Ingredients:

  • 1 standard bottle (750 ml) Brut or Extra Brut Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava), thoroughly chilled
  • 375 ml (12.7 fl oz) Freshly squeezed and strained Orange Juice, very cold
  • 6 thin orange wheels or twists of zest, for optional garnish

Instructions:

  1. Chill Everything: At least one hour before serving, place the sparkling wine bottle in the fridge or an ice bath. Place the champagne flutes in the freezer for 10 minutes or in the fridge until serving.
  2. Prepare the Juice: If using fresh oranges, squeeze the juice. Pass the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any heavy pulp, ensuring a smooth mouthfeel. Chill thoroughly.
  3. Ready the Garnish: Slice thin orange wheels or prepare small, elegant zest strips for draping over the rim.
  4. Pour the Fizz First: Carefully uncork the chilled sparkling wine. Tilt the chilled flute slightly and pour the sparkling wine to fill the glass approximately halfway (60 ml / 2 fl oz). Pouring the fizz first helps preserve the bubbles when the denser juice is added.
  5. Add the Juice: Gently top the sparkling wine with the chilled orange juice, aiming for an equal measure (60 ml / 2 fl oz). The natural movement should gently combine the liquids without stirring.
  6. Check the Vitals: Ensure the liquid is extremely cold and retains a steady stream of small bubbles (the perlage).
  7. Garnish and Serve: Place a thin orange slice on the rim or drop a twist of zest into the drink for aroma. Serve immediately.