Bourbon Champagne Cocktails
I typically prefer bourbon cocktails, but I like a nice campaign cocktail, especially on new year's eve or brunch. Bourbon and champagne are two of my favorite drinks; however, most people think of vodka or gin as the featured spirit when it comes to a classic champagne cocktail. But, what about bourbon champagne cocktails? Can a shot of bourbon combined with bubbly champagne make tasty cocktails?
If you're looking for a delicious cocktail that features bourbon and champagne, look no further than the Seelbach. The Seelbach is a classic cocktail that originated at The Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Seelbach Hotel
The Seelbach is named after the legendary Seelbach Hotel located in downtown Louisville. The hotel was built in 1905 by Otto and Louis Seelbach, who founded heir business on "the twin principles of German hospitality and American ingenuity." The hotel has been host to famous guests like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, John D. Rockefeller Jr., Bing Crosby, and the President of the United States, William Howard Taft.
The hotel manager created the original recipe as a house drink in 1905, and it remained a favorite there until Prohibition shut down the hotel's bar program. The Seelbach was revived in the 1990s – primarily due to the popularity of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby – and is now a beloved recipe across the country.
I love this Bourbon Champagne Cocktail for its sophisticated taste and festive appearance. The Seelbach is extremely easy to make.
Seelbach Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Seelbach Ingredients
- 1 oz of our favorite Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Orange Liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 7 dashes Aromatic Bitters (such as Angostura Bitters)
- 7 dashes Orange Bitters (such as Peychaud's Bitters)
- 4 oz Champagne or Prosecco
- Garnish: Orange Twist
Related Reading: Cocktail Bitters 101, A Beginner's Guide
Seelbach Mixing Directions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, add Bourbon and Triple Sec
- Gently shake until chilled (approximately 20 seconds)
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute
- Add Bitters into the champagne flute
- Top with Champagne
- Garnish with an Orange Twist
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Additional Bourbon Champagne Cocktails
Kentucky 75
One of the most famous champagne cocktails is the French 75, featuring gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters. By substituting gin for bourbon, you get the Kentucky 75.
Kentucky 75 Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1/2 oz fresh Lemon Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters (such as Angostura)
- 4 oz Champagne or Prosecco
- Garnish: Lemon Twist
Kentucky 75 Mixing Directions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Bitters
- Gently shake until chilled (approximately 20 seconds)
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute
- Top with Champagne
- Garnish with a Lemon Twist
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Spirit-Forward Bourbon Champagne Cocktail
For those who prefer a spirit-forward flavor profile, reduce the amount of simple syrup and omit juice.
Spirit-Forward Bourbon Champagne Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 2 tsp Simple Syrup
- 8 dashes Aromatic Bitters (such as Angostura)
- 4 oz Champagne or Prosecco
- Garnish: Lemon Twist
Spirit-Forward Bourbon Champagne Cocktail Mixing Directions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add Bourbon, Simple Syrup, and Bitters
- Gently shake until chilled (approximately 20 seconds)
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute
- Top with Champagne
- Garnish with a Lemon Twist
In the end, a bourbon champagne cocktail is excellent no matter your reason for drinking it, and it's likely to become a favorite of yours in no time.
A bourbon champagne cocktail is a twist on the traditional mimosa that adds bourbon for a flavor kick. The result is a pleasantly adult beverage that is the perfect cocktail for a day-long brunch or your next holiday party or happy hour.