I love a good champagne cocktail, and this one, inspired by a cosmo with cranberry juice and vodka, is so delicious. It’s easy to make for one or a crowd, and I am pretty convinced that it will make just about anyone happy! For more bubbly cocktails with champagne, see our kir royale, classic mimosa, and this St. Germain cocktail.
Key Ingredients
Champagne: I use chilled, dry sparkling wine in my cocktails. Choose wine you genuinely enjoy. Use Champagne, Cava (from Spain), an American sparkling wine, or dry Prosecco (from Italy). Vodka: I go for something mid- to high-range. A citrus vodka tastes incredible, too. Cranberry Juice or Cranberry Cocktail: You can use sweetened cranberry juice (often called “cranberry juice cocktail”) or unsweetened plain cranberry juice. If you use unsweetened, you will likely need to add a bit of extra simple syrup or agave since it can be tart. Substitute for white cranberry juice to make a white cocktail! Orange Liqueur: I recommend Cointreau, but you can use Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier. Fresh Lime Juice: I’m a stickler for using fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice. We realize it’s a little more work, but the taste is much better. Simple Syrup: Use our recipe as a guide and add simple syrup as needed. Agave or maple syrup are good alternatives.
How to Make a Champagne Cocktail
This champagne cocktail is inspired by the classic cosmopolitan. Make it by adding vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled to the brim with ice. If you are making it for a crowd, add enough for multiple people to a large pitcher, stir, and refrigerate until cold. Then, divide the vodka mixture between glasses and finish with chilled champagne. 1/2 ounce triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier 1/2 ounce cranberry juice cocktail 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice Dash simple syrup or agave, as needed 2 ounces chilled dry champagne or sparkling wine 2Pour into a chilled martini glass, then top it with champagne or sparkling wine.
