Champagne has always been seen as a special drink for special times, and when done up as a cocktail, it just seems to take on additional celebratory qualities. It is hard to say exactly how long the original Champagne Cocktail has existed. It first appeared in Jerry Thomas'  How To Mix Drinks, which is the oldest known book of cocktail recipes…so we’re told.

Being made with a base ingredient (Champagne), a sweetener (sugar), and a dash or two of bitters, the recipe for the Champagne Cocktail truly illustrates the basics that were once considered requisite for any drink in the "Cocktail" category.

The Champagne Cocktail is perhaps one of the easiest cocktails to make, with virtually no hassle or even additional equipment or tools. Start off by taking a single sugar cube, and while holding it over the opening of a bottle of Angostura bitters, invert the bottle so that some bitters soaks directly into the sugar. Drop the cube into the bottom of a champagne flute, and then fill the glass with champagne. For a garnish, you can add a dainty spiral of lemon twist.

But, that’s way too easy and it’s been done before. So, we decided to hold a contest to decide who can make the best Champagne Cocktail in Maricopa County, AZ.

So, if you think you can create a better Champagne Cocktail…why not put it to the test!

Submit your new drink recipe to us for a chance to be recognized by some of the Phoenix area best bartenders, bar and restaurant owners, brand owners, journalists, and champagne aficionados and win some quick $50 or gift certificates!

To play visit ChampagneSabering.com and submit your favorite drink recipe. A winner will be selected from all entries received by July 31, 2009 - the winner will be announced in the next ChampagneSabering.com E-Newsletter and on our site after August 1, 2009.

*** RULES: The drink must contain Champagne somewhere within the ingredients and only one entry per person, per 24-hour period. Winners will be announced via email and via the ChampagneSabering.com E-Newsletter. Recipe submissions become the property of ChampagneSabering.com. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Void where prohibited by unreasonable laws!

To play, SUBMIT YOUR DRINK RECIPES

The winning recipe for June 2008 CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL CONTEST is:

Shake the Midori & Lime Juice with Ice and pour into a flute. Top with chilled Champagne.

Shake Campari and sweet vermouth with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.