How to Make an Easy Apple Brandy and Champagne Cocktail
When it comes to effortless yet sophisticated cocktails, my go-to is apple brandy and champagne. You don’t need to fuss with bitters or sugar cubes either to create a delicious concoction that you and your guests will love.
The Perfect Ingredients
To craft a refreshing brandy and champagne cocktail, all you need are two ingredients: brandy (I personally prefer apple brandy, Laird’s Applejack of late to be exact) and your choice of champagne or a more cost-effective prosecco. Play with the flavor profiles by choosing either demi-sec (sweet) champagne or brut, if you prefer the drier variety.
Apple brandy adds a unique twist that distinguishes this cocktail from others. Its autumnal notes harmonize with the bubbly champagne, creating a light yet flavorful drink.
Chilled Glasses Make all the Difference
Serving your cocktail in chilled glasses, with a chilled champagne, elevates the experience, ensuring that each sip stays as refreshing as the first. Keep a few glasses in the freezer or briefly chill them in the refrigerator before pouring your drinks. This extra step adds a touch of finesse without requiring much effort at all.
How to Assemble Your Cocktail
Making this cocktail doesn’t involve complicated techniques or tools. Here’s how you can whip it up in just a few moments:
- Chill Your Ingredients: Begin by chilling the champagne or prosecco. At least an hour in the refrigerator. Then snag yourself a bottle chiller if you don’t already have one, I’ve linked to the exact one I use below.
- Prepare Your Glasses: Serve the cocktail in chilled, frosty coupe glasses for a classy presentation. I’ve also linked the exact ones I use if you’re interested.
- Pour the Brandy: Start by pouring about 1/2 ounce (or a splash more) of apple brandy into each glass.
- Top with Bubbly: Gently fill the glass with champagne or prosecco, allowing the bubbles to rise naturally without overflowing.
- Garnish If Desired: While optional, a thin slice of apple or a twist of orange peel can add a pleasant visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor.
A Self-Serve Bar
One of the best aspects of a brandy and champagne cocktail is its ability to allow guests to help themselves. Setting up a small bar with chilled bottles, alongside the essential glassware, gives your guests the freedom to mix their own drinks. Consider displaying on a nice tray, with the champagne or prosecco in a chilled holder. I have a marble chiller from Amazon that keeps the bottle chilled for a long time without having to set it on ice, see the link below. It’s a wonderful way to encourage socializing and make everyone feel at home.
Show me on Instagram!
If you give this cocktail a go, don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram, I’d love to see! Just make sure to tag me @chasingtheseasons so I don’t miss it!
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Links to Essentials
So, whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a night in, consider making this cocktail an integral part of your beverage repertoire. Cheers to simple yet sophisticated sipping!
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz brandy recommend Laird's Applejack.
- Champagne or Prosecco
Instructions
- Into a chilled coupe glass, add the brandy and top with chilled champagne or prosecco taking care not to overflow. Garnish with an orange peel or thinly sliced apple, if desired.
Notes
© chasingtheseasons. All images & content are copyright and trademark protected. Please do not use my photography without prior written permission. If you would like to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or kindly link back to this post for the recipe.
