Bucks Fizz – Champagne & Orange Juice Brunch Classic

The Bucks Fizz cocktail combines Champagne and orange juice in a 2:1 ratio, keeping the sparkling wine clearly in front. Compared with an equal-parts Mimosa, this build is drier, lighter, and more wine-forward while still getting enough citrus to soften the acidity.

Background

The Bucks Fizz is associated with Buck's Club in London and dates to the early 1920s. Its defining structure is Champagne with orange juice, typically with more sparkling wine than juice. The drink later became closely associated with brunch, daytime celebrations, and easy sparkling cocktails.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Champagne: provides the dry, sparkling backbone.
• Orange Juice: adds fresh citrus flavor, body, and gentle sweetness.

Dry Cava or another dry sparkling wine can replace Champagne for a practical variation. Blood orange juice can replace standard orange juice for a deeper citrus profile.

Equipment

• Champagne Flute
• Jigger

Why the 2:1 Build Matters

Four ounces of Champagne to two ounces of orange juice keeps the drink recognizably wine-led. The orange softens the wine without turning the glass into juice with bubbles, and the absence of stirring protects carbonation.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use dry Cava for a crisp alternative.
• Use Prosecco for a fruitier sparkling profile.
• Try blood orange juice for color and a slightly different citrus character.
• Add a small amount of orange liqueur for a richer variation.

Helpful Tips

• Chill both ingredients and the flute before building.
• Pour slowly to control foam.
• Do not stir unless absolutely necessary.
• Serve immediately after topping with Champagne.