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Light, sparkling, and effortlessly festive, the Bucks Fizz is one of Britain’s best-loved celebratory drinks. Traditionally enjoyed on Christmas morning, at weddings, or at brunch gatherings, this simple blend of Champagne and orange juice has stood the test of time for good reason. But while the recipe looks straightforward, making a great Bucks Fizz requires a bit more finesse than simply mixing bubbles and citrus.
Here’s the story behind the drink, along with expert tips for creating the perfect glass every time.
A Brief History: The British Original
The Bucks Fizz was invented in 1921 at London’s famous Buck’s Club. Bartender Malachy McGarry wanted to create a morning-friendly cocktail that was lighter than straight Champagne but still elegant and celebratory.
Though similar to the later French Mimosa, the Bucks Fizz remains distinct for one key reason:
It traditionally uses a higher ratio of Champagne to orange juice — making it drier, brighter, and more refined.
How to Make the Perfect Bucks Fizz
Classic Recipe
- 2 parts Champagne (or a good-quality dry sparkling wine)
- 1 part fresh orange juice, chilled
This creates the classic, crisp flavour the drink is loved for.
1. Choose the Right Sparkling Wine
Champagne is traditional, but other dry sparkling wines work wonderfully too.
Best choices include:
- Brut Champagne
- Crémant (French sparkling wine)
- Spanish Cava (dry styles)
- A quality English sparkling wine
Avoid sweet sparkling wines — the orange juice already brings sweetness.
2. Use Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
This is the golden rule.
Fresh juice completely transforms the drink, adding brightness, smoothness, and natural sweetness.
Why fresh is best:
- Bottled juice tastes flat and overly sugary
- Fresh juice gives cleaner citrus flavours
- Pulp adds texture (optional)
For the smoothest fizz, strain the juice — but keeping a little pulp is perfectly classic.
3. Chill Everything Properly
A Bucks Fizz should be ice cold, but never diluted by actual ice.
Chill:
- the sparkling wine
- the orange juice
- the glasses, if possible
This keeps the bubbles lively and helps the flavours stay crisp.
4. Pour the Champagne First
This might seem backwards, but it’s the key to preserving the fizz.
Pouring orange juice first causes the drink to foam wildly.
Correct method:
- Fill a Champagne flute halfway with sparkling wine
- Slowly top up with orange juice
- Let the bubbles settle naturally
This retains elegance — and avoids spills!
5. Optional Enhancements (For a Modern Twist)
While purists keep it classic, there are a few subtle upgrades you can try:
Grand Marnier dash
Adds a gentle orange-cognac warmth.
Blood orange juice
Richer colour and deeper flavour.
Rosemary sprig
Aromatic and festive.
Top with a champagne float
Add a tiny splash of sparkling wine at the end for extra sparkle.
All optional — and all delicious.
Serving Tips
- Always use flutes or narrow bowls to preserve bubbles.
- Serve immediately — the fizz fades quickly.
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch, but also refreshing before dinner.
For Christmas morning, prepare the juice the night before to make serving effortless.
The Perfect Bucks Fizz, in One Sentence
Cold, crisp, dry sparkling wine blended gently with fresh orange juice in a 2:1 ratio — served immediately for maximum sparkle.
