Finding the perfect holiday cocktail that feels festive without being overly complicated can feel like a real challenge. Between wrapping presents, coordinating family gatherings, and managing all the other seasonal chaos, who has time to play amateur mixologist with a dozen different ingredients?
That’s why this Sparkling Christmas Cocktail with champagne has become my holiday party go-to: it’s quick to make, looks wonderfully festive, and needs just a handful of ingredients you can easily pick up at any store. Plus, the bubbles add that special touch that makes any gathering feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cocktail
- Quick 3-ingredient recipe – With just sparkling wine, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur, you can create this festive drink in under 5 minutes.
- Perfect for entertaining – This cocktail is easy to make in big batches, so you can spend more time with your guests and less time playing bartender.
- No special equipment needed – All you need is a measuring tool and glasses – no shaker, strainer, or fancy bar tools required.
- Festive appearance – The ruby red color and bubbles make this drink look perfectly suited for holiday celebrations, without any extra garnishes or effort.
What Kind of Sparkling Wine Should I Use?
For this festive cocktail, you don’t need to break the bank on an expensive bottle of Champagne – a good Prosecco or Cava will work beautifully.
These alternatives to French Champagne are often more budget-friendly but still bring those lovely bubbles that make the drink special.
If you do want to use Champagne, look for one labeled “Brut” which has just the right amount of dryness to balance the sweetness from the cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
Just remember to keep your sparkling wine well-chilled before mixing, and only open it when you’re ready to serve – this helps maintain those precious bubbles that make your cocktail sparkle.
Options for Substitutions
Need to make some swaps for this festive drink? Here are some helpful substitution ideas:
- Sparkling wine: While sparkling wine gives this cocktail its signature fizz, you can use Prosecco or Cava instead of Champagne. For a non-alcoholic version, try sparkling apple cider or sparkling white grape juice mixed with a splash of club soda.
- Cranberry juice cocktail: Pure cranberry juice works great too – just add a touch more orange liqueur to balance the tartness. You can also use pomegranate juice for a similar festive color and taste.
- Orange liqueur: If you don’t have Grand Marnier or Cointreau, try Triple Sec. For a non-alcoholic alternative, use 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to get that sweet citrus flavor.
Storage Instructions
Keep Bubbly: Once you’ve opened your sparkling wine, use a champagne stopper to keep the bubbles fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cranberry juice will stay good in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days after opening.
Mix Fresh: For the best taste and maximum fizz, mix this cocktail right before serving. Pre-mixing and storing isn’t recommended since the sparkling wine will lose its bubbles over time.
Prep Ahead: If you’re planning a party, you can measure out the cranberry juice and orange liqueur in advance and keep them chilled. When guests arrive, just add the sparkling wine and serve – it’s that easy!
Sparkling Christmas Cocktail FAQ
Why does my cocktail lose its bubbles so quickly?
The way you pour your sparkling wine makes a big difference in how long the bubbles last. I recommend tilting the glass at a 45-degree angle and pouring the sparkling wine slowly down the side – this helps preserve the bubbles better than pouring straight down into the glass. Also, make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.
Is it necessary to stir this cocktail?
No, you don’t need to stir this cocktail vigorously. The bubbles from the sparkling wine will naturally mix the ingredients as you pour. I just recommend a very gentle swirl of the glass to combine everything – too much stirring will make the drink lose its sparkle quickly.
What type of glass works best for this cocktail?
A champagne flute is the best choice for this cocktail. The tall, narrow shape of the flute helps maintain the bubbles longer than wider glasses like coupes or wine glasses. I also like how the narrow glass shows off the pretty red color and lets you watch the bubbles dance up the sides.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 180-210
- Protein: 0-1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
Ingredients
- 3.5 ounces sparkling wine
- 2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
- 0.5 ounce orange liqueur (like grand marnier or cointreau)
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Start by choosing a tall champagne flute, which will allow for the best presentation and enjoyment of your drink.
Ensure the glass is clean and free of any residues for a crisp drink experience.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
Pour cranberry juice and Grand Marnier into the champagne flute.
You can adjust the quantities based on personal preference or the size of your flute, ensuring there’s enough space left for the champagne.
Step 3: Add the Champagne
Top off the mixture with champagne, pouring slowly to avoid overflow and to maintain the effervescence of the drink.
Allow the bubbles to settle, ensuring that the flute does not overflow with foam.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Give the drink one gentle stir to combine the flavors of the cranberry juice, Grand Marnier, and champagne without losing too many bubbles.
Serve immediately while chilled, and enjoy your refreshing drink!