This Romantic Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail is a simple, sparkling way to set the mood. It’s bright, elegant, and tastes like a celebration in a glass. The tart cranberry pairs beautifully with crisp Prosecco, and a hint of orange and rosemary adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
Whether you’re toasting an anniversary, planning a date night, or just treating yourselves, this drink feels special without being fussy.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Balanced flavor: Tart cranberry, citrusy orange, and bubbly Prosecco strike a clean, refreshing balance.
- Looks impressive with minimal effort: A garnish of cranberries and rosemary makes it look bar-worthy in minutes.
- Customizable sweetness: Use a dry Prosecco for a crisp profile or add a touch of simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Fast to make: No shaking required. Just build it in the glass.
- Perfect for two: Scales easily for date night or a small celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle chilled Prosecco (Brut or Extra Dry)
- 1/2 cup 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1–2 teaspoons simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Orange peel or thin orange slices, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Ice (optional, for juice chilling only)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill everything well. Place the Prosecco in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Cold bubbles taste cleaner and stay lively.
If your cranberry juice isn’t cold, pop it in the fridge too.
- Prep your garnishes. Rinse the cranberries, cut a strip of orange peel or slice thin rounds, and trim a few rosemary sprigs. Keep them cold if possible.
- Add the juice and liqueur. In two Champagne flutes, add 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice to each glass. Follow with 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur per glass.
- Adjust sweetness. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail, stir in 1/2–1 teaspoon of simple syrup per glass.
Skip this if your cranberry juice is already sweetened or if you’re using Extra Dry Prosecco.
- Top with Prosecco. Tilt each glass slightly and slowly top with cold Prosecco. Aim for a total of about 4–5 ounces per glass. Pouring gently helps keep the bubbles strong.
- Garnish and serve. Add a few cranberries, a twist of orange peel or slice, and a small rosemary sprig.
The rosemary makes each sip smell amazing.
- Taste and tweak. If you want more cranberry character, add another teaspoon of juice. If it’s too tart, add a small splash of simple syrup.
How to Store
- Prosecco: Keep unopened bottles in the fridge up to 48 hours before serving. Once opened, use a sparkling wine stopper and store in the fridge.
It’s best within 24 hours.
- Cranberry juice: Store in the fridge for up to 7–10 days after opening. Shake before using.
- Simple syrup: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 month. Label the date so you don’t forget.
- Garnishes: Cranberries and rosemary last several days in the fridge.
Orange peels dry out fast—cut fresh just before serving.
- Pre-mixing: Don’t mix Prosecco ahead. Combine juice and liqueur in a small bottle, chill, and add the bubbly right before serving.
Health Benefits
- Cranberries: They’re rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which support immunity and may help protect against oxidative stress.
- Portion-friendly: This cocktail is lighter than many creamy or sugar-heavy drinks, especially if you choose unsweetened juice and Brut Prosecco.
- Mindful sweetness: You control the sugar by adjusting simple syrup and choosing a drier Prosecco.
- Herbal lift: Rosemary won’t transform your health, but the scent can make the experience feel fresher and more satisfying, which may help you drink more slowly.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Warm Prosecco: If it isn’t cold, the cocktail tastes flat and foams too much. Always chill thoroughly.
- Too much juice: Overdoing the cranberry can overwhelm the bubbles and make the drink heavy.
Start small and add to taste.
- Old garnishes: Wilted rosemary or pithy orange peels can add bitterness. Use fresh, bright garnishes.
- Pouring too fast: Quick pours kill carbonation. Tilt the glass and pour slowly down the side.
- Mismatched sweetness: Sweet juice plus Extra Dry Prosecco plus syrup can turn cloying.
Taste as you go.
Variations You Can Try
- Rosé twist: Use sparkling rosé for a blush color and a softer berry note. Keep the rest the same.
- Ginger kiss: Add a teaspoon of ginger syrup or a splash of ginger liqueur for a warm, spicy finish.
- Lemon sparkle: Swap the orange liqueur for limoncello and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Low-alcohol version: Use half Prosecco and half sparkling water or nonalcoholic sparkling wine.
- Herb swap: Try a thyme sprig instead of rosemary for a softer, savory aroma.
- Frozen berries: Use frozen cranberries as “ice cubes” to chill the drink without dilution.
- Spiced syrup: Make a simple syrup with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves for a cozy, wintery vibe.
FAQ
Can I use champagne instead of Prosecco?
Yes. Champagne will be a bit toastier and drier, while Prosecco tends to be fruitier.
Both work, but taste before adding extra sweetness so you don’t overshoot.
Do I need unsweetened cranberry juice?
Unsweetened juice gives you more control over sweetness and a cleaner tart flavor. If you use sweetened cranberry cocktail, skip the simple syrup at first and adjust only if needed.
What glass should I use?
Champagne flutes are classic and help preserve bubbles. Coupes look chic but lose carbonation faster, so serve immediately if you use them.
Can I make a pitcher for a small party?
You can batch the cranberry juice and orange liqueur in a small carafe and chill it.
Pour individual portions into glasses and top each with Prosecco just before serving to keep it fizzy.
How do I make simple syrup?
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves, cool completely, then refrigerate.
What if I don’t have orange liqueur?
Use a squeeze of fresh orange juice plus a small strip of orange peel. It won’t be as aromatic as Cointreau, but it still adds bright citrus notes.
Is there a nonalcoholic option?
Yes.
Use nonalcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling water, skip the orange liqueur, and add a splash of fresh orange juice. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Why did my drink foam over?
The Prosecco was likely too warm or poured too quickly. Make sure everything is well chilled and pour slowly down the side of the glass.
Wrapping Up
This Romantic Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail is the kind of drink that feels special without a long ingredient list or complicated steps.
With chilled bubbly, a touch of cranberry, and a fragrant garnish, you’ll have something beautiful to toast in minutes. Keep it crisp, keep it cold, and taste as you go. Here’s to simple, sparkling moments that feel like a celebration.
