What is it about bubbles? They’re fun, they’re ephemeral, they’re captivating and, when allowed to emerge in wine, they’re delicious beyond belief. How grateful I am to Veuve Clicquot for having figured out how to trap those tantalizing bubbles in a bottle! It is Madame Clicquot herself who, in the early 1800s, pioneered the méthode champenoise and crafted the first “modern” Champagne.
Champagne. The name alone conjures festivities and moments to be treasured.
At first glance, the constant rise of the bubbles in a glass, seemingly from nowhere, can make you forget time and place and get lost in their magical show.
At first sip, the surprising, delicious sensation caused by the explosion of hundreds of tiny bubbles in the mouth makes your eyes twinkle and your taste buds ache a for second sip…
If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m completely wild about bubbles! And, although it’s hard to top the Zen-like high of experiencing a tall flute of brut, ice-cold Champagne, I do enjoy creating cocktails with a bit of that fizz in them.
Here’s a cocktail inspired by the classic French 75 (a concoction with a surprising bit of history: watch the video for the full tale!). But instead of using brandy or gin as in the original mix, I use a single malt Scotch. Scotch is not only loaded with flavor, it pairs brilliantly with Champagne. Add a dash of Cointreau for a touch of sweetness and to round off the flavors, and you have a cocktail that’s utterly delicious!
Scotch-Champagne fizz
serves 4
active time: 5 min
- 2 oz (60 ml) single malt Scotch
- 3/4 oz (20 ml) Cointreau
- 12 oz (355 ml) Champagne or sparkling wine
- 4 large lemon peels
- Shake Scotch and Cointreau with ice cubes until shaker is frosted. Divide into 4 chilled champagne flutes. Top with the Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with the lemon peel and serve.
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Great Video Viviane! Beautiful music Marc! We’ll enjoy your Scotch Fizz, thank you. 🙂
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Oh my, wish I would have come sooner to your blog! I can see that I’ve missed on a lot of awesomeness 🙁 That is an awesome drink thr!
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What a great twist on the classic French 75! I’m a huge fan of scotch and will definitely try this. Thanks!
what a pretty drink! I love the photo, it’s so festive!
Happy New Year! This champagne cocktail looks delicious. I am wondering, however: are the blue dots part of the glass, or did you add something to the drink? Either way, it’s a lovely photo!
ahhh.. this makes me feel festive just looking at it! What a lovely drink to serve at any time of the year. New Years doesn’t get to have *all* the fun, right?
This is SO beautiful! I can’t wait to try it out- I think it would be the star of any party! Thanks for sharing- I love your blog… Such gorgeous pictures!
Sounds wonderful. I am going to try one this evening! Happy and peace-filled New Year!!
What a dazzling cocktail! Very impressive. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
I’m saving this recipe! Hope you have a wonderful 2010!
A very big thank you to everyone for your comments… I am so grateful to you all and wish you a New Year filled of joy, love, abundance and… “fizz”!
This looks absolutely divine! I can so picture myself with a glass right now. 🙂
Happy new Year!
-Natasha
2 of my favourite drinks together. YUM!
This sounds much more up my alley than the usual Kir Royale.
Truly original, sophisticated and beautiful, too!
Happy New Year, Viviane!
Kamran! Thank you for the compliments and for the wonderful words… They truly warm my heart!
Viviane, you are so elegant and graceful on camera! I think that food network needs more of that! Great post.
Even though I can’t drink, I’ll be sure to have all of your recipes bookmarked so when I am able to drink in a few years, I’ll be sure to have something awesome!
those bubbles are first class! So pretty to look at. Made with Veuve Cliquot, my favorite champagne. A votre santé!
V!! You are so kind to honor my bubbles this way! I wish you a fizzy New Year. It’s bound to be good if we ring it in with your yummy concoction! xoxo
I like it…
Gorgeous!
This looks fantastic! My other half is a huge fan of scotch and I love bubbly cocktails no matter what’s in them, so this sounds like it would be right up our alley… I’ll definitely be making these to ring in the new year. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing.
This looks awesome!