My Citrus Champagne Sparklers are refreshingly bright and simple champagne cocktails made with just a few ingredients and perfect for New Year's Eve! Originally published December 2016. Last updated January 2022.
This year has been punctuated by a lot of ugliness, which makes me all the more grateful for the beautiful blessings that have come to pass despite it. As we close out one year and welcome in the next, I hope that y'all get a chance to reflect, give thanks, and have boundless hope for what's to come. Of course, I have created a cocktail to help with that. It's no fuss but gorgeous and, dare I say, sophisticated? Elegant and easy champagne based cocktail ideas are my thing at this time of year. Let's get into this one!
If you need more New Year's drink ideas, check out these recipes, too.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
You don't need much to make this simple champagne cocktail for New Year's Eve but the flavor truly pops! When it comes to what mixes well with champagne, we all know that citrus works from our communal mimosa habit. Think of my sparklers as mimosas for evening events: classy champagne cocktails ready in a snap.
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine
- Citrus Simple Syrup
- Sanding Sugar (optional)
Choose your favorite champagne or sparkling wine for this recipe, preferably a dry one that will balance out the sweetness of the syrup. I make the citrus simple syrup from scratch and about an ounce to each glass. It's easy and customizable so you can use whatever is in season and even blend multiple citrus fruits! Depending on what kind of citrus you use in your simple syrup, this drink can give champagne with blood orange, lemon, grapefruit, etc. There are so many possibilities. The sanding sugar is optional but so pretty if you decide to rim the glass. That touch of sparkle and the bubbles from champagne are what make this a sparkler drink.
What Bar Tools do I Need?
As far as tools, we're keeping it simple, too. Grab a corkscrew to pop your bottles and a bar spoon to mix things up. It doesn't get much easier than a three-ingredient sparkling wine cocktail. For entertaining, I love to do a self-serve bar setup and allow everyone to craft their own. This takes the pressure off me as a hostess and let's people play with their food--don't we all love that? I'm here for a sophisticated holiday drink that takes no time to create.
How to Serve this Drink
You can serve this cocktail up in just about any kind of glass. I've showcased three that I love for aesthetic in this post. The OG is the classic champagne flute. Add a simple sugar rim for flair. Here's a quick video tutorial on how to do that! Next is the trendy diamond glass which I typically like for sipping whiskey but the gold rim adds a festive touch to this drink as well. Finally, try a coupe glass or champagne cocktail glass, for something unexpected and fancy.
If you aren't into doing the sugar rim, you can garnish citrus sparklers in several ways. There's no need to overcomplicate this elegant and easy champagne based cocktail idea but if you do want to dial up the presentation points, here are a few ideas:
- Add a candied citrus slice or a twist of citrus peel.
- Drop in a wheel of dehydrated citrus.
- Hang a wedge or wheel of fresh citrus off the side of the glass.
- Stir in some edible glitter.
What to Pair with Champagne Cocktails
This is a simple champagne cocktail for NYE and I like to keep the spread low-key as well. That usually means lots of appetizers or a big post of soup or stew. Here are a few ideas from my recipe rolodex.
- Chai-Spiced Popcorn
- Deviled Egg Dip
- Festive Cheese Board
- Praline Sauce over Baked Brie
- Red Stew & Salmon
- "Rich Auntie" Lasagna
You're just two pours and a swirl away from a festive good time with fancy champagne drinks. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this easy cocktail recipe with champagne and follow me on Pinterest. Happy New Year to you and your family and thanks for reading!
Citrus Champagne Cocktail Recipe
A refreshingly bright and simple champagne cocktail with just a few ingredients
- 1 ounce citrus simple syrup
- 7 ounces champagne chilled
Add 1 ounce of prepared simple syrup to glass.
Top up glass with champagne or sparkling wine. Gently stir to combine.
Enjoy chilled and drink responsibly.
Click for Homemade Citrus Simple Syrup Recipe
Jasmine S. says
Yesss!! Perfect for NYE! Also, lovin' that furry vest!
Amber Nelson says
I agree! I am thinking I am going to make these for our New Year's Eve party!
Jazz says
Thanks, Jasmine! Happy New Year to you!
twoboysonepup says
Yum! Tasty and you made them look pretty too!
foodiefindshome says
Sounds like a great drink and they look very pretty too.
Laura says
These look beautiful and sound delicious! Great way of designing the photos in your post also!
Jazz says
Thanks, Laura, and thanks for reading!
Anna says
I love grapefruit cocktails. Grapefruit and champagne sound just perfect together!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
Yum! I'm definitely ready to let 2016 be done and toast the beginning of 2017!
Kristin says
You had me at champagne. I'm always down for bubbles! And these cocktails look as good as I best they taste!
Terri Steffes says
I must have a sparkling cocktail on New Years Eve. It just isn't the same without it!
amandahrosson says
These look so yummy and refreshing!! A perfect drink for a New Year's Eve toast!! <3
annalisanuttall says
Oh man i need to fill my wine glass up with this. I do love grapefruits cocktails. I'd be toasting in the new year. xx
certifiedpastryaficionado says
Yummmm! I love champagne and grapefruit together. I actually drink my mimosas with grapefruit juice instead of OJ. I gotta pin this for NYE. Thanks for the idea!
Jennifer Marx (JenuineMom) says
Mmm mmm! These looks so yummy! I am definitely going to try these this year. Thanks for the recipe and all the gorgeous photos!
Jazz says
Thanks for stopping by!
Allison Rebecca says
These look so delicious! I love anything and everything champagne, especially around NYE. I will have to try these!!
cvnxena says
oo these look delish and definitely perfect for seeing in the new year! I love your outfit in this too!
Jalisa Marie says
That looks so yummy and conservative. Especially for New Years Eve. A great new drink. Love your pics too.
meximoments says
This looks like a fun drink. I love the citrus twist! I think I will like this alot!
Courtney Connolly says
Those look so delicious, I love champagne but sometimes it's nice to have a twist on it.
La Belle Sirene
lonestarpersuasion says
These look delicious!!!
Debbie J. says
I love the combination. I have a thing for sparkling drinks so this is right up my alley.
slaywithamyrae says
Your photos look so nice and professional! I don't really like champagne because I don't like carbonation in drinks but this does look really refreshing!
Jazz says
Thanks and thanks for stopping by!
Lauren Elliott (@elliott_lauren) says
These look so perfect for celebrating!
Robin Rue says
These look so delicious! I need to make something like this to ring in the new year.
Marta says
I've always been a fan of crisp, refreshing cocktails, but this one bowled me and my guests over this weekend. I hosted a small gathering and served these citrus champagne sparklers on a champs buffet. Everyone asked for the recipe, that's how much they loved it.
Marcus Avery says
I made these sparkling cocktails for my at-home brunch this weekend and they were hit. I'll definitely make them again!
Robin says
I'm a sucker for pink grapefruit and this cocktail! It is now my weekend brunch at home, go to beverage.
Lilly says
I love how simple this drink was to make and how elegant it looked and tasted! Everyone loved these at my latest brunch event! They were a huge hit!
Stephanie says
Such a refreshing drink! I made some for date night and they were a hit! Will definitely be making these again.
Britney Brown-Chamberlain says
My girlfriends and I sipped on these all night for our galentines day celebrations! They are super delicious!
Jen says
I love anything with citrus so I was super excited to try this champagne recipe. It didn’t disappoint at all and I’ll definitely be making it again