Sleeping Beauty Cocktail Recipe

I’m always looking for drinks that are as pretty as they are tasty, and honestly, the Sleeping Beauty Cocktail nails it. Its soft color and smooth, mellow flavor make it feel both simple and a little fancy—just right for winding down in the evening.

The Sleeping Beauty Cocktail brings together sweet, floral, and fruity notes in a way that’s balanced and easy to whip up at home.

You don’t need anything wild to mix this one—just a few basics and some standard bar tools. I’ll go through each step, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

Once you try it, you might just end up making it for every chill night or whenever friends drop by.

Sleeping Beauty Cocktail Recipe

What I love about the Sleeping Beauty is how it pops with color but still tastes crisp and fruity. You get vodka, blue curaçao, and cranberry juice, and then finish it off with sparkling wine or champagne for that bubbly lift.

It’s elegant and refreshing, but not cloyingly sweet.

Equipment

I keep things pretty minimal when I make this cocktail. The main thing is a cocktail shaker to chill and blend everything nicely.

A jigger is handy so I don’t go overboard with any one ingredient.

• Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling
• Jigger or measuring tool – to measure each ingredient
• Strainer – to keep the ice out
• Bar spoon – if you want to stir gently
• Champagne flute or coupe glass – for serving
• Ice cubes – to get everything cold

I always chill my glass first—keeps the bubbles sharper, I think. And fresh ice is a must, or the drink just ends up watered down.

Ingredients

These are what give the Sleeping Beauty its dreamy pink-blue color and that clean, light finish. I usually reach for good vodka, blue curaçao for both color and a touch of orange, and cranberry juice for a little tartness.

Sparkling wine or champagne on top just makes it feel special.

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• ½ oz blue curaçao
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz sparkling wine or champagne
• Ice cubes (for shaking)
• Optional garnish: lemon twist or cherry

Chilled cranberry juice helps keep the drink cold longer, and I’ve found a drier sparkling wine keeps things from getting too sweet.

Instructions

I start by tossing ice into the shaker, about halfway full. Then I add vodka, blue curaçao, and cranberry juice.

Lid goes on tight, and I shake hard for about 10 seconds—just until the shaker gets frosty.

• Add ice to the shaker.
• Pour in vodka, blue curaçao, and cranberry juice.
• Shake well until chilled.
• Strain into a chilled flute or coupe glass.
• Top with sparkling wine or champagne.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry, if you want.

When I pour in the sparkling wine, I do it slowly so the bubbles don’t disappear right away. The color turns this pretty rose shade that really pops in a clear glass.

Notes

Honestly, this cocktail is at its best right after you make it. If it sits, the bubbles just fade away.

Fresh sparkling wine makes all the difference for keeping things crisp.

If you like it sweeter, try a sweeter sparkling wine. Want it drier? Brut champagne is the way to go.

Sometimes I play with the cranberry juice—more for a deeper pink and extra tartness, or less if I want it lighter and a bit more citrusy.

Tasting Notes

The Sleeping Beauty Cocktail greets me with a gentle floral aroma right off the bat. It’s got that fresh blossom scent—sweet, but not overwhelming, just kind of mellow and inviting.

Taking a sip, I notice the flavor is light and smooth. There’s this mix of fruit and some subtle herbal notes mingling together, nothing too bold or showy.

The sweetness is mild, which I appreciate—it lets the other flavors do their thing. Honestly, it’s a nice balance.

Texture-wise, it’s silky on the tongue, not heavy or syrupy at all. That crispness from the ice sticks around, making every sip refreshing.

As the drink sits for a bit and warms up, a soft citrus edge starts to peek through. It brightens everything up, leaving a clean finish—no harshness, just a gentle aftertaste that lingers for a while.

If you’re into balanced, refreshing drinks with a little floral kick, this one’s probably up your alley. It’s calm, kind of soothing, and honestly just nice to sip on slowly.