The Seelbach Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always loved cocktails that tell a story, and the Seelbach does exactly that. Created in Louisville, Kentucky, this drink blends bourbon with sparkling wine for a mix of bold and bubbly flavors.

The Seelbach cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the crispness of Champagne for a simple yet elegant drink you can make at home.

When I first tried it, I was surprised by how easy it was to prepare and how balanced it tasted. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients—just a few staples and a few minutes.

Once you learn the recipe, you’ll see why it’s been a favorite for over a century. Next, I’ll run through the exact ingredients, tools, and steps to make it, then share what to expect in flavor and aroma when you take that first sip.

The Seelbach Cocktail Recipe

I enjoy making the Seelbach because it blends bourbon, sparkling wine, and bitters into a crisp, balanced drink. It’s simple to prepare with the right tools, quality ingredients, and a bit of care to keep the bubbles lively.

Equipment

To make the Seelbach, I grab a few basic bar tools that help me mix and serve it properly. Each item has its own job, and honestly, it keeps things from getting messy.

• Mixing glass – for combining bourbon and bitters before adding sparkling wine
• Bar spoon – to stir gently without losing carbonation
• Jigger – for measuring ingredients accurately
• Champagne flute – to hold the finished cocktail and maintain bubbles
• Strainer – to pour cleanly without ice or residue

I always chill the glass before pouring to keep the drink cold. Clean tools matter—nobody wants weird flavors or a sloppy-looking cocktail.

Ingredients

The Seelbach uses ingredients that create a mix of spice, sweetness, and fizz. I focus on balance and freshness when choosing what to use.

• 1 oz bourbon – a smooth, mid-proof option works best
• ½ oz Cointreau or orange liqueur – adds sweetness and citrus
• 7 dashes Angostura bitters – gives spice and depth
• 7 dashes Peychaud’s bitters – adds color and light anise notes
• 4 oz chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine – provides crispness and bubbles
• Orange twist – for garnish and aroma

I prefer a dry sparkling wine instead of a sweet one to keep the drink balanced. Using fresh, well-stored bitters makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Instructions

I follow a few careful steps to keep the Seelbach’s texture and taste consistent.

• Fill the mixing glass with ice.
• Add bourbon, Cointreau, and both bitters.

I stir gently for about 10 seconds to chill the mixture. Then I strain it into a chilled Champagne flute.

I slowly top with sparkling wine to avoid excess foam. Finally, I garnish with an orange twist.

I pour the sparkling wine last to preserve the fizz. Stirring too vigorously can flatten the drink, so I keep the motion slow and controlled.

Notes

Using high-quality bourbon makes the flavor smoother and more balanced. A lower-quality spirit can make the drink taste harsh.

The Seelbach really shines if you serve it right after mixing, while the bubbles are still lively. I skip adding ice to the glass because it just waters things down.

If I don’t have Champagne, I’ll use a dry Prosecco or Cava. The key is to keep the drink crisp, aromatic, and lightly effervescent.

Tasting Notes

The first thing I notice about the Seelbach? That bright aroma. Bubbles from the sparkling wine really push up hints of orange peel and spice—it hits my nose right away. It smells crisp, honestly pretty inviting.

When I sip it, I get this sweetness from the bourbon that’s quickly balanced out by the bitterness of orange liqueur and bitters. The flavors come together smoothly, so it’s warm but still refreshing.

The texture’s light and lively—that’s all thanks to the champagne. I appreciate how the fizz takes the edge off the stronger flavors and keeps things from getting too heavy.

As the drink sits for a bit and warms up, I start to notice caramel and vanilla notes from the bourbon mingling with the citrus and spice. It finishes clean. There’s this gentle tingling on my tongue that makes me think, “Yeah, I could go for another sip.”

Flavor Highlights:

• Aroma: Orange zest, spice, and light sweetness
• Taste: Balanced mix of bourbon, bitters, and citrus
• Finish: Smooth, slightly dry, with lingering warmth