Honestly, I love mixing up simple drinks that still manage to feel a bit special. This Champagne and cranberry juice cocktail is one I reach for often—it’s so quick to throw together, looks gorgeous in the glass, and the taste is crisp with just enough sweetness.
You only need Champagne, cranberry juice, and a few minutes to whip up this refreshing drink.
The balance of bubbly Champagne and tart cranberry juice just works, especially for holidays or brunch. I always notice how the cranberry gives it this rich color that instantly makes the drink look more inviting.
Let’s get into how I make it, the tools and ingredients you’ll need, and what you can expect flavor-wise. Hopefully, you’ll love it right from your first try.
Champagne And Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe
I like this drink because it combines the lively bubbles of Champagne with that tart cranberry kick. It’s easy, festive, and honestly fits in at both laid-back get-togethers and bigger holiday parties.
Equipment
- Champagne flute – keeps the bubbles going and really shows off the color.
- Cocktail shaker – handy if you’re mixing in vodka or orange liqueur before adding the Champagne.
- Measuring jigger – helps with accurate pours.
- Small cutting board – for slicing up garnishes.
- Citrus knife – makes it easy to cut lime wedges or twists.
- Strainer – if you shake the drink with ice, just to keep out any little bits.
- Bar spoon – for gentle stirring, if you feel like it.
- Ice tray – if you want fresh ice for shaking.
I usually keep my Champagne flutes chilled in the fridge. Cold glasses just make everything taste fresher and keep the bubbles around longer.
Ingredients
- 4 oz champagne (dry sparkling wine, cava, or prosecco all work)
- 2 oz 100% cranberry juice (I go for unsweetened—sharper, cleaner flavor)
- 1/2 oz Cointreau (or Grand Marnier/other orange liqueur) – totally optional
- 1/2 oz vodka – also optional, if you want a stronger drink
- Fresh cranberries – for garnish
- Lime wedge or twist – for garnish
- Ice – only if you’re shaking with spirits
- Non-alcoholic sparkling cider – a nice sub for Champagne if you want a mocktail
I always reach for 100% cranberry juice instead of the cocktail stuff—keeps things from getting too sweet.
Instructions
- Chill your Champagne or sparkling wine for at least 2 hours.
- If you’re using vodka or orange liqueur, add them with cranberry juice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for about 10 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
- Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Slowly top with Champagne (no one wants a glass full of foam).
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge or twist.
- Serve right away while it’s still bubbly.
I always pour the Champagne last. The bubbles stay lively, and the drink just looks fresher that way.
Notes
People sometimes call this drink a Poinsettia if it’s made with Champagne, cranberry juice, and Cointreau.
You can use cava or prosecco instead of Champagne if you want to switch up the flavor or save a few bucks.
For a non-alcoholic version, I just mix cranberry juice with sparkling cider and garnish the same way.
If you like things on the sweeter side, cranberry cocktail works instead of pure juice, but honestly, I think it loses some of the crispness.
Fresh cranberries float on top and add a festive touch without messing with the flavor.
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
- Small cutting board
- Citrus knife
Ingredients
- 4 oz champagne dry sparkling wine, cava, or prosecco all work
- 2 oz 100% cranberry juice unsweetened for sharper flavor
- 0.5 oz Cointreau or Grand Marnier, optional
- 0.5 oz vodka optional
- fresh cranberries for garnish
- lime wedge or twist for garnish
- ice only if shaking with spirits
- non-alcoholic sparkling cider mocktail substitute for Champagne
Instructions
- Chill Champagne or sparkling wine for at least 2 hours.
- If using vodka or orange liqueur, combine with cranberry juice in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for about 10 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Slowly top with Champagne to avoid excess foam.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge or twist.
- Serve immediately while bubbly.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip, the bubbles from the champagne are light and crisp on my tongue. There’s a gentle tartness from the cranberry juice that really balances things out.
I pick up a soft sweetness in the background. It’s coming from the natural sugars in the juice—definitely not from any syrup, so the drink never feels heavy.
The color? It’s a clear ruby-red, and honestly, it looks great in a tall glass. I love how it catches the light, almost sparkling.
I can smell a mild fruit aroma before I even take a sip. The scent is fresh, not overpowering at all.
The finish is clean, without any lingering bitterness. Honestly, I like sipping it slowly—the bubbles stay lively and fun.

