Between prosecco, sparkling wine, and champagne, we can’t even count the number of bottles we pop during the holidays. Typically, they are served after Christmas lunch or dinner, or during Holiday, paired with panettone, pandoro, and all the other delicious traditional desserts served this time of year. But why not start off the menu with some drinks, as well? Sparkling wines are the perfect base for your Christmas Cocktails to serve to family and friends with appetizers – and best of all, you don’t even have to be a bartender to follow these simple recipes!
Christmas Cocktails Recipes
Hugo, the elderberry spritz
Without a doubt, the most classic aperitivo, the spritz, is an extremely popular drink in the Triveneto region and is made by mixing prosecco with bitters. For a Christmas cocktail, it can be served in its classic version or with a twist, using elderberry syrup instead of bitters. The mix of prosecco and elderberry is known as the Hugo, notable for its fresh and fruity flavor. To make it, fill a glass with a few ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of chilled prosecco, 1 ounce of elderberry syrup, and 2 ounces of seltzer. Mix everything together and garnish with some mint leaves.
A sophisticated Martini Royale
With its delicate, fizzy flavor and pink hue, the Martini Royale will add a glamorous touch to your Christmas aperitivo. All you need is prosecco and Martini Rosato. When mixed together, these two simple ingredients will create a cocktail with a surprising taste. Grab a glass – preferably in a tulip style – and pour in one part Martini Rosato and one part prosecco. Stir, add a few ice cubes and an orange slice, and your drink is ready to serve.
Mimosa: sparkling wine and orange juice
When sparkling wine meets fruit, deliciously light cocktails come to life, which can be sipped and enjoyed with appetizers. For this occasion, we suggest a Mimosa, which requires sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. Instead of sparkling wine, you can also use champagne. Squeeze the oranges, strain the juice, and add 2 1/2 ounces to a champagne flute. Add in the same amount of sparkling wine or champagne. Mix and garnish with an orange peel.
The perfect Christmas cocktail: Cherry Champagne
If Christmas for you is inextricably linked to the color red and you plan on decorating your table and house in the same hue, you’ll be happy to know that you can also serve a cocktail in the same shade: it’s called Cherry Champagne. In a champagne flute, mix 4 ounces of champagne with 1 1/2 ounces of cherry liqueur and serve to your guests for the first toast.