Simple yet festive, this 3-ingredient cranberry champagne cocktail is perfect for celebrating the holiday season or ringing in the new year! Made with brut champagne, cranberry juice, and St. Germain elderflower liqueur and garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary, this easy but elegant cocktail will elevate any Christmas or New Year's Eve party.
This cranberry champagne cocktail takes a classic poinsettia cocktail (like a mimosa made with just champagne and cranberry juice) to the next level.
A family member recently referred to elderflower liqueur as "bartenders' ketchup", and it's so true! It's incredibly versatile, it's delicate fruity and floral flavor pairs well with so many drinks, and it just gives cocktails that little something extra. In this recipe, the elderflower liqueur elevates a basic poinsettia to a holiday party-worthy cocktail.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This simple, festive cocktail is about to become your new holiday staple. Here's why you'll love it!
Simple - This cranberry champagne cocktail requires just three ingredients: champagne, cranberry juice, and elderflower liqueur. The champagne provides the bubbles, and the delicate sweetness of the elderflower liqueur complements the tartness of the cranberry juice for a beautifully balanced cocktail that's light and tasty.
Easy - It's quick and easy to whip up a batch - or just one - of these cocktails, making it ideal for parties.
Impressive - Garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary, this beautiful and festive cocktail is perfect for a holiday party or New Year's Eve celebration!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list and measurements.
Champagne - Champagne brings the fun and the bubbles to this cocktail. Save the good stuff for drinking straight and opt for a mid-tier sparkling wine for mixing in cocktails. I used a brut champagne, but you can use a dry or sweet champagne. And feel free to substitute another sparkling wine - like prosecco or cava - if you prefer.
Cranberry Juice - I opted for pure cranberry juice for a tart flavor without added sugar. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail feel free to substitute cranberry juice cocktail.
Elderflower Liqueur - Elderflower liqueur (I used St. Germain) adds a subtle fruity and floral hint to the drink.
Special Equipment
In addition to essential kitchen equipment (like a spoon), I recommend some special tools for making this recipe.
- Champagne flutes or coupe glasses, for serving the cocktail
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for detailed recipe instructions.
Step 1: Add cranberry juice and elderflower liqueur to a small pitcher or liquid measuring cup and stir to combine. Divide the juice mixture among 4 champagne glasses.
Step 2: Top each glass with champagne.
Step 3: Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Recipe Tips
Do not stir the drink after adding the champagne so that you don't deflate the bubbles.
Garnishes are optional, but they really help to elevate this simple cocktail.
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Recipe
Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Special Equipment
- 4 Champagne flutes or coupe glasses
Ingredients
- 1 cup (237 millileters) brut champagne (or other sparkling wine like prosecco or cava)
- ½ cup (118 millileters) pure cranberry juice
- ½ cup (118 millileters) elderflower liqueur
- fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
- fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice and elderflower liqueur to a small pitcher or liquid measuring cup and stir to combine.
- Divide the juice mixture among 4 champagne glasses.
- Top each glass with champagne.
- Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
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