Hey there! I'm so excited to share my favorite holiday drink with you. These gorgeous Christmas Mimosa Mocktail have been my go-to for every holiday gathering. The first time I made these, I was rushing to prepare for 20 guests coming over in less than an hour, and these beautiful ruby-red drinks saved the day!
With just two simple ingredients and literally one minute of prep time, you'll create a festive, alcohol-free drink that looks incredibly fancy but requires zero bartending skills. The combination of sparkling non-alcoholic wine and cranberry juice creates the perfect balance of fizz and fruity flavor that everyone loves.
Why I Love This
- Ready in just 1 minute - Perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you're short on time
- Only 2 ingredients - No complicated shopping list or specialty items
- Budget-friendly - Inexpensive ingredients that won't break your holiday budget
- Customizable sweetness - Easily adjust to suit your taste preferences
- Impressive presentation - Looks like you spent hours, when it took seconds
- Alcohol-free - Everyone can enjoy, including kids, pregnant women, and non-drinkers
- No bartending skills required - Foolproof ratio makes perfect drinks every time
- Scalable recipe - Easy to make for 2 people or 200
Ingredients
I chose these simple ingredients because they create maximum impact with minimal effort. The non-alcoholic sparkling wine brings the celebratory bubbles we all love in holiday drinks, while the cranberry juice instantly adds that perfect Christmas red color and a sweet-tart flavor that isn't overwhelming.
The rosemary garnish gives a hint of pine that reminds you of Christmas trees, making the whole drink smell and taste like the holidays in a glass. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, even during the busy holiday season.
- 2 parts non-alcoholic sparkling wine - Creates the champagne-like base and provides the delightful bubbles
- 1 part cranberry juice - Adds the festive red color and bright, tangy flavor
- Garnish options:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (provides an aromatic evergreen scent)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (adds a pop of color and texture)
- Thin lemon or orange twists (brings a citrus aroma)
- Sugared rim (for added sweetness and visual appeal)
Equipment
- Champagne flutes or wine glasses - For serving; the tall, narrow shape maintains the bubbles longer than wider glasses
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup - For getting the perfect ratio (optional, as you can eyeball it)
- Pitcher - If making a large batch for a crowd
- Serving tray - For an elegant presentation when serving multiple guests
- Small knife - For preparing any fresh garnishes
How To Make
- Chill both the non-alcoholic sparkling wine and cranberry juice in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before making your mocktails.
- Pour the chilled sparkling wine into your champagne flute until it's about two-thirds full.
- Slowly add the cranberry juice until the glass is nearly full, watching as the beautiful red color disperses through the drink.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a few cranberries placed gently on the rim of the glass.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum bubbles and refreshing taste!
Substitutions
- Instead of non-alcoholic sparkling wine:
- Sparkling water or club soda (for a lighter, less sweet version)
- Ginger ale (for a spicy kick)
- Lemon-lime soda (for a sweeter profile)
- White grape juice mixed with soda water (for a fruitier taste)
- Kombucha (for a probiotic-rich option)
- Instead of cranberry juice:
- Pomegranate juice (similar color with a different flavor profile)
- Cherry juice (sweeter alternative)
- Mixed berry juice (for a deeper flavor)
- Blood orange juice (for a unique citrus twist)
- Flavor enhancers:
- Add a splash of lime juice for brightness
- Include ¼ ounce of simple syrup if using unsweetened juices
- Add a few drops of orange bitters for complexity (non-alcoholic bitters available)
- Infuse with cinnamon, star anise, or cloves for a mulled flavor
Pro Tips
- Pour the sparkling wine first - This prevents overflow and maintains more bubbles than if you add it second.
- Chill everything - Including the glasses! Place them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving for an extra-cold, refreshing drink.
- Make a DIY bar - For larger gatherings, set up a mimosa mocktail station with chilled ingredients and various garnishes so guests can customize their own drinks.
- Frozen cranberries - Use these instead of ice cubes to keep drinks cold without diluting them.
- Large batch preparation - For parties, pre-mix in a pitcher just before guests arrive, but don't add the sparkling component until the last minute to preserve bubbles.
- Presentation matters - Use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful color gradient.
- Don't stir - Let the ingredients naturally blend for a pretty gradient effect; stirring will release carbonation faster.
FAQ
It's best to mix these right before serving to maintain carbonation. However, you can have all ingredients chilled and ready to go, making assembly quick and easy when needed.
Plan for approximately 4-5 mocktails per bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine (750ml). For 20 guests, you'll need about 4-5 bottles of sparkling wine and 2-3 bottles of cranberry juice.
The sweetness depends largely on your choice of cranberry juice. For a less sweet version, choose unsweetened or low-sugar cranberry juice or dilute with a bit of sparkling water.
Add edible gold or silver dust, use themed cocktail picks, or serve in glasses with holiday decorations. You can also freeze cranberries in ice cubes for an extra special touch.
Look for dry varieties to balance the sweetness of the cranberry juice. Brands like Fre, Sutter Home Fre, St. Regis, or TÖST work well. For a premium option, try Fever-Tree Sparkling White Grape or Thomson & Scott Noughty.
Absolutely! These are completely alcohol-free and safe for all ages, making them perfect for inclusive family gatherings.
Pour the cranberry juice first, then slowly pour the sparkling wine over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Festive Christmas Mimosa Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 parts non-alcoholic sparkling wine - Creates the champagne-like base and provides the delightful bubbles
- 1 part cranberry juice - Adds the festive red color and bright tangy flavor
Garnish options:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs provides an aromatic evergreen scent
- Fresh or frozen cranberries adds a pop of color and texture
- Thin lemon or orange twists brings a citrus aroma
- Sugared rim for added sweetness and visual appeal
Instructions
- Chill both the non-alcoholic sparkling wine and cranberry juice in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before making your mocktails.
- Pour the chilled sparkling wine into your champagne flute until it's about two-thirds full.
- Slowly add the cranberry juice until the glass is nearly full, watching as the beautiful red color disperses through the drink.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a few cranberries placed gently on the rim of the glass.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the maximum bubbles and refreshing taste!
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