Champagne is a sparkling wine that originates from the Champagne region of France. It is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes and undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle to create its signature bubbles. While champagne is delicious on its own, many people enjoy complementing its crisp, bright flavors with additional ingredients. Some of the most popular options for flavoring champagne include fruit, herbs, spices, vanilla, cocoa and liqueurs.
Fruit Flavors
Fruit makes an excellent addition to champagne, as it provides a contrast of sweetness and acidity. Some fruits that pair well include:
Strawberries
Adding a few fresh strawberries to your glass is a classic way to flavor champagne. The sweet tanginess of the berries balances the dry minerality of the bubbles. For an even bolder strawberry flavor, you can make a purée by muddling chopped strawberries with a bit of sugar and adding a spoonful to your champagne flute.
Peaches
The subtle sweetness of ripe peaches is perfect with brut champagne. Peach slices or peach purée add a pleasant fruitiness. For a special touch, you can even rim the glass with granulated sugar and dried peach slices.
Raspberries
The tartness of raspberries makes them an excellent match for champagne’s acidity. Float a few whole raspberries in your glass or mix in a tablespoon of raspberry purée. The striking color also makes for beautiful presentation.
Pomegranate
Both tart and sweet, pomegranate seeds add pops of juicy flavor and gorgeous ruby color. Gently crushing the seeds before adding releases more of their tangy juice.
Citrus Fruits
Bright citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons accentuate the crispness of champagne. Try expressing lemon or grapefruit oils onto the surface of the champagne by twisting a peel over the top. For more flavor, add a spoonful of citrus purée or citrus-infused syrup.
Herbs
Fresh herbs can provide savory, aromatic qualities that make champagne even more complex. Ideas include:
Rosemary
Rosemary has an invigorating piney flavor that creates an interesting partnership with champagne’s minerality. Use a sprig as a swizzle stick in the glass or add a spoonful of finely chopped rosemary.
Lavender
The light floral aroma of lavender makes it perfect for spring and summer sipping. Infuse honey or syrup with dried lavender, then mix a small amount into your glass.
Basil
Sweet basil adds a pleasant herbal quality. Muddle a few basil leaves in the bottom of your glass before topping with champagne or add a basil leaf for garnish.
Thyme
Thyme has grassy notes that nicely season dry champagne. Use a thyme sprig as a swizzle stick or rim the glass with lemon thyme for a citrusy touch.
Mint
Spearmint, peppermint and other mint varieties lend a refreshing menthol flavor. Float a few mint leaves in your glass or add a spoonful of minced mint.
Spices
Warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom can provide depth and interest to champagne. Clove, nutmeg and vanilla also complement the wine’s baked bread qualities. You only need a small amount to avoid overpowering the champagne:
Cinnamon
Add a cinnamon stick to infuse the champagne or rim the glass with ground cinnamon sugar. Cinnamon syrup is also an easy way to incorporate flavor.
Ginger
Fresh ginger adds a little heat and woody aroma. Make ginger simple syrup or add thin slices of peeled ginger root to your glass.
Cardamom
Crush a few pods to release cardamom’s sweetly aromatic oils. Or steep the pods in simple syrup before mixing some into your champagne.
Vanilla
Vanilla bean paste or extract adds rich complexity. Add no more than 1/4 teaspoon at a time to avoid overpowering flavors.
Cocoa and Chocolate
The indulgent flavors of cocoa and chocolate pair sublimely with champagne’s inherent biscuity notes. You can add them in several ways:
Cocoa Powder
A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over your glass provides aroma and a hint of rich chocolate.
Chocolate Shavings
Shaving a few pieces of dark chocolate over the top adds flavor without sweetness.
Chocolate Syrup
Stirring in a teaspoon or two of chocolate syrup provides decadence. Opt for syrups without high fructose corn syrup.
Chocolate Liqueur
Adding a small splash of chocolate liqueur like crème de cacao enhances champagne’s chocolate notes.
Liqueurs
Many liqueurs can complement champagne’s crisp, dry flavors. Some top options include:
| Liqueur | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|
| St. Germain | Floral, fruity |
| Chambord | Raspberry, vanilla |
| Amaretto | Almond, sweet |
| Cointreau | Orange, zesty |
| Cognac | Oaky, rich |
Use a barspoon (about 1/4 teaspoon) to mix liqueurs into your champagne flute. They will nicely complement the wine without becoming overbearing.
Infusions
Soaking fruit, herbs or spices in champagne or simple syrup allows their flavors to infuse the sparkling wine. Try these combinations:
Fruit-Infused Champagne
Fill a large jar with raspberries, peaches, nectarines or other fruit. Add a bottle of champagne and refrigerate for 1-3 days, allowing the bubbles to slowly extract the fruit essences. Strain out solids before serving.
Herb-Infused Simple Syrup
Steep herbs like basil, rosemary or lavender in a simple syrup of equal parts sugar and water. Cool, then add a spoonful to your glass.
Vanilla Bean-Infused Champagne
Split 1-2 vanilla beans lengthwise and place in a bottle. Top off with champagne and leave for 3-5 days before drinking. The vanilla will impart lovely floral aromas and flavors.
Edible Garnishes
Garnishing your champagne glass with edible flowers or fruits adds natural flavor in an elegant, decorative way:
Edible Flowers
– Orchids
– Lilacs
– Lavender
– Roses
– Pansies
– Marigolds
– Nasturtiums
Place 1-2 small flowers on flutes as garnish. Be sure they have not been sprayed with chemicals.
Fruits
– Strawberries
– Raspberries
– Blueberries
– Lemons slices
– Lime slices
– Orange slices
– Peach slices
– Pomegranate seeds
Spear fruits onto decorative cocktail picks or simply balance on the glass rim. Citrus slices can be notched for pretty garnishing.
Conclusion
There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring champagne! Fruits, herbs, spices, cocoa, chocolate and liqueurs can all enhance champagne’s bright, bubbly nature. Infusions allow more time for flavors to develop fully. Tiny edible garnishes provide the perfect finishing touch. Just take care not to overpower the champagne’s delicate base flavors. With the right balance, added ingredients provide aromatic complexity and delightful sipping. So go ahead, experiment and find your perfect flavored champagne combinations!