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Wham! Ha-cha! Kerpow!
Two posts in a row. You didn’t think I was capable, did you? Did you!? Admit it, mom!
Not only that, but.. I haven’t been the most consistent of posters as of late. Clearly, as evidenced by my weeklong silence then back-to-back deliciousness marathon. Half-marathon. OK, more like a 10k 5k power-walk through the mall.
A while back, I mentioned how I was oh-so-busy, because obviously all of the other food bloggers out there posting regularly are not busy (ha ha ha), with some major projects, but that they were finishing up soon. Well, I was surprised with a few big and super exciting new ones, which I’ll share shortly, so I’ve been waist deep in developing cocktails and online shops–both which are somehow my.. job.
So now let’s talk about cocktails? I know–that’s a graceful segue if you’ve ever heard one. But Christmas is a-coming, as well as that reliable holiday cap, New Year’s Eve, and you need an equally elegant and uh-oh delicious drink for that paw of yours. All night. Alllll the night.
Surprisingly, I’d never before tried St. Germain liqueur, thinking its “floral” aroma–the only adjective always used to describe the elderflower liqueur–would end up tasting vaguely medicinal, like so many of the various liqueurs I tried whilst in France (I’m looking at you, Pastis). But when I bought a bottle on a whim and mixed it up with some champagne, I basically drew the back of my hand to my forehead and fainted–spilling zero drops, of course. Because this stuff is a-maz-ing. It is floral, but delicately so–it almost has a fruity palette without being overly sweet. It’s subtle without being a pushover. It’s basically my new favorite thing, period. And I need you to try it.
To add a festive, seasonal touch and depth of flavor, I added tart cranberry to a dry prosecco with a dash of St. Germain liqueur. What resulted was something bubbly and bright, yet a bit subdued and gentle, fruity yet dry, tart yet smooth and sweet. In other words.. the perfect celebratory cocktail for the holiday season. I’ll be serving these at Christmas Eve and I hope I can find what I need in Mexico, where we’re heading a couple days after Christmas! Tough life, right?
Make these!
Cranberry-Elderflower Champagne Sparkler
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Syrup
- ½ cup organic 100% cranberry juice
- ½ cup organic sugar
For the Sparkling Cranberry Skewers
- fresh cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For the Cranberry-Elderflower Champagne Sparkler
- 2 ounces St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 8 ounces dry champagne prosecco, or sparkling wine
Instructions
For the Cranberry Syrup
- In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together cranberry juice and sugar until dissolved. Raise heat and bring to a boil, then remove from heat, pour into a glass jar or bowl and let cool completely. Makes enough syrup for 8-10 drinks.
For the Sparkling Cranberry Skewers
- Skewer about 5 cranberries onto a standard toothpick, then spritz very lightly with water — too much and your sugar will get clumpy! Place about ½ cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish — an individual tart dish is awesome — then add cranberry skewers, tossing with a fork until completely coated in sugar. Remove with a fork and use as garnish.
For the Cranberry-Elderflower Champagne Sparkler
- To make each cocktail, pour 1 ounce St. Germain and 1 ounce of cranberry syrup into a stemmed champagne glass. Top with about 4 ounces champagne per glass. Garnish with sparkling cranberry skewers and serve immediately.
- Drink recipe makes 2 cocktails. Cranberry syrup makes enough for about 8-10 cocktails.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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Hi Cheryl,
Is this recipe in fluid ounces? I’m from New Zealand and we don’t have ounces here so a bit confused but this looks amazing and I’m so excited to try it!
Hi Zandi! Yes, the ounces are fluid ounces. 1 fluid ounce equals about 30 milliliters 🙂
Would love to donate but can’t get the link the campaign. Point me in the right direction? I’ll whip up one of these cocktails while I wait. 🙂
How did I manage to not even link the campaign right?! The website is http://soniashahorganization.com and we are still raising money to repair the school. Luckily no one was hurt, of course, but man!