Cranberry Prosecco Sparkler

The Cranberry Prosecco Sparkler is the cocktail to greet guests with when they shake the snow off their coats. It is bright, festive and refreshingly low effort, which matters when the kitchen is already busy with the main event. A small flourish of sugared cranberries is what lifts it from a quick drink into something that looks like you fussed.

Getting the balance right

Pure cranberry juice is genuinely tart, which is exactly what you want against the bubbles. Simple syrup softens the edges and lime sharpens the finish, but it is worth tasting the base before you top up with prosecco so you can fine tune the sweetness. Once the wine goes in, adjusting becomes much harder.

A garnish worth the wait

Sugared cranberries take an hour of patience and almost no effort. Brushing the fruit with a thin layer of egg white or aquafaba helps the sugar cling, and a slow air dry on baking paper gives them that frosted, almost wintry appearance. Made the night before, they keep beautifully in a sealed container for next morning’s brunch service too.

Serving them at their best

Keep the flutes in the fridge or freezer until the last possible moment. Prosecco loses its mousse quickly in a warm glass, and a cold flute also helps the drink stay refreshing while guests stand around the kitchen catching up. Pour the prosecco slowly, in two or three additions, to keep the bubbles lively without spilling over the rim.