The Launch Cocktail
The Launch Cocktail is a light and airy champagne cocktail that is as uplifting as its name. The addition of a little vodka does not overpower the champagne in this refreshing cocktail!
This refreshing libation is a adapted from the French 76 (which is a variation of the French 75) and is made with no refined sugar. It’s very drinkable and the perfect cocktail to start off a celebration! Interested in reading more about how we developed this recipe in our blog?
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RECIPE
(Check out our Step by Step Instructions below the recipe card.)
Recipe updated as of 3/23/22
THE LAUNCH COCKTAIL
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes, vodka, lemon juice, agave (using a jigger will give you accurate measurements). Cover and shake vigorously.
- Strain into chilled champagne flute. Slowly pour champagne to top off glass (3 to 4 ounces).
- Garnish with an orange spiral and serve immediately.
Notes
- When topping with champagne, always pour slowly. Otherwise, it’s likely to bubble over the top.
- There is no refined sugar in this recipe. However, if you prefer to use the traditional granulated sugar in this drink, just replace the agave with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- You can use a lemon twist if you prefer, but we recommend using the orange twist as the aromatics of the orange peel pair perfectly with this cocktail.
- Best served as a before dinner cocktail.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
153.48Fat (grams)
0.06Sat. Fat (grams)
0.01Carbs (grams)
6.63Fiber (grams)
0.06Net carbs
6.57Sugar (grams)
4.16Protein (grams)
0.11Sodium (milligrams)
6.19Cholesterol (grams)
0.00Nutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods.
Step by Step Instructions
PREPARATION
Organize all your tools and ingredients before you begin. Getting all your ingredients in one place at the beginning will shorten your prep time.
STEP 1
In a cocktail shaker, add 1/2 cup ice cubes, add 1 ounce vodka, 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon agave syrup (using a jigger will give you an accurate measurement). Cover tightly and shake vigorously.
STEP 2a
Strain into chilled champagne flute.
STEP 2b
Slowly pour champagne into chilled flute and top off with about 3 to 4 ounces of champagne (all depends on the size of your glass).
STEP 3
Garnish with a twist of orange peel and serve immediately.
Note: The aromatics of the orange peel really do pair perfectly with this cocktail. If you want a more delicate orange twist as a garnish, try this Zyliss 2 in 1 Zester. It really makes the perfect twist for cocktails!
Notes:
When topping with champagne, always pour slowly. Otherwise, it’s likely to bubble over the top. You don’t want to lose any of those precious bubbles!
There is no refined sugar in this recipe. However, if you prefer to use the traditional granulated sugar in this drink, just replace the agave with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
The orange peel spiral is best with this cocktail. The combination of lemon juice and the aromatics of the orange twist are a great combination. If you prefer, you can use a lemon twist, but be prepared for a much stronger lemon flavored cocktail.
This is best served on its own, as a before dinner cocktail.
Blog Review
Such a lovely and refined cocktail!
We thought this was a fitting cocktail for a celebratory occasion. The Launch is a refreshing, yet reserved champagne cocktail that is light, refined, and very drinkable.
For those of us that are purists and love the taste of good champagne on its own, this was personally a tough sell for me. So, I pulled out my mom’s elegant champagne flutes and dove right into the task of developing this recipe. Although I must admit, it wasn’t exactly a hardship to taste test our variations of this drink. Once we created The Launch and zeroed in on the right balance of flavors, it was obvious that this subtle, yet delicious concoction was the clear winner!
This cocktail recipe was adapted from the French 76 (which is a variation of a French 75). What’s the difference? This lovely libation has no refined sugar. We replaced the gin and granulated sugar with vodka and agave syrup.
This elegant refreshment is the perfect before dinner drink to lift your spirits and is a great choice for that special occasion. Or, if you already have a chilled bottle of champagne in the fridge and bottle of vodka in the freezer, no need to wait for a special event in your life. I say, Carpe diem!
Enjoy and let us know what you think. Santé!
Mich
Footnote: Remember, the quality of your ingredients are the key to making any cocktail or food recipe a success.
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