The holidays are a time for celebration, and what better way to raise a toast than with sparkling wine cocktails? These effervescent drinks, often showcasing a delightful blend of flavors and textures, add a touch of sophistication to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, sparkling wine cocktails are the perfect way to elevate the experience. In this article, we’ll explore 10 sparkling wine cocktails that range from timeless classics like the French 75 to creative twists such as the Apple Cider Aperol Spritz. Let’s dive into these holiday-perfect recipes that will make your celebrations truly sparkle.
1. French 75: A Classic Sparkling Delight
The French 75 is a timeless cocktail that perfectly balances the bright flavors of lemon, the subtle kick of gin, and the effervescence of champagne. Its origins date back to World War I, and it remains a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of class to their holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 3 oz Champagne (or any sparkling wine)
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake well to chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist for a refreshing touch.
This crisp, citrusy cocktail will immediately transport you to Parisian bistros and is sure to delight your guests.
2. Apple Cider Aperol Spritz: A Festive Twist on a Classic
The Apple Cider Aperol Spritz brings together the rich flavors of apple cider with the distinctive bitterness of Aperol, balanced by the crisp effervescence of sparkling wine. Perfect for those colder holiday days, this cocktail combines seasonal flavors in a unique way.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Apple cider
- 1 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- Ice
- Apple slices for garnish
- A cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add the apple cider and Aperol, stirring gently.
- Top with Prosecco and give it a quick swirl to mix.
- Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
The combination of apple cider’s warmth and Aperol’s bittersweet edge makes this cocktail a favorite for holiday sipping.
3. Cranberry Champagne Cocktail: Tart and Refreshing
For a drink that screams holiday cheer, the Cranberry Champagne Cocktail is a perfect choice. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the bubbly champagne, creating a festive and visually stunning cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- A sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour cranberry juice and simple syrup into a flute glass.
- Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for an extra holiday flair.
This cocktail’s rich red hue and festive garnishes make it perfect for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party.
4. Pomegranate Mojito Fizz: A Refreshing Sparkling Cocktail
The Pomegranate Mojito Fizz is a fusion of a traditional mojito with the added sparkle of bubbly wine and the richness of pomegranate juice. This cocktail offers a refreshing, fruity twist to your holiday cocktail menu.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz White rum
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Pomegranate juice
- 3 oz Champagne or Prosecco
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the fresh mint leaves with lime juice in a shaker.
- Add rum and pomegranate juice, then shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and extra mint leaves for an extra touch of color.
This cocktail’s herbal mint and tart pomegranate flavors create a light, refreshing drink perfect for any festive occasion.
5. Elderflower Sparkler: A Floral Holiday Touch
The Elderflower Sparkler is an elegant and delicate cocktail that combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the crispness of sparkling wine. Its light, refreshing taste makes it an excellent choice for a holiday brunch or afternoon celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Elderflower liqueur (e.g., St-Germain)
- 3 oz Champagne or Prosecco
- Ice
- Edible flowers (optional) for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour the elderflower liqueur into a champagne flute.
- Add a few cubes of ice (optional).
- Top with chilled champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with edible flowers for a touch of elegance.
This light, floral drink provides a sophisticated way to celebrate the season with its delicate balance of sweet and dry notes.
6. Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade: Sweet and Citrusy
If you’re looking for a drink that’s both sweet and tangy, the Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade combines fresh fruit flavors with a refreshing effervescence that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Fresh raspberries
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- 3 oz Sparkling wine or club soda
- Ice
- Lemon slice and raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the fresh raspberries in a shaker.
- Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, then shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine or club soda for a non-alcoholic version.
- Garnish with lemon slices and extra raspberries.
This vibrant, fruity cocktail is perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweetness and tartness.
7. Sparkling Blood Orange Margarita: A Citrusy Celebration
The Sparkling Blood Orange Margarita is a festive take on the classic margarita, featuring the deep, rich flavor of blood orange paired with the effervescence of sparkling wine. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to impress with a zesty, yet elegant drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 2 oz Blood orange juice
- 3 oz Sparkling wine
- Salt or sugar for rim
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with lime juice and dip it into salt or sugar.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and blood orange juice.
- Add ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lime wedge.
This cocktail’s bold flavors and beautiful hue make it a standout choice for holiday celebrations.
8. Sparkling Strawberry Basil Smash: A Fruity and Herbal Twist
A true crowd-pleaser, the Sparkling Strawberry Basil Smash blends the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the refreshing taste of basil, topped with the effervescence of sparkling wine. It’s perfect for those who want a fruity, herb-infused drink.
Ingredients:
- 3 Fresh strawberries
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz Gin
- 3 oz Sparkling wine
- 2 Basil leaves
- Ice
- Strawberry or basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add lemon juice, gin, and ice, and shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or basil leaf.
This drink provides a vibrant burst of fruity and herbal flavors that make it ideal for holiday toasts.
9. Sparkling Kiwi Mint Cooler: Exotic and Refreshing
The Sparkling Kiwi Mint Cooler offers an exotic twist on your typical cocktail lineup, combining the tropical flavors of kiwi with fresh mint and the lightness of sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 2 Fresh kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 3 oz Sparkling wine
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle the kiwi slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add lime juice, simple syrup, and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish with extra mint leaves.
This tropical-inspired drink is both refreshing and invigorating, making it a great choice for warm holiday gatherings.
10. Sparkling Mojito: A Bubbly Refreshing Classic
A Sparkling Mojito is a refreshing and effervescent twist on the traditional mojito, incorporating the minty freshness and rum with the sparkle of your favorite bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz White rum
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- 3 oz Sparkling wine
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle fresh mint leaves and lime juice in a shaker.
- Add rum, simple syrup, and ice, and shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lime wedge.
This light, refreshing drink is perfect for those who love the combination of mint, lime, and bubbles.
also read: Holiday 75 Cocktail Recipe