Classic Bubbly Cocktails

Sparkling wine cocktails are one of the easiest ways to make a party feel festive. They’re celebratory, they come together in a flash, and they don’t require a stocked liquor cabinet, fancy barware, or even much mixing. And in many cases, you can put together a top-notch version on the cheap. Here we cover the sparkling wine basics, share how to mix three classic cocktails (champagne cocktails, Bellinis, and mimosas), and provide helpful tips that apply to any bubbly cocktail.

The Big Three: Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava

Champagne, of course, is the gold standard of sparkling wine. It must be made in Champagne, France, using specific grapes and the region’s traditional production method. But even the least expensive bottle of champagne costs about $40. Great alternatives include prosecco ($8 to $30) and cava ($18 to $30), the second- and third-most-produced sparkling wines, respectively. Prosecco is made with an Italian grape using a different method that makes it less