This Cherry Kiss Champagne Cocktail is the kind of drink that makes any moment feel like a celebration. It’s bright, bubbly, and lightly sweet with just enough tart cherry to keep things interesting. Think of it as a grown-up cherry soda with elegant sparkle and a kiss of citrus.
Whether you’re toasting a big milestone or kicking off a relaxed weekend, this cocktail delivers that instant “cheers” energy. It’s simple to make, easy to scale for a crowd, and gorgeous in the glass.
What Makes This Special
This cocktail brings together a few ingredients that shine without competing. Dry bubbles keep it crisp, while cherry liqueur adds a deep, fruity note that doesn’t overwhelm.
A touch of fresh lemon lifts the sweetness and keeps the finish clean. It looks beautiful in a flute with a cherry garnish, and it tastes even better than it looks. Best of all, it requires no shaking and minimal prep, so you can mix it as guests arrive.
What You’ll Need
- Champagne or dry sparkling wine (Brut is best; chilled)
- Cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering or Luxardo Sangue Morlacco)
- Maraschino liqueur (optional, for added complexity)
- Fresh lemon juice (just a small squeeze)
- Simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Angostura or orange bitters (optional, 1–2 dashes)
- Garnish: brandied cherry, maraschino cherry, or a twist of lemon
- Ice (for chilling the liqueurs, not for the glass)
- Glassware: Champagne flute or coupe
How to Make It
- Chill everything. Make sure your sparkling wine is well chilled, and keep your flutes in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes for extra frost.
- Add the cherry base. In each flute, pour 1/2 to 3/4 ounce cherry liqueur.
If using, add 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur for a lighter, floral cherry note.
- Brighten with citrus. Add 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice. This keeps the drink crisp and prevents it from tasting too sweet.
- Fine-tune sweetness. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sip, add 1/4 ounce simple syrup. Taste and adjust in future rounds if needed.
- Bitters for balance. Add 1–2 dashes of Angostura or orange bitters.
This deepens the flavor and ties the cherry to the bubbles.
- Top with bubbles. Slowly fill the glass with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine, about 4–5 ounces. Pour down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles.
- Garnish and serve. Drop in a brandied cherry or maraschino cherry. A thin lemon twist across the rim also works beautifully.
Storage Instructions
You can mix the cherry liqueur, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters in a small bottle up to a day ahead and keep it chilled. Do not add the sparkling wine until serving or you’ll lose the fizz. Once opened, Champagne keeps its best bubbles for a few hours if you use a sparkling wine stopper and keep it cold.
Leftover cherry liqueur and maraschino liqueur store well at room temperature in a cool, dark place.
Why This is Good for You
- Portion-friendly: It’s a lower-alcohol option compared to many stirred or shaken cocktails, especially if you keep the pour modest.
- Bright flavors, less sugar: Using Brut sparkling wine and fresh lemon keeps the drink crisp without leaning too sweet.
- Sip, don’t slam: The bubbles encourage slower sipping, which can help with paced drinking at celebrations.
- Real fruit notes: Quality cherry liqueurs are made with real fruit, bringing depth and natural flavor to the glass.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Too sweet: Sweet sparkling wine plus sweet liqueur can make the drink cloying. Stick with Brut and add simple syrup only if needed.
- Warm ingredients: If the wine or glasses are warm, the cocktail will foam too much and taste flat. Keep everything cold.
- Overpouring liqueur: More isn’t better.
Too much cherry liqueur can dominate and dull the bubbles. Aim for 1/2 to 3/4 ounce.
- Pouring too fast: A quick pour stirs up the base and kills the carbonation. Go slow down the side of the glass.
- Skipping acid: Without lemon or bitters, the drink can taste one-note.
A tiny squeeze makes a big difference.
Recipe Variations
- Dry and Simple: Cherry liqueur + Brut sparkling wine only. No lemon, no bitters. Clean, bright, and fast.
- Cherry French 75: 1/2 oz cherry liqueur, 1/2 oz gin, 1/4 oz lemon juice, top with sparkling wine.
Lightly floral and zesty.
- Smoky Kiss: Rinse the flute with a few drops of peaty Scotch, discard the excess, then build the cocktail as usual. Adds a whisper of smoke.
- Chocolate-Cherry Dessert: Add 1/4 oz creme de cacao to the base, top with sparkling rosé. Sweet, romantic, and indulgent.
- Zero-Proof Sparkle: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and 1/2 oz high-quality cherry syrup.
Add a dash of NA bitters if available.
- Rosé Route: Swap Champagne for dry sparkling rosé for a soft blush color and slightly fruitier profile.
FAQ
What’s the best sparkling wine to use?
Choose a dry style like Brut Champagne, Cava, or a quality Brut Prosecco. The dryness keeps the cocktail balanced and lets the cherry flavor shine without turning sugary.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes, prep the base in a small carafe: cherry liqueur, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters. Keep it cold.
Pour 1 ounce of base into each flute, then top with chilled sparkling wine right before serving.
Do I need maraschino liqueur?
No. It adds a delicate, almond-cherry aroma, but the cocktail is excellent with just cherry liqueur. If you skip it, consider one extra dash of bitters for balance.
How sweet should this be?
Lightly sweet at most.
Start without simple syrup, taste, and add a small splash only if you want a softer finish. Brut sparkling wine usually keeps sweetness in check.
What garnish works best?
A brandied cherry adds depth and looks elegant. A classic maraschino cherry is fun and bright.
A thin lemon twist is crisp and aromatic if you want less sweetness.
Can I use cherry juice instead of liqueur?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter and less complex. If using cherry juice, reduce the lemon slightly and add a dash of bitters to avoid a flat taste.
Why pour slowly down the side of the glass?
It preserves carbonation and prevents the cocktail from foaming over. Gentle pouring gives you a longer-lasting, lively bubble in every sip.
What if I only have sweet Prosecco?
Use less or no simple syrup and add an extra squeeze of lemon.
Bitters will also help balance the sweetness. The goal is a crisp finish, not a dessert-like sip.
In Conclusion
The Cherry Kiss Champagne Cocktail is a crowd-pleaser with real finesse. It’s easy to build, pretty in the glass, and flexible enough to suit different tastes.
Keep your ingredients cold, measure the cherry with a light hand, and pour gently. With those small steps, you’ll get a sparkling, balanced drink that makes every toast feel special.
