Paulius Musteikis
The Champagne Bath is perfect in victory or defeat.
Opus Lounge has one of the city’s longest cocktail lists, featuring everything from ice cream drinks to fun, fruit-forward combinations named after patrons. Unique among Madison drink dens, it also features a full list of champagne cocktails. These run from the classic (the Bellini) to the comic (Smurfette’s Revenge).
The aptly named Champagne Bath features rose petals and cherries, cutting to the heart of what imbibers want champagne drinks to be — transportive sips that bring glamour to any occasion. And, really, when aren’t champagne drinks appropriate? Napoleon once said: “Champagne! In victory one deserves it, in defeat one needs it.”
For an exotic twist, the Singapore is plum wine mixed with champagne, garnished with a bit of candied ginger. It strikes a balance between dry and sweet, and (this is important) it looks good while you’re drinking it. The subdued plum wine blends with the yeasty champagne notes for intriguing flavor.
There are other straightforward combinations: the Kir Royale with cassis (black currant liqueur), and a refreshing and understated pear bubbler.
But in summer, perhaps the Snowball is the proper choice, a drink employing pineapple juice and coconut to bring a tropical flair to the glass. It’s not for everyone, as it’s a bit sweet, but it’s a frothy wonder with a luxurious mouthfeel that will hold your interest and start conversation. Served in a martini glass, it is a glamorous champagne cocktail to transport you to the tropics — and that is surely a victory.
