Why Champagne Cocktails Are Back in the Spotlight
In Georgia, weekend gatherings have always held a special place—whether it’s a terrace brunch in the heart of Tbilisi, a family dinner in Batumi, or a rooftop soirée overlooking the mountains of Kazbegi. While wine and chacha remain staples of Georgian hospitality, a subtle shift is taking place. More hosts are reaching for something fizzy, festive, and refreshingly sophisticated: champagne cocktails.
This rising trend is no coincidence. Sparkling cocktails elevate the ambiance with minimal effort and maximum effect. Their lightness sits comfortably between a strong spirit and a soft wine, making them ideal for bridging the gap from afternoon to evening. And with premium sparkling wines more accessible than ever—local or imported—Georgian hosts are exploring new ways to mix flair into their celebrations without overshadowing the meal or the company.
The Essentials: What You Need to Get Started
First, a quick clarification: when we refer to “champagne,” we’re speaking broadly about sparkling wine—whether it’s traditional French Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or a local variant sold at Tbilisi’s better wine boutiques. The key is freshness, dry notes, and a bubble structure that can hold up when mixed with other ingredients.
Here are some essentials for your home bar to prepare classy champagne cocktails with ease:
- Brut sparkling wine: dry varieties work best to balance out sweet mixers.
- Fruit liqueurs: Chambord, St-Germain, or even locally made tkemali variations for a Georgian twist.
- Bitters: Angostura, orange bitters, or any aromatic blend can add depth.
- Fresh fruit and herbs: think blackberries, pomegranate seeds, mint, or thyme.
- Sugar cubes and simple syrups: for when a touch of sweetness is needed.
Most importantly, serve your drinks cold. Always.
Five Champagne Cocktails That Impress Without the Fuss
Here are five foolproof recipes that combine elegance with approachability—perfect for your next weekend get-together, whether you’re sipping under the grapevines in Kakheti or enjoying city lights on a Tbilisi balcony.
French 75: A Stylish Classic
This cocktail dates back to the early 20th century and is known for its subtle punch. It’s a combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup topped with sparkling wine. Named after the French 75mm field gun, it’s deceptively strong, but always sophisticated.
- 45 ml gin
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Top with 60-90 ml sparkling wine
Shake gin, lemon juice and syrup with ice. Strain into a flute, top with bubbly, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Kir Royale: Minimal Effort, Maximum Elegance
A truly effortless drink, yet it never fails to feel special. The Kir Royale originated in Burgundy and relies mainly on crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) and champagne. In Georgia, some hosts like to infuse their own versions of cassis with local berries.
- 15 ml crème de cassis
- Top with sparkling wine
Pour the liqueur into a flute and slowly add the champagne. Garnish with a blackberry or redcurrant.
Peach Bellini: A Nod to Summer
This cocktail has Venetian roots but feels right at home during a warm summer in Kakheti. You’ll only need two ingredients, but the key lies in using ripe white peaches. If that’s not feasible, high-quality peach purée from a local market will do nicely.
- 30–45 ml peach purée
- Top with Prosecco or Brut sparkling wine
Pour the purée into a champagne glass and top slowly with bubbly, stirring gently.
Pomegranate Sparkler: A Georgian-Inspired Favorite
Many Georgian households have access to pomegranates in winter, making this variation both seasonal and regional. The tartness of the juice matches beautifully with Brut sparkling wine and a dash of orange bitters for complexity.
- 45 ml pomegranate juice
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Top with sparkling wine
- Optional: Pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme for garnish
Stir the juice and bitters over ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a flute, add bubbly, and garnish.
Champagne Mojito: Mint, Lime, and Surprise
For those who enjoy mojitos but seek something lighter, the champagne twist brings a breeze of charm. It’s ideal for a Sunday garden party, especially with fresh mint easily grown in Georgian yards or picked up at Dry Bridge market.
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- Top with Brut sparkling wine
Muddle mint leaves gently with lime juice and syrup in a tall glass. Fill with crushed ice and top with champagne. Stir lightly and garnish with a mint sprig.
Local Sparkling Wines Worth Exploring
Don’t let the word “champagne” limit your options; Georgia’s winemakers are producing an increasing number of quality sparkling wines. Tsinandali Estate and Badagoni offer fine brut selections. Bagrationi 1882 remains a staple, particularly known for its traditional method sparkling varieties.
At organic and boutique wine stores in Tbilisi, you’ll also find smaller producers experimenting with sparkling Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes—delightfully suited for cocktails with a light citrus profile. These not only support local winemakers but also highlight Georgia’s fast-developing mixology culture.
Serving Tips That Make a Difference
If you want your cocktails to shine during your event, attention to detail helps:
- Chill everything: Not just the sparkling wine, but also the glasses and mixers. This keeps the fizz alive and the sugars balanced.
- Use proper glassware: While flutes are traditional, coupes and tulip glasses allow more aroma to develop—especially important for fruit-forward blends.
- Don’t pre-mix sparkling wine: Always add it as the final step to preserve the effervescence.
- Offer non-alcoholic versions: Sparkling water with elderflower syrup and fresh fruit can be a welcome alternative for guests who don’t drink alcohol.
Where to Find Ingredients and Tools in Georgia
Thankfully, you don’t need to travel far to bring these cocktails to life. High-end supermarkets like Goodwill, Carrefour, and Fresco regularly stock international liqueurs and mixers. Wine Cellar shops throughout Tbilisi and Kutaisi offer curated selections of both imported and Georgian sparkling wines.
For herbs, fruits, and exotic ingredients, the Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi provides fresh, affordable options—just be ready to negotiate and ask questions. Many specialty cocktail tools, like jiggers, shakers, and stirring spoons, can be found at local kitchen stores or ordered via online platforms like ShopGeo or Zoommer.
Final Thought: Small Effort, Big Impact
In a culture where hospitality is as much about warmth as it is about food and drink, champagne cocktails offer a way to celebrate with originality. They’re festive without being excessive, and they allow for creativity while staying grounded in seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
Next time you’re planning a dinner or small reception, skip the predictable and surprise your guests with a sparkling creation that speaks not just to your taste—but to a new, emerging rhythm of lifestyle in Georgia. After all, what better way to say gaumarjos than with a glass that bubbles?