AbFab cocktail: The Stoli-Bolli

The AbFab cocktail, or “Stoli-Bolli”, came from an episode of Absolutely Fabulous, in which Patsy and Edina kind of make it up on the fly. It’s extremely simple – just vodka-spiked champagne, really.

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But coming from the minds of Patsy and Edina, it’s all about the brands, of course. You have to use Bollinger champagne with Stolichnaya vodka.

What It Tastes Like

Therefore, the flavor is just the Bollinger with the extra fumes from the vodka. More specifically, you’ve got those Bollinger notes of ripe apples, pears, and stone fruits, with a hint of citrus. And some vodka.

Of course you could use different brands, but then you’d lose the snob appeal. Your choice.

Occasions for the Stoli-Bolli

Obviously, this drink is perfect for a night of watching AbFab,  either the TV show or the movie. It’s also great for AbFab drinking games, such as:

• Take a drink whenever Patsy or Edina say “fabulous”
• …or whenever either of them take a drink/spliff/whatever
• …or whenever they blow off something important to go shopping
• …or anytime someone insults somebody
• …or any time Edina says “sweetie” or “darling”

You can also upgrade your game with double sips for such events as flashbacks and dream sequences, Bubble saying anything particularly dense, or Patsy being remotely nice to Saffy (even if you suspect she’s faking it).

This cocktail is great for when champagne sounds delicious, but not strong enough. You can enjoy it alongside strawberries and cream, or just about any dessert you can think of.

Because this drink doesn’t use much vodka, it’s as good a brunch cocktail as most champagne cocktails.

Equipment and Glassware

This drink is simple, so the gear matters less than the ingredients, but a few choices make a difference.

• Champagne flute: The classic pick. It keeps bubbles tight and looks celebratory.
• Tulip glass: If you’ve got options, a tulip-style champagne glass is even better. It lets more aroma out while still supporting the bubbles.
• Coupe: Stylish and fun, but bubbles die faster and aromas can feel flatter. Use if you’re serving quickly.
• Jigger: To measure that 1 ounce of vodka accurately. Eyeballing it often leads to “whoops, too strong.”
• Bar spoon (optional): You don’t need to stir, but if you’re worried about mixing, a gentle one-turn swirl does the trick.
• Champagne stopper (optional): Handy if you’re pouring multiple rounds and don’t want to lose fizz between drinks.

How to Get the Balance Right

The basic recipe is 1 ounce of vodka topped with champagne. That ratio is good for most folks. If you want to tweak:

• Lighter and brunch-friendly: 0.5 ounce vodka to a full glass of champagne.
• Stronger and party-forward: 1.25 ounces vodka, but be careful—this can overwhelm the wine.
• Single-serve build: Vodka first, then champagne, poured slowly down the side to keep fizz.

If you’re making a batch, never mix champagne and vodka in a pitcher. You’ll kill the bubbles fast. Instead, pre-chill everything and set up a mini station. Pour on demand.

Garnish and Pairings

Garnish is optional, but a strawberry on the rim adds a playful nod to the show and pairs with Bollinger’s fruit notes. If you want serve it with food, it’s perfect with fresh berries, especially strawberries and raspberries.

Or you could go for a light desserts like lemon tarts, shortbread or pavlova. Or savory snacks like smoked salmon canapés, salty chips and mild cheeses (brie, triple cream).

It’s also great with brunch, of course. Try it with quiche, lox and bagels or soft scrambled eggs with chives.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh champagne. Once that bottle’s been open a day, the drink loses its sparkle and charm.
• Pour gently. Tip the glass and pour along the side to keep fizz alive.
• Don’t shake. Ever. You’ll foam it up and flatten the champagne.
• Keep it simple. No syrups, no bitters. The whole point is crisp champagne plus a clean hit of vodka.
• Taste before you garnish. If your strawberries are very sweet, skip them—they might make the drink feel cloying.
• Respect the ABV. Champagne plus vodka sneaks up on you. Pace yourself, especially if you’re doing a watch party.
• Glass matters. A tulip glass is the best mix of aroma and bubble retention. If all you’ve got is flutes, you’re still in great shape.

Similar Cocktails

If you enjoyed this one, you should try these similar drinks!

• Kalimocho
• Tia Maria Sparkler
• French 75
• San Remo Champagne Cocktail Recipe
• Kir Royale
• Volcano
• Champagne Cocktail