Can I make this cocktail in advance for a party?

It's best to shake French Martinis fresh to preserve the froth and aroma. However, you can pre-mix the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice in a pitcher and shake individual servings with ice when guests arrive.

Can I substitute the Champagne with another sparkling wine?

Absolutely! While Champagne offers classic elegance, you can use prosecco, cava, or any dry sparkling wine that suits your taste and budget.

Is the Colletti Royale very bitter?

Not at all. The Aperol gives a gentle, approachable bitterness that’s balanced by the floral elderflower liqueur and the brightness of lemon juice.

What’s the best glassware for the Colletti Royale?

A Champagne flute is ideal, as it preserves the bubbles and showcases the cocktail’s beautiful color.

Colletti Royale

Name: Colletti Royale
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 1 oz Aperol; 0.5 oz Elderflower liqueur (e.g., St-Germain); 0.25 oz Fresh lemon juice; 3 oz Champagne or dry sparkling wine; 1 Orange twist

The Colletti Royale is a sparkling, sophisticated cocktail that fuses the elegance of French bubbly with the nuanced complexity of Italian aperitifs. Lightly bitter, gently sweet, and finished with a burst of citrus, this drink is perfect for elevating any celebration or relaxing evening. Its vibrant color and effervescent nature make the Colletti Royale as delightful to behold as it is to sip.

5 minutesMedium1 serving

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Ingredients

1 serving

Aperol
30 ml (1 oz)
Provides gentle bitterness and bright color
Elderflower liqueur (e.g., St-Germain)
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Adds floral sweetness
Fresh lemon juice
10 ml (0.25 oz)
Gives a touch of acidity and freshness
Champagne or dry sparkling wine
90 ml (3 oz)
Top up; brings effervescence and elegance
Orange twist
1
For garnish

Tools Needed

Champagne flute
Jigger
Bar spoon
Paring knife

Instructions

Chill your Champagne flute in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
Add Aperol, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to the flute.
Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine.
Top up with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine, pouring slowly to maintain the bubbles.
Give a gentle stir to integrate the liquids without losing effervescence.
Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink, then drop it into the flute as garnish.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

It’s visually stunning with its vibrant color and bubbles.
Balances sweet, bitter, and citrusy flavors for broad appeal.
Perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Easy to customize with different sparkling wines and aperitifs.
Light and refreshing—ideal as a pre-dinner aperitif.

History & Origin

The Colletti Royale is a modern twist on classic sparkling cocktails like the Kir Royale and the Aperol Spritz. It was first crafted in the early 2010s by mixologist Isabella Colletti at a boutique cocktail bar in Milan. Inspired by her love for both French and Italian traditions, Colletti wanted to create a drink that celebrates the best of both worlds: the lively fizz of Champagne and the herbal intrigue of Italian liqueurs. It quickly gained popularity for its striking appearance and balanced flavor profile, becoming a signature cocktail in cosmopolitan settings.

Garnish

A fresh orange twist, expressed and dropped into the flute, adds bright citrus aroma and a pop of color, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 140 calories per serving. Contains about 12g carbohydrates, 0g fat, and 1g protein. Alcohol content varies based on sparkling wine used.

Frequently Asked Questions

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