Colletti Royale Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones

Colletti Royale cocktail - Proof & Grain

Image source: CocktailWave

Colletti Royale Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time
4 minutes
Servings
1
Glassware
Wine Glass

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces reposado tequila
  • ½ ounce Cointreau or triple sec
  • ½ ounce St-Germain or elderflower liqueur
  • ½ ounce blood orange juice
  • ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Rosé Champagne, chilled, to top (approximately 3 ounces)
  • Garnish: blood orange wheel

Tools

Check out our official Product Recommendations.

  • JiggerCitrus juicer
    Cocktail shaker
    Hawthorne strainer

Directions

  1. Add the tequila, Cointreau, St-Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice and bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
  2. Strain into a large wine glass filled with fresh ice.
  3. Top with the rosé Champagne.
  4. Garnish with a (blood) orange wheel.

Mixologist's Notes

  • The Colletti Royale is not an IBA official cocktail, but it has earned recognition as one of Julie Reiner’s signature creations. Its approachable build and festive character have made it a modern classic, especially popular for celebrations and brunch menus.

Flavor Profile

Bright, fruity, and floral with a fizzy, slightly dry finish.

Colletti Royale cocktail - Proof & Grain

About the Colletti Royale cocktail

The Colletti Royale is a contemporary Champagne cocktail created by Julie Reiner, one of New York’s most celebrated bartenders and bar owners (Flatiron Lounge, Clover Club).

Designed as a festive yet approachable drink, the Colletti Royale combines vodka, lime, simple syrup, crème de cassis, and Champagne, resulting in a sparkling, fruit-forward cocktail with just the right amount of balance.

It’s elegant enough for celebrations but straightforward enough to make at home, making it a standout modern addition to the Champagne cocktail family.

What Makes the Colletti Royale Cocktail Special

The Colletti Royale shines because of its layered yet refreshing flavor profile.

Vodka provides a clean backbone, lime juice and simple syrup create a balanced sweet-tart foundation, crème de cassis adds fruity depth and a touch of color, and Champagne brings effervescence and refinement.

It’s a cocktail that feels celebratory, playful, and sophisticated all at once.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

  • Swaps: Prosecco or cava can be used in place of Champagne for a slightly different sparkling profile.

    • Try replacing vodka with gin for a more botanical variation.

  • Pairings: The Colletti Royale pairs beautifully with brunch dishes, seafood, fruit tarts, and soft cheeses.

    • Its effervescent character also makes it perfect as an aperitif.

Closing Thoughts

The Colletti Royale is a cocktail that blends modern craft with timeless festivity.

With its balance of vodka, citrus, cassis, and Champagne, it’s a sparkling drink that feels at home at brunch, weddings, or any occasion that calls for a stylish toast.