Ringing in the new year with a glass of bubbly is a non-negotiable tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Forget the standard pour of Prosecco, with just a few simple tweaks, you can elevate your sparkling wine from basic to bougie.
Best of all, you won’t need a professional bar setup or a mixology degree. With a few ingredients from your pantry or even your winter garden, you can craft a cocktail that’s delicious and also a feast for the eyes.
1. Add Depth with a Berry Liqueur Splash
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Elevate your sparkling wine with a splash of fruit liqueur! Chambord, with its rich black raspberry flavor, adds sweetness and a stunning purple hue to dry champagne. Just pour 1/2 oz Chambord into a flute, top with 4 oz chilled bubbly, and let the natural fizz do the mixing.
Garnish with a fresh berry for a tart, champagne-soaked treat.
Pro tip: Keep everything chilled to maintain those perfect, festive bubbles!
2. Garnish with Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
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Bring the garden indoors with a sprig of fresh rosemary to elevate your champagne. The pine-like scent pairs perfectly with the bready notes of quality bubbly, creating a cozy winter vibe.
Pick vibrant sprigs with woody stems and smack them between your hands to release the oils before adding them to the glass. It’s like having a mini evergreen tree in your drink, perfect for the season! Just make sure to wash and dry the rosemary first so it doesn’t mess with the bubbles.
4. Drop in Frozen Fruit “Gems.”
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Instead of ice cubes that water down your champagne, use frozen fruit to keep it cool. Grapes, cranberries, or pomegranate arils look like stunning gems suspended in the bubbles and slowly infuse flavor as they thaw.
Just freeze the fruit on a baking sheet first to prevent clumping. Add a few pieces to each glass before pouring, and by the end of the drink, you’ll have a sweet, bubbly-soaked treat. Avoid soft fruits like strawberries or melon, which can get mushy and cloud your drink.
5. Float Edible Flowers for a Pop of Color
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For a sophisticated, garden-to-glass aesthetic, nothing beats edible flowers. Violas, pansies, or hibiscus flowers can turn a standard glass of champagne into a botanical work of art, signaling that this is a special occasion.
If using hibiscus preserved in syrup, place one blossom at the bottom of the flute and add a teaspoon of the syrup; the flower will dramatically open up in the liquid. For fresh violas, simply float one on top of the foam. Just make sure any fresh flowers are organic and meant for consumption, not from a florist.
Toasting to a Stylish New Year
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Elevate your New Year’s Eve drinks without the hassle or high cost. Instead of sticking to the usual, try adding a splash of tart berry liqueur, a sprig of fragrant rosemary, or vibrant frozen cranberries for a refreshing twist. These small but thoughtful touches can turn an ordinary drink into something truly memorable.