Ingredients
- 3 oz Champagne
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- 2 oz Lemonade
- 1 splash Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
Prepare the Glass:
- Frost a highball glass and fill it with ice.
Add Ingredients:
- Pour 3 oz champagne, 2 oz orange juice, and 2 oz lemonade into the glass.
Top with Grenadine:
- Add a splash of grenadine syrup for a touch of sweetness and color.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your American Glory Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This isn’t a lost classic from a gilded age, but rather a modern, approachable cocktail likely born from home entertaining or casual brunch spots. It’s designed for ease and broad appeal, a celebratory pour without the fuss of complex techniques or rare spirits. Its name suggests a patriotic or festive context, fitting for holidays or summer parties.
It sits comfortably in the Champagne cocktail family, a close cousin to the Mimosa or a Bellini. What sets the American Glory Cocktail apart is the inclusion of lemonade, which adds an extra layer of tart, zesty citrus that brightens the entire profile beyond just orange juice. The grenadine also gives it a distinct visual appeal.
You’ll find this drink gracing brunch tables, summer garden parties, or any festive occasion where a light, sparkling option is welcome. It’s a reliable choice for when you need a drink that feels special but is effortless to prepare in batches for a crowd, making it a go-to for hosts who want minimal fuss.
What it tastes like
Take a sip and you’ll get an immediate hit of bright, zesty orange and lemon, buoyed by the crisp bubbles of champagne. The mid-palate carries a pleasant sweetness, rounded out by the grenadine’s subtle berry notes. The finish is clean and refreshing, with a lingering citrus tang that invites another sip.
At roughly 5% ABV, this is a relatively light drink. To put that in perspective, it’s roughly half the strength of a standard beer and significantly less potent than most spirit-forward cocktails. You can enjoy a couple without feeling too much of a kick, making it ideal for extended daytime events.
The technique
Building this is straightforward. Start with a chilled highball glass full of fresh ice. Pour in your orange juice and lemonade first. Then, gently top with the champagne, aiming to preserve as many bubbles as possible. Finish with a slow splash of grenadine, letting it sink and create a visual layer before serving immediately.
The key technique here is to handle the champagne with care. Pour it gently down the side of the glass and avoid vigorous stirring once the champagne is in. Over-agitating the drink will quickly kill the bubbles, leaving you with a flat, less appealing cocktail. The fizz is half the fun here, so treat it right.
Drink Buddy Exclusive
Tell us what's in your cabinet.
Our Cocktail Builder takes whatever bottles you've got and hands you every drink you can actually make tonight.
Open the Builder →Get the Drink Buddy newsletter
One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.
Plus the recipes we drop before they hit the site. Zero spam.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Champagne
- Use
- Opt for a dry or Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava. These provide the necessary crispness and acidity to balance the fruit juices without making the drink overly sweet. Good quality sparkling wine makes a noticeable difference.
- Skip
- Avoid sweet sparkling wines like Asti Spumante or cheap ‘sparkling wine product.’ Their excessive sweetness will throw off the drink’s balance and make it cloying.
- Why
- Champagne is the engine of this drink, providing the essential effervescence, a dry counterpoint to the fruit, and a subtle complexity that keeps it from being just a juice mix. Without it, you’re missing the ‘glory’ part.
Orange Juice
- Use
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is always best for brightness and natural sweetness. If fresh isn’t an option, use a high-quality, not-from-concentrate brand with no added sugars.
- Skip
- Steer clear of orange ‘drink’ or juice made from concentrate with a lot of added sugar. These often have an artificial taste and will make the cocktail too sweet and one-dimensional.
- Why
- Orange juice provides the primary sweet citrus note, a foundational flavor that complements the lemonade and balances the champagne. It’s crucial for the drink’s refreshing character.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Patriot Punch
- A stronger, spirit-forward version
- Add 1.5 oz of vodka or gin to the mix before topping with champagne. This gives the drink more backbone without losing its festive appeal.
Sunset Sparkler
- A cranberry twist
- Substitute the orange juice with an equal amount of cranberry juice for a tarter, more vibrant red drink. It offers a different, tangy fruit profile.
Berry Glory
- Muddled fruit addition
- Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries at the bottom of the glass before adding ice and building the drink. This adds fresh berry flavor and a nice visual.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use Prosecco, Cava, or any other dry sparkling wine. The key is the bubbles and a relatively dry profile.
Pineapple juice or grapefruit juice (for a tarter drink) can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will shift notably.
Combine 1 oz fresh lemon juice with 1 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) to achieve a similar sweet-tart balance.
Raspberry syrup, cherry syrup, or a small dash of cranberry juice can provide a similar color and a touch of sweetness.
A large wine glass, a pint glass, or even a sturdy Mason jar will work. Just ensure there’s enough room for ice and all ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in an American Glory Cocktail?
An American Glory Cocktail contains champagne, orange juice, lemonade, and a splash of grenadine syrup.
Is the American Glory Cocktail strong?
No, it’s a relatively light drink, typically around 5% ABV. It’s comparable to a light beer in strength.
What kind of Champagne should I use for an American Glory Cocktail?
A dry or Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava works best to balance the sweetness of the juices.
Can I make an American Glory Cocktail ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, as the champagne’s carbonation will dissipate quickly. Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
What glassware is best for an American Glory Cocktail?
A highball glass is recommended, but a large wine glass or even a champagne flute can be used.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the American Glory Cocktail?
Yes, substitute the champagne with sparkling cider or sparkling white grape juice for a festive, alcohol-free option.
Is this a sweet drink?
It’s moderately sweet, but the tartness from the lemonade and the dryness of the champagne keep it from being overly sugary.
What food pairs well with an American Glory Cocktail?
This drink pairs well with brunch items like quiche or fruit tarts, light appetizers, or summer salads due to its refreshing and light nature.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family when the night calls for them.
