The Cloud Buster cocktail lives up to its name, bursting upward in a stream of fine bubbles that feels light enough to float, though a quiet core of vodka gives it real strength. Nearly neutral vodka lets chilled sparkling wine take center stage, a brut keeping it razor-crisp or Champagne lending pure luxury, and a twist of lemon peel mists the surface with bright citrus oil for a clean, dry finish.
Pour one for tonight’s toast and let it lift your evening above the clouds.
Recipe & How to Make
Ingredients
Recipe no.128
- Vodka — 1 oz (30ml)
- Sparkling Wine — Full
- Lemon Peel
※ Full = fill the glass about 80–90% full
※ Peel = twist a strip of citrus peel over the drink to release its aromatic oils
Directions
Chill the glass and the sparkling wine beforehand.
Pour the vodka into the glass first, then gently top with chilled sparkling wine (Champagne also works).
Stir slowly and lightly.
Twist the lemon peel over the glass to finish.
・Technique ｜ Stir
・Glass ｜ Champagne Flute
・ABV ｜ About 16–17%
・Best Enjoyed ｜ All Day / Before Dinner
Cloud Buster ｜ Features & Video
Features & Taste
The Cloud Buster is all about the bubbles. Vodka is nearly neutral in flavor, so the sparkling wine takes center stage, while lemon peel oils add a clean, bright aroma without any added sweetness.
A brut keeps it crisp, a fruitier sparkling adds body, and Champagne makes it feel truly luxurious. It looks light but is fairly strong, so sip slowly. I always twist the peel over the glass last, so the citrus greets you first.
Points, Twists & Food Pairings
Tips for Making It
- Pour the vodka first. A common mistake is pouring the sparkling wine first and adding vodka on top. The vodka hits the bubbles and makes them foam up, and you end up stirring more, which flattens the drink. Pour the vodka first, then add the sparkling wine slowly down the side.
- Chill the vodka, too. This drink uses no ice, so temperature is everything. Keeping the vodka in the freezer alongside chilled sparkling wine keeps every sip crisp and the bubbles fine.
- Express the peel skin-side down. Twist the lemon peel over the glass with the skin facing the drink so the oils mist the surface. I always do this right before serving, because the aroma is at its brightest in that moment.
Twists
- Rosé Cloud Buster — Use sparkling rosé instead. It turns a soft peach-pink and adds gentle berry notes, a lovely choice for celebrations.
- Citrus Cloud Buster — Swap in a lemon or citrus-flavored vodka. It amplifies the lemon peel for a zestier, more refreshing finish.
- Elderflower Cloud Buster — Add 1 tsp of elderflower liqueur. Its delicate floral sweetness makes the drink feel even more elegant.
Food Pairings
- Fried white fish — The bubbles cut through the oil, and the lemon peel brightens each bite like a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Fresh oysters — A classic match for sparkling wine. Their briny, mineral flavor pairs beautifully with the drink’s crisp, dry finish and lemon aroma.
- Parmesan cheese — Its salty, nutty umami contrasts the dry bubbles, while the clean vodka keeps the pairing light.
Recipe video
- Recipe video ｜ Muse Amuse Channel Home
Cloud Buster Cocktail: Easy 3-Ingredient Vodka Sparkling Recipe
Make the Cloud Buster cocktail with vodka, chilled sparkling wine and a twist of lemon peel. An easy 3-ingredient aperitif, crisp, dry and elegant.
タイプ: Cocktail
料理: International
キーワード: Cloud Buster cocktail, vodka sparkling wine cocktail, vodka Champagne cocktail, sparkling wine cocktail, vodka aperitif, lemon peel cocktail, brut cocktail
レシピー歩留まり: 1 drink
準備時間: PT2M
所要時間: PT2M
レシピー材料:
- Vodka — 1 oz (30ml)
- Sparkling Wine — Full
- Lemon Peel
レシピーの説明:
Prepare:
- Chill the glass and the sparkling wine beforehand.
Combine:
- Gently pour the vodka and sparkling wine (Champagne also works) into the glass.
Stir:
- Stir slowly and lightly.
Finish:
- Twist the lemon peel over the glass to finish.
