Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

This fresh cranberry champagne cocktail recipe is a twist on a classic old-school cocktail called a 'French 75.'  Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to serve this winter cocktail. But, I've been known to bring this refreshing cranberry champagne mimosa out even for a Mother's Day brunch.

What drinks go with Thanksgiving dinner?

When you want something festive and aren't ready to break open the pinot noir yet, a refreshing cranberry cocktail is a perfect thing to serve your holiday guests. This cocktail is best in the Winter because you can get fresh cranberries. But, you can make this cranberry cocktail any time of year with frozen cranberries or just the cranberry juice.

This cocktail is more than just a cranberry champagne mimosa; it's a cranberry gin cocktail.

What are the ingredients for a mimosa?

Mimosas are usually made by adding one ounce of juice to a champagne glass and then topping it off with champagne. They are probably the easiest cocktail to make.

What is the best juice for making mimosas?

Of course, this is entirely up to you. I love the traditional mimosa made with orange juice. But, there is are so many ways to take this classic champagne cocktail to the next level.

• Pomegranate juice
• P.O.G - Pineapple Orange Guava juice (a Hawaiian favorite)
• Cranberry juice
• Mango Juice

One piece of advice – It's good to stick with an acidic fruit for this type of cocktail.

You can also use different types of sparkling wine or champagne. Try mixing things up with a bottle of pink champagne.

What is a French 75 cocktail?

The original French 75 cocktail was said to celebrate the firepower of the WWI French 75-millimeter field gun. Let's just say that the gin hiding in this version also packs a punch that may feel like you got hit with a 75mm field gun! Don't worry; I'll give you the ingredients for the French 75 cocktail recipe too!

Ingredient List

• Juice: A small amount of juice, about 1 ounce or half of a shot glass. For this recipe, you'll use cranberry juice. 
• Vodka: 1 to 2 ounces of vodka.
• Champagne: Top the whole thing off with your favorite champagne, sparkling wine, or even prosecco.

What is the difference between champagne, sparkling wine, and prosecco?

• Champagne – Champagne is sparkling wine that's produced in the Northeast Champagne region of France. It's made of chardonnay, pinot noir and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in this region. If your bottle didn't come from there – it's not champagne. That doesn't mean it's not delicious!
• Prosecco – is Italy's version of champagne. It is produced in the Veneto region of Italy and made with glera grapes.
• Sparkling wine – Is sparkling wine that isn't produced in these two listed regions and yes, it's still delicious.

To make this cocktail, let get started.

Step 1 - Make the frosted cranberries:

Toss them in whisked egg whites and then roll them in sugar. Let them dry overnight. These sugar-coated gems give this cocktail an extra fancy look while requiring no additional skill.

Step 2 - Make the cranberry syrup: 

If you aren't up for making the cranberry syrup from scratch, then substitute a sweetened cranberry juice.

Step 3 - Mix:

In a cocktail shaker add the cranberry syrup, lemon, and the gin. Shake and then strain into a champagne flute.

Find out what your signature drink says about you.

Take this test from the Refinery.

More cocktail recipes

Try Bruce's Champagne Cocktail as well.

The cocktail that I found in the South of France the Bulle de Peché.

And one of my favorites, the Orange Cranberry Old Fashioned.

Other cranberry recipes that you might like.

• Cranberry Coffee Cake
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce – Seriously, the best cranberry sauce recipe.
• Brandied Cranberry Sauce – made in the microwave.

Other options for champagne.

• Champagne jello shots
• Champagne gummy bears
• Rosé champagne gummy bears