With the holiday season in full swing, there is a lot to celebrate and nothing is more festive than a glass of champagne. The classic beverage is inherently luxurious and celebratory, and has been enjoyed for years both on its own and in cocktails, which dates back to the 1800s. When we think of champagne, we typically think of a flute filled with the golden or rose colored bubbly, but the champagne cocktail trend is on the rise. Top NYC mixologist and cocktail aficionado, Lynnette Marrero, notes ‘It is wonderful to see champagne producers finding value in Mixology. As the level of bar programs increase, it is only natural that all ingredients including the bubbles we mix with, should have focus and attention.” Marrero has honed her skills at some of the city’s most infamous cocktail dens including Flatiron Lounge, Freeman’s and Rye House, so we let her take the champagne stand and share her expert tips.
BoozeMenus: What are your favorite places for enjoying a champagne cocktail?
Lynette Marrero: The Raines Law Room, Pegu Club, Dear Irving, and the NoMad.
BM: What spirits and liqueurs work best with champagne?
LM: Any spirit can work as evidenced by the classic cocktails, The French 75 (uses Gin), Airmail (uses rum), and Seelbach (uses Bourbon). I am very partial to French liqueurs in my Champagne, I mean they should know what works!
My top liqueurs to have in champagne are St-Germain (delicious and consumers LOVE IT as much as the trade and it goes with every spirit), Cointreau (Classic), and Lejay Cassis (Classic).
BM: What is the best way to use leftover champagne after the holiday?
LM: I love nice vinegar and champagne vinegars are amazing! The wine may go flat, but it is still good wine. Sorbet is also a great option.
Before you start making vinegars, spruce up your holiday party with these festive recipes:
WINTER FLOWERS PUNCH
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup superfine sugar
½ oz St-Germain
¼ cup honey
½ cup cognac, tequila, bourbon, or gin
16 oz chilled brewed Chamomile Tea
2 bottles chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine
Orange and/or Lemon slices
Directions: Combine the lemon juice, sugar, St-Germain liqueur, honey, spirit of choice, and orange juice in a non-reactive bowl and stilr until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the Champagne/sparkling wine, and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
Pour into a decorative bowl or pitcher. Garnish with orange and lemon slices and fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve in Champagne flutes, wine glasses, or punch bowl.
THE ST-GERMAIN COCKTAIL
2 parts MARTINI Prosecco
1½ parts St-Germain
2 parts Club Soda
Directions: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.
If you're sharing this celebratory cocktail with a group, get (or gift), the fool proof St. Germain Carafe for just $12. Embellished with painted fill marks on the side for Champagne, St-Germain and Sparkling Water, you'll have a perfect pour every time.
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