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A champagne toast is practically a must when ushering in the New Year. Set your festivities apart by serving one of these three cocktails featuring a twist on classic champagne. They're sweet, effervescent and decadent — and sure to make you feel extra fancy while celebrating 2024.
It's true the good champagne can get pricey, but don't feel like you have to go with the good stuff. There are plenty of affordable sparkling wines that will work just as well for these recipes. Just keep in mind, some sparkling wines are extra dry or quite sweet, so you may need to adjust your ingredients a bit (for example, go lighter on the simple syrup if using a sweet Moscato). When in doubt, Prosecco is always a great choice!
French 75
Makes 1 serving
The French 75 is actually French, which arguably makes it an even fancier cocktail. And while it does pack a punch, the ingredients are so well balanced that it's quite delicious and goes down easily (so be careful!).
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. gin
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup
3 - 4 oz. champagne or other sparkling wine
1 lemon peel (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a shaker with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake until chilled, then strain it into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
Pomegranate Mimosa
Makes 4 servings
Nothing says holiday time like the rich red hue of pomegranates. Incorporate them into this fun take on a champagne mimosa that's perfect for this time of year.
Ingredients
1 cup sweetened pomegranate juice
1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine
Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill each champagne flute with 1/4 cup pomegranate juice and top with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds.
Champagne Jello Shots
Makes 12 shots
Looking to switch up your standard sips? Why not try champagne jello shots instead? They're a fun and festive way to ring in the New Year. You can use plastic shot cups or silicon mini muffin molds. Or pour the entire contents into a glass baking dish. Once firm, you can cut them into squares and serve on a platter.
Ingredients
1 cup sparkling cider or sparkling lemonade
2 packets unflavored gelatin (.5 ounces total)
3/4 cup champagne or sparkling wine
1/4 cup vodka
2 Tbsp. sanding sugar
Sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly spray your molds with cooking spray, then sprinkle the sanding sugar on the bottoms of the molds. This creates a bubbly look once the shots have hardened.
- Whisk together the sparkling cider or lemonade with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top and allow it to rest for 5 minutes until the gelatin is softened and the surface appears slightly wrinkled.
- Warm the gelatin mixture over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil! Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the vodka and champagne
- Fill the molds with the liquid and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours
*Inspired by Delish; Feast and West
