Recipe

Festive Christmas Cocktail

A bright, bubbly cranberry rosemary sparkler with cozy citrus notes and a sugar rim. Easy enough for a weeknight toast, fancy enough for a holiday party.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A chilled cranberry rosemary sparkling cocktail in a coupe glass with a sugared rim, rosemary sprig, and fresh cranberries on a wooden table with warm holiday lights in the background

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If December had a signature drink, it'd taste like this. This Festive Christmas Cocktail is equal parts bright and cozy, like cranberry sauce meeting a twinkle light. It starts with a quick rosemary simple syrup (don't panic, it's just sugar, water, and a little simmer), then gets shaken with cranberry and citrus, and finished with a glorious fizzy top off.

It's party-friendly, weeknight-friendly, and extremely “I totally have my life together” in a glass. Bonus: it's easy to turn into a mocktail for the designated drivers, the pregnant friends, or anyone who's simply not in the mood to wrestle with a hangover on December 26.

Hands garnishing a sparkling cranberry cocktail with a rosemary sprig over a kitchen counter

Why It Works

Fast flavor build: Rosemary simple syrup takes about 10 minutes and makes the cocktail taste like you tried harder than you did.
Balanced, not cloying: Tart cranberry plus fresh lemon keeps it crisp. The syrup adds holiday warmth without turning it into juice.
Fizzy finish: Sparkling wine or club soda adds lift, which means the drink feels festive even if you're wearing sweatpants.
Easy to scale: You can batch the base ahead of time, then top each glass with bubbles right before serving.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Make Ahead and Storage

Leftover cocktails aren't really a thing in my house, but here's how to prep smart.

Rosemary simple syrup: Cool completely, then store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If it turns cloudy or smells off, toss it.
Cocktail base (without bubbles): Mix cranberry juice, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and vodka in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before using.
Finished cocktail: Once topped with sparkling wine or soda, serve immediately. Bubbles don't believe in leftovers.

Common Questions

FAQ

What is the best sparkling wine for this?

Dry is your friend. Use Prosecco, Cava, or a dry sparkling wine. If you only have something sweeter, cut the syrup slightly so it doesn't go candy-mode.

Can I make it without vodka?

Yes. Skip the vodka and add a splash more cranberry juice or a little extra sparkling wine. The flavor still works, just lighter.

How do I make it a mocktail?

Use orange juice or a nonalcoholic orange liqueur alternative in place of triple sec, skip the vodka, and top with club soda or nonalcoholic sparkling wine.

What cranberry juice should I buy?

Look for 100% cranberry juice if you like tart and bold. If you prefer sweeter, use cranberry juice cocktail and reduce the syrup a touch.

Can I batch this for a party?

Yes. Batch everything except the sparkling wine. Keep it cold, then pour about 3 ounces of base into each glass and top with bubbles right before serving.

Any quick sugar rim tips?

Rub the rim with a lemon wedge, dip into superfine sugar, and let it set for a minute while you shake the drink. It sticks better than you'd think.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring spoons
Fine mesh strainer (optional, but nice for a clean pour)
Small saucepan (for the rosemary syrup)
Citrus juicer
Champagne flute or coupe glasses

I started making this cocktail after realizing my holiday hosting personality is basically “warm vibes, minimal chaos.” I wanted something that felt special without requiring me to play bartender all night like I'm working a tiny, stressful shift in my own kitchen.

Now I make the rosemary syrup earlier in the day, chill a bottle of bubbly, and suddenly I look like the kind of person who remembers to mail cards on time. I don't. But this drink? This drink convinces people I do.