Festive Champagne Cocktail Recipe
Holiday season deserves celebrating with this festive champagne cocktail. I make it with champagne, vanilla vodka, and Sprite, then decorate the rim with frosting and sprinkles for a cheerful touch. Forget the classic mimosa this year and try this sparkling drink that tastes amazing. This is a super simple cocktail recipe that brings instant party vibes.
Champagne is such an incredible beverage that really stands out in the culinary world thanks to its delicate bubbles and gentle acidity that elevate the flavor of seafood, fruit, and creamy dishes. Even though I have not made many recipes with it yet, I am excited to learn more and keep testing new flavors. Last summer, I made a Champagne Shrimp Scampi and it was absolutely delightful, so now I feel more confident working with champagne in my kitchen. One of my goals for next year is to create more recipes with it because it adds a bright and elegant touch to simple dishes.
Table of contents
For now, I am happy to make amazing cocktails, and for this Festive Champagne Cocktail Recipe I use vodka, Sprite, sprinkles, vanilla frosting, and a little food coloring to make it fun and festive. This recipe is basically a live-mode style drink since I prepare it straight in the glass, and it works so well because I can catch up with friends and family while putting it together in minutes. If you enjoy champagne, this cocktail is definitely worth trying this holiday season.
Why you will love this recipe
- A sparkling drink that adds holiday cheer: I love how this champagne cocktail mixes chilled champagne, vodka, and Sprite into a bright and sweet drink that always adds joy to my holiday table.
- Simple steps for busy nights: I prepare this drink right in the glass, and that helps me enjoy time with my loved ones while still making something pretty for the party.
- Easy to personalize for guests: I enjoy changing the colors, sprinkles, and even the amount of Sprite based on what my guests like. Some nights I add more vodka for a stronger cocktail, and other nights I lighten it with a splash of extra champagne so it stays bright and bubbly.
- A colorful cocktail for celebrations: I enjoy shaking up this drink when family comes over and the house is buzzing with holiday energy.
What you will need
- Vanilla vodka: I use vanilla vodka because the soft vanilla bean flavor adds a mild festive touch to the drink.
- Champagne or prosecco: I pour in any champagne or sparkling wine I have since the cocktail tastes great with both.
- Sprite: I add Sprite or any lemon lime soda for sweetness and bubbles.
- Blue sprinkles and white sprinkles: I use these sprinkles to make a fun and colorful rim.
- Vanilla frosting: I spread vanilla frosting on the rim so the sprinkles stick and look playful.
- Pink gel food coloring: I mix in a tiny drop of pink gel food coloring to give the frosting a bright holiday look.
How to make
1. Color your frosting and prep the rims: I separate the frosting into small bowls and stir in the gel food coloring until I get the shades I want. I pour the sprinkles into shallow plates, spread the frosting on the rims of my glasses, and gently roll each rim into the matching sprinkles to coat them.
2. Start adding the drinks: I pour one ounce of vanilla vodka into each champagne flute to start the cocktail.
3. Top with champagne: I divide the champagne evenly between all the glasses so each one has a bright bubbly pour.
4. Finish the pour: I fill each glass with Sprite for a sweet bubbly finish and serve the cocktails.
Expert tip
Extra cold ingredients for the best bubbles
I keep my champagne, vodka, and Sprite in the fridge for several hours before mixing because cold drinks keep the bubbles lively and make the cocktail taste crisp from the first sip. I also chill the glasses when I have time since this little step makes the whole drink taste smoother and more refreshing for holiday gatherings.
More tips to consider:
- I like to add a tablespoon of lemon juice when I want a brighter and more refreshing taste.
- I toss in frozen peaches or any fruit I have on hand for a smooth sweet finish. They also help keep the drink cold.
- It does not need to be a special occasion to serve these party pleasers. Whether it is New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve, a holiday party, or just another weekend, these are great year-round.
- I mix a large batch and chill it in the fridge when I want something quick for guests. It saves time and everyone enjoys it.
- If you do not have time to chill your drinks first, just add ice.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Make a poinsettia cocktail: I add a small splash of cranberry juice and a few fresh cranberries to make a bright cranberry mimosa style drink.
- Add other juice: I sometimes pour in a little orange juice or about one ounce of lime, pomegranate, or pineapple juice for a fun change. Each one blends smoothly with the champagne.
- Garnish with fruit: I love topping the glasses with a few pieces of fresh fruit like lime, lemon, orange wedges, cherries, cranberries, or pineapple. It makes the drink look bright and cheerful.
- Citrus champagne cocktails: I stir in one ounce of orange liqueur and a pinch of orange zest when I want a stronger citrus note.
- Sweet bubbly: I mix in a small dash of simple syrup, about one teaspoon, when I want the drink a little sweeter. It blends in quickly and keeps the cocktail smooth.
Serving suggestions:
This year for the holidays I am adding this festive champagne cocktail to my bar line up right next to my apple cider mimosa for the adults and a big pot of homemade apple cider for my friends kids. I love setting out a few pretty glasses and letting everyone pick the drink they want so we can all enjoy something homemade together.
Champagne always pairs so well with small bites, so I like to set out a few easy appetizers when I make this cocktail. I usually start with my crispy air fried brie. If I have a bigger group coming, I mix in a bowl of my air fryer turkey meatballs or a plate of deviled eggs with Old Bay shrimp for anyone who loves seafood.
How to store leftovers:
- Store: I store leftover champagne cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours.
- Freeze: I freeze these to make them slushy, but they will not freeze all the way because of the high alcohol content.
Frequently asked questions
The frosting stays put as long as the glass stays chilled, so I keep it in the fridge while I prep the ingredients. When guests arrive, the frosted rims still hold the sprinkles and look pretty on the table.
Yes, I mix Sprite with a small splash of cranberry juice and pour it into a fun glass so the kids feel included in the celebration. They get excited about the sprinkle rim, and it keeps them happy while the adults enjoy the champagne version.
I chill the glasses ahead and sometimes drop in a few pieces of frozen fruit instead of ice because it keeps the cocktail cold without watering it down. Frozen cranberries or frozen blueberries look lovely in the glass and help keep the drink steady while I chat with guests.
More drinks to try:
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Festive Champagne Cocktails Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup assorted sprinkles or Pop Rocks
- vanilla frosting can be in different colors
- 6 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 bottle Champagne or Prosecco
- 20 oz bottle Sprite or Tonic
Instructions
- Place the sprinkles on a small shallow plate. Use a butter knife to spread the frosting around the rims of the serving glasses, then dip in sprinkles.
- Add an ounce of vanilla vodka to each glass, next, divide the champagne, and top with with a splash of Sprite.
- You can mix frozen or fresh berries into the drinks. Serve chilled.
Notes
Extra cold ingredients for the best bubbles
I keep my champagne, vodka, and Sprite in the fridge for several hours before mixing because cold drinks keep the bubbles lively and make the cocktail taste crisp from the first sip. I also chill the glasses when I have time since this little step makes the whole drink taste smoother and more refreshing for holiday gatherings.More tips to consider:
- I like to add a tablespoon of lemon juice when I want a brighter and more refreshing taste.
- I toss in frozen peaches or any fruit I have on hand for a smooth sweet finish. They also help keep the drink cold.
- It does not need to be a special occasion to serve these party pleasers. Whether it is New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve, a holiday party, or just another weekend, these are great year-round.
- I mix a large batch and chill it in the fridge when I want something quick for guests. It saves time and everyone enjoys it.
- If you do not have time to chill your drinks first, just add ice.