Yes, we love to take a classic cocktail and bubbly-ize it because we truly believe that bubbly makes everything better.  And slowly but surely, we’ve been convincing those non-believers that this really is a true statement.  And while these may not be classic cocktails like vodka tonic or gin martini, these are super easy to create.  And yes, these are a lot of fun not only because they are bright and bubbly, but also quite tasty!

We know sometimes creating the perfect drink can be overwhelming especially when you it creates a giant grocery list.  So we created these easy cocktail recipes that you can prepare for a celebration or get together with just a few ingredients.

Cocktail Supplies Needed

People always ask me what I have stocked in my house to constantly create bubbly cocktail recipes.  I have always said, you don’t need the fancy tools or to stock your bar like a liquor store in order to create fun, bubbly cocktails. You probably already have what you need to create the perfect bubbly cocktail.

My go to supplies are simple:

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Muddler
  • 2 oz Measuring Cup
The essential supplies I use daily to create bubbly mocktails and cocktails.

But I will say, the cocktail shaker isn’t even necessary if you have a bigger measuring cup or simply a large glass.

Essential Bar Supplies

  • Measuring cups ( 8 oz and 2 oz or a shot glass instead of 2 oz measuring cup.)
  • Muddler
  • Champagne glasses
  • Pitcher for big batch drinks and sangria
  • Wine opener

Because I hate running to the store every time I am going to host a celebration (especially if it’s an impromptu one), so I make sure I have these key ingredients stocked at all times just in case.  

For Cocktail Creations

  • Simple syrup
  • Lime Juice & lemon juice (Yes, I keep these on hand for when I don’t want to run to the store for fresh citrus.)
  • Ginger beer and/or ginger ale 
  • Tonic water and/or soda water
  • Fruit juices (cranberry, grapefruit, apple, etc.  Depending on the season, I will keep juice stocked.  Yes, fresh juices are best, but these work too.)
  • Variety of sparkling water flavors

Now, if you’re looking to upgrade your bar or to make things a bit easier, here’s my list of nice to have supplies.  And to make your life even easier, we do have a storefront on Amazon and we always list our cocktail tools on our LTK shop as well.  

Nice to Have Supplies

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Citrus juicer
  • Variety of glassware like metal mug(s), martini glass, etc.
  • Variety of ice cube trays
My nice to have cocktail supplies. I use these regularly, but they are not necessities.

Liquor Supplies

Here’s one lesson I learned the hard way after moving back and forth across the country multiple times.  There is no need to buy the large bottles of liquor unless it’s a liquor that you really love.  I will often buy the small bottles especially when it comes to new flavors.  For example, I have several bottles of 50 ml vodka in a variety of flavors.  This way I can try them and if I really like them, I can commit to a larger bottle.  

My bar is always stocked with:

  • Bottle of Vodka (I typically keep several flavors of good vodka stocked for any bubbly creation.)
  • Bottle of Gin (I’m obsessed with Empress Gins lately.  Is it the color?  Probably.  But it also does not taste like a Christmas tree which I feel like is most every other gin I have tried.)
  • Bottle of Orange Liqueur (I usually stock Triple Sec, but there are more expensive ones if your taste buds prefer.)
  • Limoncello (if you were around last year, you know my obsession with this liqueur.)
  • Bourbon 
  • Bubbly, of course.  Now, it’s true, I have A LOT of bubbly because I never know when I am going to want to create a bubbly cocktail or just pop a bottle in celebration.  My current favorite bubbly to top any cocktail with is 90 Plus Cellars Prosecco.  We have tried it on its own and it’s delicious.  And we have tried it in every flavor profile of a cocktail and it always compliments it perfectly.  And I have said it many times, you don’t need any expensive bottle of bubbly to top a cocktail, but you do need a good tasting bubbly or it will ruin the cocktail.

Are you gathering your girlfriends to celebrate?  Do you have a bridal shower that is pink or purple themed?  How about a baby shower or a gender reveal?  Are you planning a brunch? If so, you’ll love these pink and purple cocktails to do so!  

