Chambord & Prosecco

After many years of ordering them, I think I can confirm that I like the idea of champagne cocktails better than the reality. I love the taste of Champagne and think it is rarely made better with the addition of fruit, sugar cubes or other liqueurs.

For example, in theory I should like this Pineapple and Coconut Champagne Cocktail that has been popular on Pinterest recently, because I love all of the indiviual components... But, I'm just not sure... If I was going to make it I would definitely try it with Prosecco or Cava to start with.

Perhaps the best champagne cocktail that I have tried is the Porn Star Martini. Invented by Douglas Ankhra of LAB bar in London, this drink is a passionfruit and vanilla vodka martini with a shot of champagne on the side.

A fun champagne 'cocktail' to try (with friends) is the Mahiki Treasure Chest at Mahiki bar in Mayfair, London. This is a combination of Mahiki Grog (a rum blend), brandy and peach liqueur, shaken with lime and sugar and topped with a bottle of Moet and Chandon Champagne. It is served in a wooden treasure chest with extra long straws.

As a rule though, I think that Champagne is best drunk plain and Proescco, Cava or other sparkling wines should be used for making cocktails.

The Bellini cocktail is considered by many to be the best 'champagne cocktail' in the world, yet it is best when made as it was invented with Prosecco rather than Champagne. The Bellini was created by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy and consists of one part white peach puree to three parts Prosecco.

I am a sucker for presentation and therefore love the way Cecconi's serves their Bellini cocktails with the fresh peach puree on the side so you can add it to suit your own taste.

Dehesa, another favourite restaurant in London makes nice passionfruit Bellinis.

In France you will often be asked if you would like a Kir Royal as an aperitif. A Kir Royal consists of Champagne and Creme de Cassis, a sweet dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. Tonight I am drinking something similar to this - a simple cocktail made of Prosecco and Chambord.

Chambord is made in the Loire Valley. It is a dark red spirit that is a mix of raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrant and XO cognac. I often serve these at Christmas, so I usually have a small bottle of Chambord on hand at this time of the year. Chambord is quite sweet so I use maybe just 10ml of Chambord in a glass of Prosecco.

Do you like Champagne cocktails? Leave a comment and tell us about your favourites. Cheers!

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