Seelbach

Not for the faint of heart, but if bourbon and bitters send your heart aflutter, this is the ideal Champagne cocktail. This specific recipe comes from Gary Regan's essential Joy of Mixology.

3/4 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Triple Sec
7 dashes Peychaud bitters
7 dashes Angostura bitters
4 oz Champagne

Build in the order specified in a Champagne flute. Garnish with an orange twist.

Enjoy.

French 75

The definitive Champagne cocktail (that isn't the actual "Champagne cocktail"), this is named after a gun, but is much more refined. Traditionally served with ice, I prefer it in a flute. Feel free to disagree with me in practice.

2 oz Gin
1 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Combine in an ice-filled glass and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a Champagne flute (or an ice-filled highball glass) and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist (optional).

Enjoy.

Champagne Cocktail

One of the simplest cocktails in existence, but also one of the most sophisticated. For special occasions, or to create special occasions.

1 Sugar Cube
Angostura Bitters

Fill a champagne flute with Champagne. Place the sugar cube over the top of the Angostura and invert the bottle. When the cube has taken in a sufficient amount of bitters, drop the the cube into the bottom of the glass, preferably in front of the drink's consumer.

Note: "Champagne" can be taken to mean any sparkling wine, though this specific cocktail may demand a more rigid reading of the phrase.

Enjoy.