Is there any drink that is more commonly associated with sophistication or celebration than champagne? You walk into a party and see a champagne tower, you know it is about to be a fun night. However, Champagne was not as popular as it is today, back when it was first made. The drink takes its name from a province of France, where it was invented.
For still wines, grapes need to be fully ripened and sweet, creating a need for a lot of exposure to the sun. The northeastern climate of Champagne is not suitable for that, so, for many years, wine makers in the region tried to make the dull colored, accidentally bubbly wine they would produce to be less acidic, sweeter and still. That was what the clients amongst Champagne and the rest of France wanted.
It wasn’t until later on, they realized Champagne, the sparkling wine, was associated with the riches and the royals of England and they decided to fix the bottles to withstand the pressure created by the carbon dioxide gas and started to use only Pinot Noir grapes to produce the sparkling wine to sell more. Pinot Noir is a type of grape that is black on the outside but white on the inside. It was considered to be the best quality out of all grapes with the best flavor and aroma by one of the pioneers of the celebratory drink, Dom Pérignon.
Once they figured out the method of making this delicious party favorite, it took the world by storm, doubling in sales around the 50s. Now, we have all kinds of Champagne drink recipes we can pick and choose from depending on the occasion. Commonly, Champagne is mixed with juices and fruits to sweeten and bring out the flavor.
An all-time favorite, cranberry, mixes with the bubbly well and creates a taste that is both light and enchanting! Below, we share some of the most sought out Champagne and cranberry drinks for parties, gatherings and well… any night you feel like treating yourself.
- The Poinsettia drink (Champagne, Cranberry juice, Strips of Orange Zest, Crushed Ice)
For most, The Poinsettia is a classic. It is considered to be an upgrade to the Mimosa because of its heavier alcohol content, rich flavor and alluring presentation. The citrusy essences leaking from the orange zest gives it the tangy kick you need, without the taste of orange overpowering the taste of the Champagne.
The drink gets its name from the breathtaking indigenous Mexican plant, Poinsettia. Just like its namesake, the drink is also easy on the eyes, especially when decorated with ruby-red cranberries rolled in sugar (or boiled with spices) and a piece of rosemary. Adding another shot of vodka or an additional shot of gin will strengthen the drink right up for those who think the drink is too light for a buzz but enjoy the taste.
And of course, if you don’t want the non-alcohol drinkers at your party to feel deserted, having a couple bottles of Ginger-Ale to use as an alternative to Champagne would come in handy. We love an adjustable, delicious drink that is easy to make! Here is how you can create The Poinsettia:
Ingredients: Serves 6
- 1 ½ cups of Cranberry Juice
- ¾ cup Champagne
- ¾ cup Vodka
- Crushed Ice
- Strips of Orange zest X12
Fill the champagne flutes with ice
Mix the alcohol and the juice in a pitcher and pour into the glasses
Garnish with two orange zest strips
(optional) Add fresh cranberries
- Pear and Cranberry Tart Champagne (Champagne, pear and cranberry reduction, orange zest, maple syrup)
Oh, we are so excited to share this recipe! This drink is a flawless sip of heaven. The sweet, almost tart-like aroma of this special cocktail is perfect for both Netflix binges with the girls and holiday parties at your home. Instead of going the usual way and creating the drink with fruit juices, this time we make a multi-fruit reduction to pour the Champagne over. It sounds complicated? It really is not. And to be honest, if it were, it would still be well worth our time.
If you have been wanting to try out a new cocktail for yourself or parties, or you want to switch up the old cookie making ritual on girls’ night to something a little more adult and classy, this drink will make you happy. Light on the alcohol (Unless you don’t want it to be), packed with fruity goodness and pleasing to look at. What else could you want from a holiday drink, right? Without further ado, here is how you can create this beauty:
Ingredients: Serves 6
- 1 ½ cups Cranberries
- ½ Pear (ripe)
- 2 Tbs maple syrup or 1 tbs of honey
- 2 Tbs orange zest
- 2 Tbs water
- 1 bottle of Champagne
Wash the fruit, peal and cut the pear into cubes
Put all the ingredients, except Champagne, in a baking dish
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F
Bake the fruit mixture until the fruit is soft and the cranberries have busted
Put through a food processor or blender until the mixture has the consistency of canned baby food
Add the maple syrup or honey (more to taste)
Chill in the refrigerator until cool
Add about 2 tbs of the mixture in a Champagne flute
Add a little bit of Champagne and mix with a spoon
Let it settle and fill the glass with champagne
Garnish with fresh cranberries
- The Cranberry Sorbet Float (Champagne, cranberry sorbet, sugar)
This dessert like drink will surely be the star of any party. Like the name suggests, it has a cold, refreshing twist, the cranberry sorbet! Well, you can run to the nearest grocery store, but we highly doubt you can find cranberry sorbet, readily available. But while you are at the store, grab some fresh or frozen cranberries because we are about to make an incredible treat you will never forget. Serve this drink at pool parties, as a palate cleanser between meals, as a fun little after dinner snack or serve with a cheese board. Whet ever you do, make a lot because one won’t be enough.
Ingredients: Serves 5
- 1 ½ cups Fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- Orange zest (half an orange, grated)
- Lemon zest (half a lemon)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Triple Sec
Mix the cranberries, water, sugar, orange zest and lemon zests in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Let it cool down for 30 minutes
Put through a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
Put through a strainer to get the small lumps out
Add the orange juice and the lemon juice
Place the sorbet in freezer, mix it every 30 minutes until frozen solid (usually takes 4 times=2 hours)
Place a scoop of the sorbet inside of a glass
Fill up with Champagne
(Optional) garnish with fresh mint
So, if you are looking for a Christmas themed drink or just something fun for a party, turning to champagne and cranberries will give you a bunch of refreshing options. Try some of our recipes and let us know what you think.
Honey