Sparkling wine cocktails bring color and celebration to a holiday gathering without requiring a complicated bar. The key is to keep the recipe simple and add the bubbles last. Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and other sparkling wines vary in sweetness and flavor, so taste the wine before adding syrup or liqueur.
Classic French 75
Shake 1 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute or coupe and top with 2 to 3 oz sparkling wine.
Cranberry Sparkler
Add 0.5 oz cranberry liqueur or a small spoonful of cranberry syrup to a glass, then top with chilled sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange twist rather than adding excessive sweetness.
Pear and Ginger Fizz
Combine 0.75 oz pear nectar and a small amount of ginger syrup, then top with sparkling wine. A drier wine keeps the drink balanced.
Holiday Kir Royale
Add 0.5 oz crème de cassis to a chilled glass and top with sparkling wine. Adjust the liqueur downward for a sweeter wine.
Choosing the bubbles
- Brut Champagne: structured and dry; suitable when the wine should remain prominent.
- Prosecco: often fruit-forward and approachable for spritz-style drinks.
- Cava: a useful dry option for citrus and herbal recipes.
- Rosé sparkling wine: adds berry character and color without extra ingredients.
Explore the Champagne collection and sparkling wine collection for current choices.
Batching without losing carbonation
Mix only the still ingredients in advance. Chill them thoroughly, portion into glasses and top each drink with sparkling wine immediately before serving. Do not shake sparkling wine or seal an actively carbonating mixture in a container not designed for pressure.
Make the bar inclusive
Serve an alcohol-free sparkling option in equally attractive glassware and label every pitcher. Keep water visible and avoid pressuring guests to explain their choice. NIAAA recommends making a variety of alcohol-free drinks available when hosting.
Source
NIAAA: Holiday hosting tips for guests who may not be drinking
