Ritz Cocktail

The Ritz Cocktail is a sophisticated and celebratory drink that perfectly balances the complex, fruity notes of Cognac with the orange sweetness of Cointreau and the subtle nuttiness of Maraschino liqueur. The addition of fresh lemon juice provides a sharp, clean counterpoint, while a topping of chilled Champagne lends a luxurious effervescence and a crisp finish. It's a beautifully layered drink that feels both classic and timeless, ideal for special occasions.
Ritz Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Ritz Cocktail is a classic cocktail from the golden age of mixology. It is categorized as a sparkling cocktail due to the Champagne, and often considered a sophisticated aperitif suitable for celebratory occasions.

Serving

This is a moderately sized, cold cocktail served 'up' in a chilled coupe glass. Its alcohol content is significant but balanced by the mixers and Champagne.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This classic cocktail was created by Frank Meier, the head bartender at the Hôtel Ritz in Paris, during the 1930s. He first published the recipe in his 1936 book "The Artistry of Mixing Drinks". The drink embodies the luxury and elegance of its namesake hotel, combining French ingredients like Cognac and Champagne into a perfectly balanced and festive libation.
Origin
The Ritz Cocktail originated in Paris, France, around the 1930s at the Hôtel Ritz.

Ritz Cocktail

The Ritz Cocktail is generally known by its original name. It is sometimes referred to as the Sidecar à la Ritz, highlighting its similarity to the classic Sidecar but with the luxurious addition of Champagne.
Original name
Ritz Cocktail
Alternative name
Sidecar à la Ritz

Characteristics overview

The Ritz Cocktail presents a crisp, bubbly texture with a balanced sweet and sour profile, highlighted by citrus and rich Cognac aromas. Its pale golden appearance and clean, effervescent finish make it a refreshing and celebratory drink for any season.
Flavor
Citrusy, Effervescent, Rich, Complex, Crisp, Fruity
Aroma
Orange Peel, Lemon, Grape, Toasted Nuts
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering, Warming
Fizziness
Bubbly, Sparkling, Effervescent
Color appearance
Pale Gold, Straw-colored, Clear, Bubbly
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, Celebratory, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a beautiful balance between fruity sweetness, citrus sourness, and noticeable alcohol warmth. The high carbonation adds a lively and crisp dimension to the drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires a base of Cognac, complemented by Cointreau, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. The cocktail is topped with chilled Brut Champagne for its signature sparkle.
  • Cognac VSOP30 ml / 1 oz
    A good quality VSOP Cognac provides a rich, smooth base.
  • Cointreau15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Other high-quality triple sec can be substituted.
  • Maraschino Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adds a complex, slightly funky sweetness. Luxardo is a classic choice.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for brightness.
  • Brut Champagne30 ml / 1 oz, to top
    Must be well-chilled. Other dry sparkling wines like Crémant or Cava can also be used.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainers. A citrus juicer is also necessary to prepare the fresh lemon juice.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the base ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) for a smooth pour.
  • Citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice.

Instructions

The process involves shaking the Cognac, liqueurs, and juice with ice, then double-straining into a chilled coupe. The drink is finished by gently topping with Champagne and garnishing with an orange twist.
1. Chill your coupe or Champagne flute glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add Cognac, Cointreau, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
5. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled glass.
6. Gently top with chilled Champagne, pouring it over the back of a spoon to preserve the bubbles if desired.
7. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink's surface and drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

Garnish with an orange peel, twisted over the drink to express its oils onto the surface. For a more theatrical touch, a flamed orange peel adds a beautiful aroma and visual flair.
  • Orange peel twist expressed over the drink.
  • Flamed orange peel for a more dramatic presentation.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegetarian and free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, and nuts. To ensure it is vegan, verify that the Champagne used is not clarified with animal-based fining agents.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The sugar and carbohydrate content comes from the Cointreau, Maraschino, and Champagne.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-14 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

With its sparkling and sophisticated character, the Ritz Cocktail is perfect for celebrations like New Year's Eve, anniversaries, or any special event. It also serves wonderfully as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate.
  • Celebration
  • New Year's Eve
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Romantic Dinner

Pairing suggestions

The Ritz Cocktail pairs beautifully with elegant and light foods that complement its effervescence and complexity. Oysters, smoked salmon, and creamy cheeses are excellent choices. It also works well as a standalone aperitif before a fine meal.
  • Oysters
  • Light appetizers
  • Cheese platters (especially with Brie or Camembert)
  • Smoked salmon blinis
  • Fruit tarts

The Ritz Cocktail: Parisian Elegance in a Glass

The Ritz Cocktail is a testament to the timeless elegance of Parisian bar culture. Created at the iconic Hôtel Ritz, it is a luxurious variation of the Sidecar, elevated with the festive addition of Champagne. Its flavor is a masterful blend of rich Cognac, sweet orange, complex cherry notes, and sharp lemon, all brought to life by fine bubbles. Perfect for celebrations or as a sophisticated start to an evening, the Ritz Cocktail is a classic that never goes out of style.

Similar Cocktails

Sidecar

The direct ancestor; it contains Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice but is served without Champagne.

French 75

A similar sparkling classic, but made with gin (or sometimes Cognac), lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne.

Champagne Cocktail

A simpler sparkling classic made by dropping a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters into a flute, adding brandy, and topping with Champagne.

Brandy Crusta

A 19th-century precursor to the Sidecar, featuring a sugar-crusted rim and aromatic bitters.

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