Champagne Julep

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 120-180 ml Chilled Champagne
- 15 ml Cognac
- 15 ml Simple Syrup
- 10-12 Fresh Mint Leaves

GARNISH:
- Slice of Orange
- Sprig of Mint
- Fresh Seasonal Berries

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Add mint and syrup to a julep mug.
• Gently muddle the mint.
• Fill 3/4 of the cup with crushed ice.
• Slowly add cognac and champagne.
• Gently stir, make sure not to foam up the drink too much.
• Top with more crushed ice and champagne.
• Garnish with a slice of orange, sprig of mint and some seasonal berries.

Cocktail author: adapted from recipes originating in the late 1800s.

Julep seems to have a long and complicated history, spanning multiple centuries and continents. Champagne Julep might be one of the more recent reincarnations of this drink, but the combination of ice-cold champagne and fresh cooling mint simply epitomises summer in a way that is hard to resist.

As you probably already guessed, champagne forms the base of this cocktails. In particular, I prefer brut champagne in this cocktail, with delicious floral notes as well as a hint of citrus, stone fruit and mild acidity. Fresh mint provides that familiar herbal cooling effect we know and love. Simple syrup brings some sweetness to the mix, allowing mint and champagne to pop just a little brighter. Finally, a touch of cognac delivers a little more proof with just an inkling of aged oak, toffee and caramel giving cocktail a bit more complexity.

All in all, Champagne Julep is a relatively simple, but remarkably delicious and refreshing drink. Perfect for summer gatherings and terrace parties.

Source material:
https://imbibemagazine.com/recipe/champagne-julep/