If you are looking for the easiest Christmas Cocktail or a cranberry cocktail to ring in the new year with, look no further. I always love to serve a signature cocktail when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes when hosting a bigger group this time of year, making a festive cocktail and be hectic all while trying to welcome and entertain your guests.
With just three simple ingredients, this cocktail is not only easy to make but also exquisitely delicious, making it a favorite for any festive occasion.
Why you’ll love this Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail
- Easy easy easy. It’s so easy to make. The base of this bubbly cocktail is cranberry simple syrup. Simply add a little simple syrup to the bottom of a champagne flute and top it with a dry prosecco and garnish however you wish!
- Prepare the syrup in advance. The easy cranberry simple syrup can be made days in advance, and only takes about 10 minutes to make. Once made, the simple syrup will last up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container or glass jar, like a mason jar.
- Perfect for any occasion. This cocktail is one of my personal favourites and works for any special event. Christmas Eve dinner, all your Christmas celebrations, to an easy way to add a festive feel to any special occasion. A great idea is to use leftover simple syrup to add to a fruity drink, like mimosas on Christmas morning.
Suggested: The Top Substitutes for Simple Syrup
Looking for other easy cocktail recipes? Try these other reader favorites!
- Cranberry Elderflower Spritz: This is another of my favorite easy prosecco cocktails. This cocktail has some elderflower liqueur, and equal parts vodka and is topped off with some fresh rosemary.
- Cranberry Martini: Inspired by the pornstar martini, this cocktail is on the sweeter side since we use cranberry cocktail juice rather than unsweetened cranberry juice. This gin-based cocktail also includes a splash of orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
- Grapefruit Mimosa: A fun twist on a traditional mimosa, we use grapefruit juice instead of orange for such a a fun brunch classic. It’s always a huge hit this time of year! You can even add a splash of pomegranate juice for an extra festive touch!
- Poinsettia Cocktail: a classic prosecco twist cocktail with an herby flavor due to a bay leaf added alongside some cranberry juice and Triple Sec.
- Aperol Spritz with Ginger Beer: Move over Negroni Sbagliato, this twist on Aperol Spritz is bound to be one of the new best prosecco cocktails. The ginger beer adds such a unique layer of flavour. You can also substitute it with ginger ale in a pinch.
Ingredients for this Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail
- a bottle of bubbles of your choice. A good prosecco or Cava are my go to’s for this one
- Cranberry Simple Syrup
- fresh cranberries, for garnish
How to make a Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail
- Add 1 ounce of Cranberry Simple Syrup to a bottom of a glass, and top your serving glass with cold prosecco.
- Garnish with fresh fruit, like fresh cranberries and serve!
Variations of the Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail:
- Cranberry Orange Prosecco Mimosa: Mix cranberry juice cocktail with a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, and top with Prosecco. Garnish with a twist of orange peel for a citrusy zest.
- Frozen Cranberry Punch: Blend frozen cranberries with a little sugar and cranberry juice. Serve in a large punch bowl and pour over Prosecco or sparkling wine, perfect for a holiday party punch.
- Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco with a Twist: Add a splash of orange liqueur or even a bit of fresh orange juice to your classic recipe for a cranberry orange twist.
- Prosecco Cranberry Cocktails with a Herbal Note: Muddle a few mint leaves or a sprig of rosemary in the glass before adding the Prosecco and cranberry syrup, introducing an aromatic herbal note.
- Sugar-Rimmed Festive Flutes: For an extra festive touch, rim your champagne flutes with sugar before pouring the cocktail. This adds a sweet crunch with every sip.
How to Garnish Your Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco
This cocktail offers a wonderful canvas for creativity, especially when it comes to garnishes and adding a personal touch with extra ingredients. Here are some of my favorite additions that can elevate this easy cocktail:
- Rosemary Sprigs: Their aromatic quality adds a hint of herbal freshness.
- Pomegranate Seeds: They contribute a pop of color and a burst of tangy flavor.
- Lime Wedges or a Twist of Lime: This adds a zesty, citrusy note.
- A Splash of Orange Juice: For a sweet and fruity dimension.
- 1 oz of Lemon Juice: Mixing this in can transform the drink into a delightful take on the classic French 75.
- Orange Peel: A strip of orange peel can bring in a subtle bitterness and an elegant aroma.
- Dried Citrus Wheel: This makes for a visually stunning and flavorful garnish.
These additions not only enhance the flavor profile but also make each glass visually unique and inviting.
Can you make this Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can easily make a non-alcoholic version of the Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail, which is just as festive and delicious. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Sparkling Grape Juice or Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine: These provide the bubbly base without the alcohol.
- Cranberry Simple Syrup: Adds the cranberry flavor and sweetness.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: For garnish, adding a festive look.
- Optional: A splash of club soda or sparkling water for extra fizz.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill champagne flutes or a similar elegant glass three-quarters full with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- Add Cranberry Simple Syrup: Drizzle in cranberry simple syrup to taste. Adjust according to how sweet or tart you prefer your drink.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a few fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish. If desired, top up with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for additional fizz.
This non-alcoholic version retains the visual appeal and festive flavor of the original cocktail, making it perfect for all guests, including those who prefer not to drink alcohol. It’s a wonderful addition to holiday celebrations, allowing everyone to partake in the toast!
What Other Juices Can Be Mixed with Prosecco
Prosecco, with its light and bubbly nature, pairs well with a variety of juices, making it versatile for creating different cocktail flavors. Here are some popular options:
- Orange Juice: For a classic Mimosa, orange juice offers a sweet and citrusy complement to Prosecco.
- Peach Puree or Nectar: Essential for a Bellini, peach adds a sweet and fruity flavor.
- Pomegranate Juice: Adds a tart and slightly sweet flavor, creating a beautiful, jewel-toned cocktail.
- Cranberry Juice: Offers a tart and festive option, perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Pineapple Juice: Brings a tropical twist to the Prosecco, making for a sunny and refreshing drink.
- Apple Juice or Cider: Great for a fall-inspired cocktail, adding a crisp and fruity note.
- Grapefruit Juice: For a tart and slightly bitter contrast, ideal for a refreshing brunch cocktail.
- Lemonade or Limeade: Adds a zesty and sweet touch, perfect for a summery spritz.
These juices can be mixed to your taste preference, creating light and enjoyable cocktails suitable for various occasions.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
