Death in the Afternoon: Boozy, Bubbly and Just a Bit Dangerous

Some cocktails whisper. This one doesn’t. Death in the Afternoon shows up bold, drops absinthe in your champagne and tells you to sip slow or pay the price.

It’s fancy without being fussy, strong without yelling about it, and honestly kinda perfect when you wanna feel a little extra without doing the most.

Named after Hemingway’s book and just as wild, it’s got that old-school charm with a bit of bite. Brunch? Backyard hang? Solo wind-down? It fits all of it.

Classy, crisp and just a little chaotic… this drink’s got layers.

What Is a Death in the Afternoon Cocktail

This one’s not your average bubbly. The Death in the Afternoon mixes absinthe with champagne, and that combo is as intense as it sounds. It’s named after Hemingway’s book, and yeah… it delivers the same energy.

You get that herbal, anise-heavy hit from the absinthe, then the champagne rolls in light and fizzy to smooth things out. Sweet, sharp and just weird enough to keep it interesting.

It’s the kinda drink that’s perfect when you want something different. Still refreshing, but with a bold edge. Brunch with friends or a slow solo afternoon, this one makes it feel a little more cinematic.

Just go easy… absinthe’s got a strong pour and a wild history. Some versions hit harder than others, so know what you’re working with.

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

This one’s simple, but it’s all about how you treat the details. A few small moves make a big difference:

• Chill the glass first: Cold glass, cold drink… keeps the bubbles crisp and the vibe clean.
• Go slow with the pour: Add the champagne gently so it mixes without killing the fizz.
• Use good champagne or sparkling wine: Doesn’t have to be pricey, just dry and not too sweet.
• Pick the right absinthe: Some are way stronger than others… taste matters here.
• Skip the stir: Let it mix naturally as you pour. Stirring flattens the whole thing.
• Add a lemon twist if you’re feeling it: Brightens it up and makes it smell real nice.
• Drink slow: This one creeps. It’s got bubbles and kick, so take your time.

Best Foods to Pair with a Death in the Afternoon Cocktail

This cocktail’s got a strong personality, so you want food that can hold its own without clashing. Think light, bold or a little fancy, stuff that matches the drink’s vibe:

Soft cheeses: Brie, goat cheese or camembert keep it creamy and cool next to the sharp absinthe bite.

Smoked salmon: That rich, salty flavor balances out the herbal hit and bubbles.

Cured meats: Prosciutto or salami bring a savory edge that works with the drink’s sweetness.

Lemon or herb-based dishes: Anything with dill, tarragon or citrus lifts the flavor combo even more.

Dark chocolate: A little piece on the side makes it feel like dessert without doing too much.

The Perfect Cocktail for a Relaxing Afternoon

The Death in the Afternoon cocktail features a vibrant combination of sparkling champagne and absinthe, resulting in a drink that is both invigorating and complex. The taste is an intriguing balance of sweetness from the champagne and the bold, anise-forward flavor of absinthe, providing a unique drinking experience.

Drink very carefully as absinthe can have a very high alcohol content and used to be banned because of this in many countries across the world. You may wish to check what your bartender is using or it could lead to a real death in the afternoon!

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Absinthe
• Champagne or sparkling wine

Zero-proof version: Skip the absinthe and use a dash of anise extract or an alcohol-free absinthe alternative. Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or dry tonic. It keeps that bold, herbal kick with all the bubbles and no alcohol.

Instructions

1. Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a champagne flute or coupe glass.
2. Pour the Absinthe: Add 1 ounce of absinthe to the glass, swirling it to coat the inside.
3. Add Champagne: Slowly pour in the champagne until the glass is filled. The exact amount depends on your taste preference, but typically about 4 to 5 ounces works well.
4. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with a twist of lemon peel for added aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g

Easy Death in the Afternoon Variations to Try

Wanna switch things up without losing the charm? These tweaks keep it interesting while still letting the drink be the star:

• Make it citrusy: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to cut the richness and brighten it up.
• Try different bubbles: Swap champagne for cava or prosecco if you want something a little sweeter or softer.
• Chill with bitters: A few drops of orange or herbal bitters can add complexity without taking over.
• Serve on ice: Not traditional but if it’s hot out, pour it over one big cube to keep it cool longer.

If you liked the Death in the Afternoon cocktail, and need inspiration for some other cocktails that use Champagne? Why not try a Leprechaun Mimosa, a Strawberry Champagne Delight or a Cranberry Mimosa?

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Death in the Afternoon Cocktail Recipe

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Elevate your cocktail game with the timeless Death in the Afternoon cocktail. This drink combines absinthe and champagne for a bold, bubbly, and intriguing sip

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 30 ml absinthe
• Champagne or sparkling wine

Instructions

1. Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a champagne flute or coupe glass.
2. Pour the Absinthe: Add 30 ml of absinthe to the glass, swirling it to coat the inside.
3. Add Champagne: Slowly pour in the champagne until the glass is filled. The exact amount depends on your taste preference, but typically about 120-150 ml works well.
4. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with a twist of lemon peel for added aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Notes

Zero-proof version: Skip the absinthe and use a dash of anise extract or an alcohol-free absinthe alternative. Top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or dry tonic. It keeps that bold, herbal kick with all the bubbles and no alcohol.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 325Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.