Champagne features in some of the finest classic cocktails, like the French 75 and the eponymous Champagne Cocktail. Whisky, however, has rarely been part of such spirited liaisons. Yet modern bartenders have discovered that the bright acidity of champagne plays well with whiskies, and “the yeast build in the champagne balances the sweetness found in whisky,” explains bar consultant and educator Tiffanie Barriere, aka The Drinking Coach. So uncork some bubbles and add effervescence to your whisky.
Irish Rover
This floral and fizzy cocktail combines chamomile syrup with Irish whiskey, champagne, and cream sherry to create a drink balanced in both flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Irish Rover
The Gilded Ape
Sweetness and smoke mingle in this cocktail, which features peated Islay scotch and a rich demerara syrup.
Get the Recipe: The Gilded Ape
Royal St. Rye Cocktail
Rye whiskey meets champagne, vermouth, and grenadine in this balanced and bubbly sipper.
Get the Recipe: Royal St. Rye Cocktail
April Showers
This play on the Seelbach cocktail mixes champagne, bourbon, and sweet vanilla syrup to meld both sweet and spice flavors together.