Veuve du Vernay Brut. Add some ice cubes and a slice of grapefruit to garnish.
To make it simple, all recipes are for one glass, simply increase the portions for multiple cocktails!
