Drink Up, Count Down: 5 Festive Champagne Cocktails

Shaken, stirred or sipped from a flute, it's not New Year's without Champagne. Seasonal flavors and festive finishing touches make any toast extra-special.

Related: 27 Easy Party Food Ideas You Can Make in a Pinch

Sparkling Pear and Cranberry Cocktail

This fizzy cocktail marries the flavors of sweet pear and tart cranberry.

2 tablespoons dry cranberries
1/2 cup organic pear nectar
32 ounces Moscato d'Asti wine
8 small sprigs fresh rosemary

1. Put cranberries in a small bowl; add 2 tablespoons warm water. Soak until cool, about 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and refrigerate until serving.

2. Divide pear nectar evenly among eight tall champagne glasses. Addcranberries, and then gently pour the Moscato d'Asti into the glasses. Garnish each with a rosemary sprig.

Sorbet and Champagne Cocktail

A dollop of sorbet adds juicy sweetness -- and a pop of color -- to this holiday drink.

1 teaspoon sorbet (we like raspberry or passion fruit)
Chilled Champagne or Prosecco

1. Scoop sorbet into a champagne flute. Fill with chilled Champagne or Prosecco; stir.

Related: 25 New Ways to Eat Avocados


Kir Royales

Creme de cassis is added to Champagne to create this beautiful, tasty cocktail that's perfect for a holiday celebration.

3 ounces (6 tablespoons) creme de cassis
1 bottle Champagne or other sparkling white wine
6 strips tangerine or orange zest, for garnish

1. Just before serving, pour 1 tablespoon creme de cassis into each glass. Fill with Champagne, and garnish with zest.


Pear and Cranberry Bellini

These pretty drinks pair well at holiday gatherings with elegant bites, great friends, and good cheer.

1 cup pear nectar
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine

1. In a small pitcher or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

Ginger Sparkler

Warm your guests' spirits with this slightly spicy libation.

2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 cup sugar
1 bottle (750 ml) dry sparkling wine, such as Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne

1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a small bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan, boil ginger, sugar, and 1/4 cup water until syrupy, about 2 minutes. Pour through sieve into bowl, discarding solids. (To store syrup, refrigerate in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)

2. Pour 1 tablespoon syrup into each of 8 tall glasses. Top with sparkling wine, and gently stir.

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Who knew champagne and vodka were a match made in heaven?