Happy hour is a typical part of family life at my childhood best friend’s house, and her mother is an elegant woman who drinks her five’o’clock champagne cocktail religiously. Often sipped by leading ladies in classic black and white films – Bette Davis once famously said, “there comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne” – this sophisticated drink is a delicious relic of old Hollywood. A wonderful mix of smooth, bubbly champagne and a kick of brandy, the light and lady-like champagne cocktail is completed with a sugar cube that sits at the bottom of the glass fizzing merrily.
After rekindling my love of champagne this New Year’s, I was inspired to make my own happy hour champagne cocktail, and it turned out to be the perfect way to unwind in elegance after a long day of classes. The drink can be made using the highest quality champagne and liquor, or on the cheap with Provigo-bought sparkling wine and your choice of brandy. Though the classic champagne cocktail takes a multitude of permutations – many recipes include a dash of bitters – this easy, slightly sweeter variation is a great introduction to the drink.
Ingredients
DirectionsPour one shot of brandy into the bottom of a champagne flute. Fill the rest of the flute with champagne and finish by dropping in one sugar cube. Sip like a classy broad while reclining on a chaise lounge and smoking a long cigarette.
