Best Champagne Drinks From A Detroit Mixologist
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Everybody enjoys a good cocktail every now and then, well, everyone who is of legal drinking age, of course. As an alternative to many of the heavy, liquor-laden drinks found at some other establishments these days, here's a more modern approach to "healthy" imbibing that utilizes one of the world's most-beloved spirits, champagne. Throughout Metro Detroit, champagne bars have begun offering many of these fine selections and also offer made-to-order drink services, as well.
And now, here's a sampling of some of the top champagne drink specials available around the Motor City, including a few recipes for the stubborn "manly-man" who wouldn't be caught dead drinking just straight champagne.
1. The Standard Cocktail
This is it right here, folks: the classic drink that started it all. Extremely simple, yet elegantly refined; this cocktail is an unmistakable favorite by champagne lovers around the globe. This cocktail is perfect for "dressing up" that cheap bottle of champagne you got as a gift years ago and are looking to open up a party with.
To start, place one sugar cube in a chilled champagne flute and add two generous splashes of bitters. Then, top it off with a nice, bubbly champagne and a twist of lemon on top. Done!
2. The Mimosa
Another classic designed to be so simple, anyone with a proper hangover could make it. A perennial favorite at baby showers and wedding ceremonies alike, this drink utilizes one of America's favorite morning beverages with that of many people's favorite night cap: champagne. No "desperate housewife" should be without a tumbler full of these in the fridge after a long Saturday night.
-- To start, fill a champagne flute two-thirds full with fresh-squeezed, organic orange juice (or whatever is left in the carton in your fridge), and fill it to the top with Brut Champagne for a quick morning hangover cure.
3. The Barbotage
The mighty Barbotage is not quite considered to be a "strong" drink, but manly enough to make at home or order in a champagne bar with the guys (while the gals chat about "girl things") and still possess some semblance of testosterone-filled pride.
-- To start, pour a healthy splash of cognac (or any brandy) and Grand Marnier into a chilled champagne flute and fill to the top with Brut Champagne for a slightly stronger, yet still civilized cocktail.
4. The Black Velvet
If you're more of a "heavyweight" and the Barbotage merely whetted your taste buds for something you can really sink your teeth into, then the Black Velvet is probably for you. Any man can proudly boast this shining tower of a drink to a room of barbarians and still grow hair on his chest. In fact, with its distinct beer-only coloring, no one will even know you're drinking champagne!
- To start, fill a chilled Collins glass three-quarters full with your favorite stout and allow the head (foam) to settle. Then, slowly top off with your favorite champagne until the head has reached its peak.
5. The Air Mail
The Air Mail is the perfect not-too-heavy, not-too-light mixture of rum and champagne. It is a drink that hearkens back to the days of 1950's advertising giants in New York City working along bustling Madison Avenue's financial district in Manhattan... or something like that.
- To start, pour three jiggers of white Puerto Rican rum over cracked ice in a chilled mixer and shake vigorously. Pour unstrained into a Collins glass and fill to the brim with a hearty champagne of your choosing.
Related: Best Bartending Classes Near Detroit
For many of these drinks, and a host of other fine offerings, stop by or check out the trendy new 24grille Restaurant & Champagne Bar inside of the legendary Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit.
24grille Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
204 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-3821
www.spa1924grille.com
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Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.
