Better Together Cocktail Recipe

A champagne cocktail perfect for winter gatherings

The Better Together cocktail is a celebration of global flavors coming together in perfect harmony. This easy-to-make winter drink combines the smooth, aged character of premium tequila with sparkling champagne, creating an elegant beverage that’s ideal for special occasions during the colder months. 

Originally served at the global finals of the Tahona Society Cocktail Competition, this recipe brings together ingredients from around the world in a sophisticated champagne cocktail that impresses every time. What makes this drink truly special is how it balances warming flavors with refreshing citrus notes. 

The Earl Grey tea pairs beautifully with Madagascar vanilla, while the fresh hints of tequila distilled in Mexico blend seamlessly with citrus fruits and Italian bitter orange liqueur. Despite its impressive flavor profile and international pedigree, this Better Together recipe maintains an easy difficulty level, making it accessible for home bartenders looking to create something memorable without complicated techniques.

If you’re exploring champagne-based cocktails, you might also enjoy our Champagne Margarita, which offers another delightful way to combine tequila with bubbly.

Mastering the balance of global flavors

The Better Together drink is a masterclass in how different ingredients from across the world can create a harmonious cocktail. Each component plays a distinct role in building the final flavor experience. The bergamot oils present in Earl Grey tea from Turkey add a floral, citrusy complexity that acts as a bridge between the other ingredients. When infused with Madagascar vanilla, this creates a sweet, aromatic base that softens the sharper elements of the drink.

Aperol brings its signature bitter orange profile, which adds depth and a slight bitterness that prevents the cocktail from becoming too sweet. This Italian liqueur works in tandem with the fresh lime juice to create layers of citrus flavor: the Aperol offers a sweeter, more rounded orange note while the lime provides bright acidity. The combination ensures that every sip feels balanced and refreshing rather than one-dimensional.

The champagne topping is what transforms this Better Together recipe from a shaken cocktail into something truly special. The bubbles add texture and lightness, lifting the other flavors and creating a sense of celebration with each glass. The effervescence also helps to distribute the vanilla and bergamot aromatics, making the drink as fragrant as it is flavorful. 

Glassware and garnish recommendations

Presentation matters when serving the Better Together cocktail, and choosing the right glassware enhances both the visual appeal and drinking experience. A classic champagne flute is the recommended vessel for this drink, as its tall, narrow shape preserves the champagne’s carbonation and concentrates the aromatic compounds at the rim. 

The elegant silhouette also signals to your guests that they’re about to enjoy something special. Make sure to chill your flutes in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving to keep the cocktail cold from first sip to last.

When it comes to garnishes, simplicity works best for this sophisticated Better Together drink. A thin strip of lime peel expressed over the glass releases essential oils that complement the existing citrus notes without overwhelming them. You can either drop the peel into the drink or rest it on the rim of the flute for an elegant touch. 

Alternatively, a small sprig of vanilla bean placed across the rim adds visual interest while subtly reinforcing the vanilla notes in the syrup. Whatever garnish you choose, remember that the Better Together cocktail already has a beautiful golden-pink hue from the combination of reposado tequila and Aperol, so sometimes less is more when it comes to decoration.

For more inspiration on creating impressive drinks, check out our collection of best cocktail recipes featuring Olmeca Altos tequila.

Why Olmeca Altos elevates this recipe

Choosing the right tequila for your Better Together recipe is essential, and Olmeca Altos Reposado stands out as the perfect choice for this sophisticated cocktail. This exceptional tequila is crafted using traditional methods that honor Mexican heritage while delivering a smooth, complex flavor profile that elevates any drink. 

The reposado aging process gives it a golden color and adds subtle oak notes that complement the cocktail’s other ingredients without overpowering them. Its balanced character allows the bergamot from the Earl Grey tea and the sweetness from the vanilla syrup to shine through while providing a solid foundation of agave flavor.

When you use Olmeca Altos Reposado in your Better Together drink, you’re not just adding tequila, you’re incorporating a piece of Mexican tradition that brings depth, character, and quality to every glass. For a winter cocktail that celebrates global flavors while honoring authentic craftsmanship, Olmeca Altos Reposado is simply the best choice.