These simple and bitter sweet grapefruit champagne cocktail are breeze to make and they star my favorite liquor, Campari. They are perfect to serve instead of orange juice mimosas at your weekend brunch. I think they would also make a fun drink for a ladies night, because they are pink, and because !!!bubbles!!!

When I was typing those last two sentences I almost used the word “classy” to describe this grapefruit champagne cocktail but I didn’t. Because, in actuality this mimosa inspired brunch drink is pretty classy, but in my little brain, using the word “classy” is not classy.

What is it about that word that just sounds all wrong to me? I think this is a result of me being a child of the eighties. In my mind, almost by the very fact that someone uses it, that person actually is the opposite. Like you can almost picture the lady with the giant teased hair and shoulder pads saying it about her newly decorated home. I see her there, waving to the blindingly polished brass chandelier! “Classy!”

Wait, even better, you have to say it in an annoying accent for effect. “Cllllaaaaasy!” and kinda fling your hand at the person your talking to as you say it!

Are you with me?

Okay, I guess you had to be there…

In my head.

Awkward silence.

Moving on to this cocktail.

There is something deliciously quaffable about this combination of bitter sweet Campari, plus the juicy bitter sweet grapefruit plus the ice cold bubbly dry Prosecco! Gulp! It is super fun and unusual but thankfully only has 3 simple ingredients! Prosecco, fresh grapefruit juice and Campari. Easy peasy!

I used Prosecco instead of Champagne since this has an Italian liquor in it, but you can also use Champagne. Look for a less expensive one that says Methode Champenoise on the label. Seriously, don’t go crazy on an expensive sparkling wine here because the other ingredients will mask any subtleties that the finer sparklers have. You just want to find one that is good and dry. When in doubt ask your wine guy or gal. I always do.

One ruby red grapefruit makes about a half a cup of fresh grapefruit juice. Just mix that plus 1 tablespoon Campari into a measuring cup and pour into the bottom of four champagne flutes. 

Then top off with the sparkling wine! Add a quarter slice of grapefruit for garnish. Viola! How classy!