Citrus Champagne Sparklers

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.

• Hibiscus French 75
• Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
• Whiskey & Champagne Cocktail

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 pot 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