Gin Cocktails

For the gin drinker in your life, these are not only delicious, but fun because they are the most perfect pink and purple color which is perfect for the holiday.

These gin recipes are similar to each other and based on personal taste everyone will have their favorite.  And we know this because we tested it with many people and no one could agree on the which drink deserved the #1 spot.  But we all enjoyed each of these drinks, so I don’t think you can go wrong with your choice. 

The combination of this delicious gin (I have never been a gin drinker until recently and Empress Rosé Elderflower is the best gin in my opinion) and fresh citrus make these refreshing and enjoyable.  And quite frankly, the bright flavors of these gin cocktails will also be great in the summer as well.  

Sparkling Lavender Lemon 

  • 1 1/2 oz Empress Elderflower Rosé Gin
  • 1/2 oz Lemonade
  • 1/2 oz Lavender Simple Syrup
  • Top with Bubbly
  1. In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, combine gin, lemonade and simple syrup.  
  2. Shake well.
  3. Pour into your favorite champagne or cocktail glass.
  4. Top with bubbly
  5. Optional:  Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Sparkling Lavender Lemon gin cocktail.

Lavender Gin Fizz

  • 1 1/2 oz Gin (We used Empress Gin)
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3/4 oz Lavender Simple Syrup
  1. In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup.  
  2. Shake well.
  3. Pour into your favorite champagne  or cocktail glass.
  4. Top with bubbly
  5. Optional:  Garnish with a lemon twist.
Lavender Gin Fizz Cocktail

Empress Lemon Fizz

  • 1 1/2 oz Empress Gin
  • 3/4 oz Limoncello
  • 1/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Top with Bubbly
  1. In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, combine gin, limoncello, and lemon juice.
  2. Shake well.
  3. Pour into your favorite champagne or cocktail glass.
  4. Top with bubbly
Empress Gin Lemon Fizz Cocktail

Vodka Cocktails

We love vodka drinks and if you’ve been around for a while, you know we create a lot of them because it’s the perfect neutral spirit.  Classic vodka cocktails topped with bubbly are fun and easy too, but we thought we’d create more pink drinks perfect for any occasion.

Bubbles & Berries

  • 1/4 cup Raspberries or Strawberries
  • 1/2 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
  • 1 oz Vodka
  • Top with Bubbly
  1. In a cocktail shaker or tall glass, combine raspberries with St. Germain and vodka.
  2. Muddle well.
  3. Add ice cubes and shake or stir.
  4. Pour or strain into your favorite champagne or cocktail glass. (We don’t always strain our cocktails with fruit because we do enjoy it depending on the fruit. If you are going to strain this one, add 2 oz vodka and 3/4 oz St. Germain.))
  5. Top with bubbly.
Bubbles and berries, a bright, fruity vodka cocktail.

Ruby Red Fizz

  • 1 oz Grapefruit Vodka 
  • 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 oz Sparkling Grapefruit Soda or Grapefruit Soda Water
  • Top with bubbly
  1. In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, combine vodka, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and lime juice.
  2. Shake well.
  3. Pour into your favorite champagne or chilled martini glass.
  4. Top with bubbly.
Ruby Red, a grapefruit vodka cocktail.

Want More?

Next time you’re searching for a new bubbly cocktail recipe, be sure to check out Bubbly Side of Life on Instagram or Pinterest.  You will find a huge variety of bubbly cocktail recipes we’ve created over the years.  

And if you stick around for a while, you’ll notice that we get very focused on a certain cocktail or liquor.  For example, over the summer, we couldn’t get enough Limoncello.  It’s rare I ever use a whole bottle of anything, but I think I’m on my third bottle of that.  Over the holidays, I was obsessed with playing with the moscow mule recipe.  I don’t know if it was the ginger flavor (which I also was obsessed with) or the fact that they can be made with bourbon (Kentucky mule) or vodka, but we had a lot of fun with those.

And of course, we want to know, what is your favorite liquor or flavor profile?  

If you’re looking for other mocktail or cocktail recipes for any type of celebration, be sure to check out the blog.  We love to create bubbly recipes (yes, there are some food blogs too), but we also love to create pairing parties for a fun and different girls’ night in celebration.