RitzCocktail recipe
Rating
The Ritz cocktail is a classic French-inspired drink that exudes elegance and luxury. Its origins can be traced back to the iconic Ritz Hotel in Paris, where it was created in the early 1900s.
This timeless cocktail is a perfect balance of bold flavors and delicate bubbles. The combination of Cointreau, a French orange liqueur, with the rich depth of cognac creates a smooth and slightly sweet base.
This is then enhanced by the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice, adding a refreshing citrus note. Finally, the drink is topped off with a generous pour of champagne, adding a touch of effervescence and sophistication.
The Ritz cocktail is a true delight for the senses, offering a taste of glamour and opulence with every sip.
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Cocktail Colin says:
The Ritz cocktail is a symphony of sophistication, expertly blending the velvety richness of cognac with the bright zestiness of Cointreau and orange juice, creating a layered and seductive base. Topped with champagne, it elevates the concoction to a bubbly realm of elegance, where each sip whispers of luxury and time-honored traditions, making it not just a drink, but an experience embodying the opulence of the Ritz itself.
Method
How to make a Ritz
-
- Add all ingredients except the champagne to a cocktail shaker with ice
-
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
-
- Strain into a champagne flute and top up with the champagne
-
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve
Power tips
Elevate the Ritz with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Opt for a high-quality Champagne or Prosecco to top off the Ritz cocktail, as the effervescence and flavor will significantly impact the final taste.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best, most refreshing citrus flavor.
- Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Featured in
Valentine's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating love, is the perfect occasion to indulge in a touch of romance and...
FAQ's

What type of occasions is the Ritz cocktail best suited for?
The Ritz cocktail, with its elegant blend of Cointreau, orange juice, cognac, and champagne or prosecco, served in a Champagne glass, is ideal for celebratory events such as weddings, anniversaries, New Year's Eve, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication and celebration. Its sparkling nature makes it a festive choice.

Can I replace Champagne with something else in the Ritz cocktail?
While Champagne or prosecco are traditional choices for the Ritz cocktail, offering a distinct taste and effervescence, it's possible to substitute them with other sparkling wines for a similar effect. Cava or a quality domestic sparkling wine can be good alternatives. The key is to ensure the substitute provides a pleasing balance of sweetness and acidity to complement the other ingredients.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Ritz cocktail?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Ritz cocktail by substituting the cognac with a non-alcoholic dark spirit alternative and the Champagne or prosecco with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling cider. Use non-alcoholic triple sec or an orange-flavored syrup instead of Cointreau. Adjust the quantities to taste preference.

How does the alcohol content of the Ritz cocktail compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 15.4%, the Ritz cocktail falls into a moderate range of alcohol concentration for cocktails. Many classic cocktails have alcohol contents that range widely from as low as 5% to as high as 40% or more, depending on the ingredients and their proportions. The Ritz, with its mix of spirits and Champagne, offers a balanced option that is neither too strong nor too light.

What makes the Ritz cocktail unique compared to other champagne-based cocktails?
The Ritz cocktail stands out due to its intriguing blend of Cointreau, orange juice, and cognac, topped with champagne or prosecco. This combination offers a harmonious balance of citrus, sweetness, and depth, unlike other champagne-based cocktails that may focus more on the champagne itself or pair it with lighter spirits. Its preparation method—cold, shaken, not stirred—also ensures a smooth, well-integrated mix of flavors, making it a distinguished choice among champagne cocktails.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées cocktail is a sophisticated and classic French-inspired drink that embodies the elegance of its namesake avenue in Paris....
East India No.2
The East India No.2 cocktail is a delectable blend of flavors that's perfect for those who appreciate a sophisticated and...
Port Flip
The Port Flip is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century, embodying the rich and smooth textures...
Lovelight
Lovelight is a captivating cocktail that combines the smooth depth of cognac with a unique blend of bitter and subtly...

Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Comments
I doubled the Cointreau and added a bit more orange juice. Came out sweeter and fruitier, which I loved. Would make it like this again!
This is a classy, refreshing drink with a nice bubbly finish. The balance of orange and cognac is spot on. Definitely a keeper!
Simple but effective. The balance is spot on. Refreshing with a hint of luxury. Easy to make, better to enjoy.
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register