Easy, Impressive Sparkling Wine Cocktails for the Holidays

The festive season is here, so it’s time to celebrate with some sparkle in your glass. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or a New Year’s Eve party, sparkling wine cocktails are an exciting addition to the beverage menu. Whatever your taste, there’s a cocktail to suit your palate – try these easy, delicious ideas and wow your guests. The bottom line? Give every festive gathering some fizz with simple but delicious sparkling wine cocktails.

Choosing the Right Sparkling Wine for Festive Cocktails

Four high-quality sparkling wine choices that never disappoint on their own or in a cocktail:

Prosecco

Prosecco’s light fruitiness makes it a versatile choice. Its bubbles and notes of green apple, pear, and honeysuckle add sparkle to any mixed drink, whether it’s a classic Bellini or a modern twist on a spritz.

Champagne

Perfect for adding a touch of luxury, Champagne pairs well with many flavours. The iconic bubbles and complex layers of brioche, almond, and citrus work perfectly together.

Cava

This Spanish sparkler is ideal for those looking for a more wallet-friendly option without compromising on quality. Cava balances crisp acidity and subtle toastiness with hints of orchard fruits and citrus.

Crémant

Offering excellent value, Crémant is a great alternative to Champagne, often featuring similar dryness and complexity. Produced in various regions across France, it’s characterised by its creamy texture and notes of apple and almond alongside floral notes.

Tips for the perfect festive sparkling cocktails

Consider your wine choice – Use a dry sparkling wine for sweeter ingredients such as juices.
Chill your ingredients – Chill your sparkling wine and mixers to keep the refreshing quality of your cocktails.
Use fresh garnishes – Try cranberries, berries or herbs to enhance the visual appeal and flavour of your drinks.
Pre-chill your glasses – Think about serving your cocktails in pre-chilled glasses to keep them fresh for longer
Experiment with spices – Add a dash of spice, such as cinnamon or ginger, for warmth and depth

Cocktail Recipes for the Holidays

Winter Spice Kir Royale

Add a warm, spicy twist to the classic Kir Royale. This version uses a spiced liqueur that brings cosy festive flavours to your glass. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients:

15ml ginger liqueur (adjust to taste)
Approx 120ml sparkling wine

Wine tip: Choose a quality Crémant or Champagne to enhance the spicy ginger notes.

Method:

Pour the liqueur into a champagne flute.
Top with sparkling wine and gently stir.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick (or raspberry shown below).

Pomegranate Bellini

Bring a splash of colour to your festive table with a Pomegranate Bellini – a new take on the classic. This cocktail is as lovely to look at as it is to drink.

Ingredients:

30ml pomegranate juice
Approx 120ml sparkling wine
Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Wine tip: A light, fruity Prosecco will complement the pomegranate’s tart flavour.

Method:

Combine the pomegranate juice and sparkling wine in a flute glass.
Stir gently to mix.
Add a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of colour.

Festive French 75

The classic French 75 gets a festive makeover with the addition of cranberry and rosemary. It’s a deliciously aromatic cocktail that packs a punch.

Ingredients:

45ml gin
15ml cranberry juice
10ml simple syrup
60ml sparkling wine
Rosemary sprig for garnish

Wine tip: A dry Brut Champagne will balance the flavours, adding depth to this festive cocktail.

Method:

In a shaker, mix gin, cranberry juice, and simple syrup with ice.
Shake well and strain into a champagne flute.
Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a rosemary sprig or lemon.

Mulled Wine Spritz

If you enjoy the flavours of classic mulled wine, why not try a chilled, sparkling version? Combining the fragrant spices of the original with the bubbles of sparkling wine, this cocktail puts a new spin on things.

Ingredients:

60ml mulled wine (cooled)
Approx 90ml sparkling wine
Orange slice and star anise for garnish

Wine tip: A rich Cava can hold its own against the rich flavours of mulled wine.

Method:

Pour the cooled mulled wine into a wine glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling wine and stir gently.
Garnish with an orange slice and a star anise for that extra festive aroma.

Christmas Cranberry-Orange Mimosa

A seasonal take on another classic, this cranberry mimosa ticks all the festive boxes. Its vibrant colour and refreshing taste make it a smart choice for a festive brunch or pre-dinner drink.

Ingredients: