Learn how to make a champagne cocktail inspired by a classic cosmopolitan. This sparkling cocktail is pretty, delicious, and super simple!
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.
Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
- PREP
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This is a light and sparkling take on one of our favorite cocktails, the cosmopolitan. Tips for making this champagne cocktail for a crowd are below. If you prefer slightly sweeter cocktails, consider adding a dash of simple syrup to the cocktail. One 750ml bottle of champagne will serve 10 to 12 people.
You Will Need
1 ½ ounces vodka or citrus vodka
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
Directions
1Combine vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until very cold. Taste and add a dash of simple syrup if the mixture seems to tart.
2Pour into a chilled martini glass, then top it with champagne or sparkling wine.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Make for a crowd: Add the vodka mixture to a large pitcher for the number of cocktails you plan to serve, but leave out the champagne. Stir and refrigerate until cold. When ready to serve, divide between glasses and finish with chilled champagne.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
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What a great site! I loved all your items, you are obviously very imaginative and fond of the better things in life.
Cointreau in place of triple sec is also excellent!
Perfect combo of not too sweet and not too tart. Float the champagne on the top. Love this beverage!
Can I substitute disaronno for triple sec.
Hi Louise, Disaronno has more of an almond flavor, while Grand Marnier or triple sec tastes more orange/citrusy. You can try the substitution, the cocktail will taste different, but you might still find that it’s something you enjoy.
I assume the cranberry juice is sweetened, not unsweetened? Looking forward to trying the recipe. Thx!
Hi Taylor, You can use either, but the recipe assumes sweetened. If you use unsweetened, you might find that you need to add a bit more sparkling wine or add a splash of agave/simple syrup/honey.
Do you have the recipe for making enough for a party of 20 or do you just do 20 times the ingredients? Thank you and this sounds delicious.
We would just multiply by the people we plan to host. Enjoy!
Made these for 45 people at Christmas Eve party last night, huge hit! They sneak up on you and pack a real punch, enjoy!
Sorry, left the wrong email address…
what are the little fruits that dress the cocktail in the final shot please.
They were cranberries. You could also use blueberries or raspberries.
Love your site. creative and fun