A Citrus Sunrise Champagne Cocktail adds a bright twist to brunch or special occasions. This refreshing drink combines orange juice, grenadine, and bubbly champagne for a festive sip.
The blend of tart citrus, sweet syrup, and crisp sparkling wine creates a balanced and flavorful cocktail.
The vibrant orange hue and fizzy bubbles make this drink visually appealing. It’s perfect for celebrations, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to elevate a typical mimosa.
The recipe is simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.
This cocktail works well for both small gatherings and larger parties. You can easily scale up the recipe to serve a crowd. The Citrus Sunrise Champagne Cocktail offers a fun variation on classic champagne drinks.
Citrus Sunrise Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Champagne flutes
- Cocktail shaker
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring jigger
- Bar spoon
- Small knife for cutting fruit
Ingredients
For each cocktail, you’ll need:
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- 4 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Use fresh citrus juices for the best flavor. Pick a dry champagne or prosecco that’s not too sweet.
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine to the shaker.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds to chill and combine.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Slowly pour in the chilled champagne.
- Gently stir with a bar spoon to mix.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
- Serve right away while the drink is cold and bubbly.
The layered colors will create a sunrise effect in the glass.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Citrus Sunrise Champagne Cocktail offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile. Its taste is a mix of sweet and tart notes.
The first sip reveals a crisp citrus taste. Orange and grapefruit juices provide a tangy kick. This is balanced by the sweetness of grenadine syrup.
Champagne adds a dry, bubbly element to the drink. Its light effervescence enhances the fruity flavors. The alcohol content is mild, making it suitable for brunch or light evening sipping.
The cocktail’s aroma is dominated by fresh citrus scents. Hints of orange and grapefruit fill the nose. A subtle sweetness from the grenadine lingers in the background.
Visually, the drink is stunning. Its color gradient ranges from deep red at the bottom to pale orange at the top. This mimics a sunrise, giving the cocktail its name.
The texture is smooth and light. Bubbles from the champagne tickle the tongue. Ice cubes keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
Substitute
Can’t find champagne? No problem. There are tasty alternatives for this bubbly cocktail.
Sparkling wine works well as a replacement. Prosecco or Cava are good options. They bring similar fizz and flavor.
For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling cider or grape juice. These give a sweet, fruity taste without the alcohol. Sparkling water is another choice. It adds bubbles but keeps the drink light.
To mimic champagne’s dry taste, try mixing white grape juice with club soda. This creates a fizzy base similar to the real thing. Adjust the ratio to your liking.
For the citrus part, orange juice is key. But you can swap it out too.
Try grapefruit juice for a tart twist. Or use a mix of citrus juices for more flavor. Lemon-lime soda can work in a pinch.
Remember, substitutes may change the taste a bit. But they still make for a fun, refreshing drink. Play around with different combos to find your favorite.