28 Easy Ways to Dress Up Cheap Champagne and Still Look Classy
Welcome to the Champagne life.
Gone are the days of politely smiling and cringing over sips of cheap Champagne. (We can't all provide cases of top-shelf bubbly when throwing award show watch parties!) Booze enthusiasts everywhere have come up with clever ways to garnish coupes and add doses of flavor to take this sparkling bevvy to the next level. Try these delicious concoctions using Champagne as your base.
Champagne-Soaked Strawberries
Jamie Grill
If you want a truly decadent experience, drop Champagne-soaked strawberries into your glass of bubbly. Simply fill a clean jar with fresh strawberries and cover with Champagne. Allow them to sit for about 24 hours. (For a shorter soaking time, you can poke holes into the berries.)
Have some leftover soaked berries? Pat them dry, then dip them in chocolate, whipped cream or vanilla frosting for a sinfully delicious snack.
Pink-Sugared Rim
via FoodNetwork.com
Mimosas don't have to be reserved for weekend brunch. This tangy cocktail combines the fruity flavors of pineapple and blood orange. My favorite part? The pink-sugared rim.
Make It: Lazy Sunday Mimosa
Rum + Fresh Mint
via FoodNetwork.com
This twist on the classic mojito makes it a perfect cocktail to ease into spring.
Make It: Mojito Champagne Cocktail
Pomegranate
Michael Marquand
Sweeten up your sip with pomegranate juice and a spoonful of seeds that make it somehow feel...healthier.
Make It: Pomegranate Mimosa
Sorbet
Alexander Haase
Take dessert to a new level with this Champagne-sorbet float. Top a scoop of strawberry sorbet with Champagne and fresh mint, then watch the sorbet dissolve into a sea of bubbly bliss.
Sweet Tea Vodka
She-N-He Photography
Take your Champagne celebration up a notch by mixing in some southern-style sweet tea vodka.
Make It: Savannah Fizz Cocktail
Fresh Herbs
Michael Marquand
Dress up libations using clips straight from your garden. This classic coupe garnished with a simple sage leaf is the perfect way to celebrate your green thumb.
Berry Mix
Homemade Sparkling Sangria
Pick up fresh ingredients from your local market or fruit stand and say cheers to a great, casual evening with friends!
Photo by: ALX Creatives
ALX Creatives
Keep your hosting duties to a minimum with a batch of sparkling sangria featuring sweet, vibrant fruits. Raspberries, oranges and green grapes make this one a crowd-pleaser.
Make It: Sparkling Sangria
Raspberries + Mint
AlexPro9500
Hit 'em with something beautiful and refreshing, like a raspberry limoncello prosecco. Combine limoncello liqueur, prosecco, frozen raspberries and fresh mint for a sweet and bubbly surprise.
Citrus Twist
Sometimes the simplest gesture can make the greatest impact. To create a citrus twist for a garnish, all you need is a fresh, ripe fruit (like a lemon or lime) and a sharp knife. (Look at this super easy tutorial.) Pop in your glass of Champagne, and cheers!
Fun Garnishes to Try
- Candied ginger
- Sugar cubes
- Rock candy
- Popsicles
- Candied lemon rind
- Whipped cream
- Cotton candy
- Spun sugar
