Sparkling champagne meets tangy cranberry and fresh orange in this easy-to-make Orange-Cranberry Cocktail With Champagne, perfect for any festive occasion!
There’s something about a champagne cocktail that instantly says celebration. This orange-cranberry cocktail with champagne combines the zesty brightness of fresh orange juice with the tart allure of cranberry juice, topped off with the effervescent sweet magic of Moscato champagne. It’s a drink that feels as festive as a clink of glasses on New Year’s Eve. During Prohibition, fruit juices were often mixed with spirits to mask their questionable quality, and it’s likely cranberries, being widely available, were among the fruits used. Today, these cocktails shine on their own, with fresh and vibrant flavors leading the way.
If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect holiday drink, this one’s here to save the day. Garnished with frozen cranberries and a sugared rim, it’s a showstopper worthy of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends or toasting solo, this cocktail brings the cheer.
Is This Orange-Cranberry Cocktail With Champagne Healthy?
It’s a cocktail, so that’s a hard no, friends. But having said that, “healthy” can mean different things to different people. This cocktail does have a few features to feel good about. Made with no-sugar-added cranberry juice and fresh orange juice, with no heavy syrups or artificial mixers, it’s a step above many sugary alternatives. Moderation is key with any cocktail, but this drink can be a thoughtful way to indulge without overloading on unnecessary extras.
The Secret To Creating The Perfect Rim
One feature that elevates this cocktail from simple to spectacular is the sugared rim. Not only does it add a touch of sweetness, it also enhances the visual appeal of the drink. If you’ve never attempted a sugared rim, here’s a trick: Moisten the rim of your glass with a bit of orange juice before dipping it into raw cane sugar. The juice acts as a natural adhesive, and the sugar adheres beautifully to the glass.
For those looking to experiment, consider making flavored sugars–a touch of orange zest mixed with sugar, for example, can add an extra citrus kick. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, turning an already festive cocktail into something truly memorable.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the juices in advance. Combine the cranberry juice, triple sec, and orange juice in a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, pour the mixture into glasses and top with chilled champagne. Garnished glasses can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with a spread of appetizers or a light dessert. Create a holiday appetizer table with a Cheese Ball, some crispy crostini slices with a Bread Dipping Oil, and a tray of Shrimp Deviled Eggs alongside a charcuterie board filled with cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits. For a sweeter pairing, Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones or a slice of Pistachio Crêpe Cake would complement the flavors perfectly. It would also be thoughtful to serve a sparkling water infused with orange slices as a refreshing non-alcoholic option to accompany the cocktail.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces no-sugar-added cranberry juice
- 1 1/2 ounces triple sec
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice or bottled 100% orange juice
- 4 ounces Moscato champagne
- Frozen cranberries for garnish optional
- Raw cane sugar for rimming, optional
Instructions
- Optional first step to rim the glasses: Pour a small amount of triple sec or orange juice into a small, shallow plate, just covering the bottom. Pour some cane sugar into a separate small, shallow bowl.
- Place a martini glass or champagne flute upside down into the triple sec or orange juice until the liquid just coats the rim. Then, lift it out and place the rim of the martini glass into the sugar, gently turning until coated. Shake off any excess and repeat with the remaining glass. Set aside.
- Place the cranberry juice, triple sec, and orange juice into a martini shaker and shake until mixed well.
- Divide the cocktail between the 2 glasses and top each glass off with 2 ounces of champagne.
- Garnish with frozen cranberries, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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