Cocktail(s) of the Week: A Trio of Champagne Cocktails

We always keep a bottle of bubbly around. Never know when the mood is going to strike.

Well...the mood struck the other night. But not just for bubbly, the higher-octane concoction known as the Champagne Cocktail. I whipped out my copy of the dependable Ultimate Bar Book and we sampled a few. Perfect ending to a HOT summer day.

And, of course, don't forget that these can be made with any sparkling wine. Spanish cava is my personal favorite.

American Flyer
The book called this American Flyer, but it's an interesting take-off on that most summery of cocktails, the Daiquiri.

1 1/2 ounces light rum
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 to 5 ounces chilled sparkling wine

Shake all ingredients but the sparkling wine vigorously with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.

Brandy Champagne Cocktail
The traditional Champagne Cocktail is simply a sugar cube doused in bitters and topped with Champagne. This one makes it ever more decadent with a generous splash of brandy.

1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1/2 ounce brandy
3 to 5 ounces chilled sparkling wine

In the bottom of a champagne flute, soak the sugar cube with the bitters. Pour in the brandy and slowly top with sparkling wine.

Flying
This one is similar to one of my favorites, the French 75, but it adds a dose of Cointreau to up the octane level.

3/4 ounce gin
3/4 fresh lemon juice
1/4 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 to 5 ounces chilled sparkling wine

Shake all ingredients but the sparkling wine vigorously with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.