Relish the deep caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon in a lighter bubbly co*cktail, a vanilla bourbon fizz. A great sipper that’s easy to make and very easy to drink!
Bourbon’s unique caramel and vanilla qualities, enhanced by charred oak barrel aging, is perfectly represented in this bourbon champagne co*cktail. It’s perfect for celebrations (think New Year’s Eve!) or a quiet evening at home, with the fireplace blazing, a comfy blanket, and a good book.
The prosecco adds just the right touch of lightness and fizz without diluting the deep warm flavor of bourbon. Just a touch of vanilla extract is added to accentuate the natural vanilla flavor in bourbon and you may even notice spice notes of cinnamon or nutmeg. This bourbon co*cktail is great for those of us for whom bourbon straight up is maybe a little much.
Serve this special co*cktail with small bites like bacon wrapped dates, wild mushroom crostini with goat cheese, candied bacon, or smoky roasted almonds.
And because this co*cktail is on the sweet side, you might like to serve a little something sweet to go with it. Vanilla bean cookie bars or ginger sparkles are perfect, with vanilla and spice. Another really perfect go-along is sweet and spicy candied bourbon pecans. A match made in heaven!
So toast the New Year with a really delightful co*cktail, whether it’s with a group of friends or with your special someone! And please, like always, drink responsibly.
About this vanilla bourbon fizz:
A vanilla bourbon fizz is a simple recipe with only four ingredients. You’ll need ice and a co*cktail shaker.
Simply add bourbon, vanilla extract, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice, shake for fifteen seconds, and pour into a tall narrow glass or a champagne flute. Top with chilled prosecco or another bubbly and serve. Isn’t that easy?
The more prosecco you add, the lighter the drink will be. I like to add about four ounces of prosecco to each drink so there’s plenty of bourbon flavor but lots of sparkly, too.
What’s in this recipe?
- Bourbon
- Pure vanilla extract
- Simple syrup
- Prosecco
What’s the difference between whiskey and bourbon?
I think the easiest way to clarify the difference is that all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is made in the United States, mostly in Bourbon County, Kentucky, according to strict criteria. A popular brand is Jim Beam.
Whiskey can be made in a variety of different ways, Scotch being one of the most well-known types of whiskey. Jack Daniels is another popular type of whiskey, a sour mash whiskey, that is made in Tennessee.
Bourbon is used to make familiar co*cktails, like a Whiskey Sour or an Old Fashioned. One of my favorite bourbon co*cktails is a Maple Old Fashioned made with real maple syrup.
How to make this co*cktail your own:
- You can vary the ratio of bourbon and prosecco. Add more bourbon for a stronger drink, more prosecco for a lighter co*cktail.
- If the co*cktail seems too sweet to you, omit the simple syrup. Another option is to make a vanilla simple syrup. You’ll find directions for how to do that on the recipe card. Or add bourbon extract instead. I also have a full post on simple syrup know-how, including how to make simple syrup.
- Choose your favorite bubbly: prosecco, champagne, sparkling wine, cava, asti spumante.
- Garnish with whole spices, like a cinnamon stick or star anise. You’ll love how the spices enhance the flavor of your co*cktail. Have you tried this orange gin and tonic, with a garnish of cinnamon stick and star anise? I love it!
Make-Ahead Tips
I don’t advise making this co*cktail ahead of time because you’ll lose the carbonation, plus it literally takes about two minutes to make. Prepare the simple syrup ahead, up to a month in advance. Store it in a jar in the fridge.
Make sure you have a good supply of ice and the prosecco is chilled, and you’ll be good to go.
More co*cktail recipes
Celebrating or just chillin’ with your honey … I know you’ll love these co*cktails! Try:
- Apple Cider Mule
- White Chocolate White Russian
- Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
- Orange Mojito
- Cranberry Margarita
- Frosé Recipe : the best frozen Rosé
- Pomegranate Mojito Recipe
- Hot White Russian Recipe
- Red Wine and Cherry Spritzer
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Recipe
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Bourbon Fizz (Bourbon Champagne co*cktail)
4.50 from 8 votesPrep Time: 2 minutes mins
Total Time: 2 minutes mins
1 co*cktail
Print Rate Recipe
Relish the deep caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon in a lighter bubbly co*cktail, a vanilla bourbon fizz. A great sipper that's easy to make and very easy to drink!
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, or more to taste
- 4 ounces prosecco, or bubbly of your choice, chilled
Instructions
To a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, add bourbon, simple syrup, and vanilla extract; shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled champagne flute or tall narrow glass and top with prosecco.
Notes
- Homemade vanilla simple syrup can be used in place of the simple syrup and vanilla extract. To make vanilla simple syrup, add 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 2 vanilla beans split down the center) to a small saucepan and bring to a light simmer for 10 minutes. Then allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before discarding the beans (if using) and using or bottling.
- For a lighter co*cktail, add 6 oz. of prosecco instead of 4 oz.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 218kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 20mg, Potassium: 172mg, Sugar: 17g, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Author: Rachel Gurk
