Popping a cork at midnight is a classic ritual, yet there are dozens of ways to dress up those bubbles for an even brighter toast. From time-honored cocktails to creative infusions, each idea below adds its own fizz to the festivities. Most call for a brut Champagne or any good-quality sparkling wine, so feel free to use what fits your budget. Gather the flutes, chill the bottle, and pick a few recipes to make your countdown shine.
Contents
- 1. Classic Champagne Cocktail
- 2. French 75
- 3. Kir Royale
- 4. Bellini
- 5. Poinsettia
- 6. Elderflower Sparkler
- 7. Raspberry Chambord Royale
- 8. Grapefruit Mimosa
- 9. Limoncello Spritz
- 10. Ginger Pear Fizz
- 11. Blackcurrant Sparkle
- 12. Blood Orange Mimosa
- 13. Apple Cider Champagne Toast
- 14. Pomegranate Jewel
- 15. Floral St-Germain Fizz
- 16. Aperol Rosé Spritz
- 17. Strawberry Basil Bubbly
- 18. Passion Fruit Royale
- 19. Cointreau Citrus Glow
- 20. Mango Mint Mimosa
- 21. Rosemary Lemon Sparkler
- 22. Blue Curaçao Midnight Kiss
- 23. Sake Sparkling 75
- 24. Chili-Lime Champagne Pop
- 25. Coconut Rum Fizz
- 26. Vanilla Bean Champagne Float
- 27. Espresso Champagne Martini
- 28. Sage & Peach Pop
- 29. Hibiscus Flower Celebration
- 30. Rhubarb Bitters Twist
- 31. Cranberry Ginger Snap
- 32. Cardamom Orange Bubbles
- 33. Pineapple Jalapeño Spark
- 34. Watermelon Elderflower Cooler
- 35. Blackberry Thyme Royale
- 36. Fig & Bourbon Fizz
- 37. Yuzu Citrus Brightener
- 38. Tamarind Tamaré Spark
- 39. Cucumber Mint Cooler
- 40. Red Grape & Rosemary Presse
- 41. Spiced Chai Sparkler
- 42. Kiwi Lime Lift
- 43. Guava Rose Glow
- 44. Grapefruit Campari Sbagliato
- 45. Lychee Luster
- 46. Melon Midori Mimosa
- 47. Zero-Proof Sparkling Tea Toast
1. Classic Champagne Cocktail

This nineteenth-century staple needs only three ingredients: a dash of Angostura bitters on a sugar cube, topped with chilled Champagne and garnished with lemon peel. The bitters dye the bubbles a delicate blush while adding gentle spice. It’s quick, elegant, and never feels dated.
2. French 75

Shake gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, strain into a glass, then crown with Champagne. Named after a World War I field gun, the drink packs more kick than its dainty looks suggest. Serve in coupes for a vintage vibe.
3. Kir Royale

Pour half an ounce of black-currant liqueur into a flute and fill with sparkling wine. The cassis adds rich berry notes and an eye-catching hue. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that looks celebratory in seconds.
4. Bellini

Invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini combines puréed white peaches with Prosecco or Champagne. The fruit lends gentle sweetness while keeping the drink light. If peaches are out of season, a good bottled purée works nicely.
5. Poinsettia

Mix chilled cranberry juice and orange liqueur, then top with Champagne for a tart, vivid sip. The color matches holiday décor, making it ideal for a New Year’s Eve that still feels a bit like Christmas. Add a sprig of rosemary for extra aroma.
6. Elderflower Sparkler

St-Germain or another elderflower liqueur brings subtle floral sweetness. A half-ounce is enough; too much will overpower the wine’s crispness. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers like goat-cheese crostini.
7. Raspberry Chambord Royale

Chambord’s blend of raspberries, vanilla, and citrus rounds out brut bubbles. Drop two berries in the glass for a jewel-like effect. The liqueur’s sweetness mellows dry Champagne without masking its sparkle.
8. Grapefruit Mimosa

Swap orange juice for fresh ruby-red grapefruit juice and the classic mimosa feels brand new. The subtle bitterness balances the drink, keeping it refreshing rather than sugary. A pinch of salt on the rim is optional but surprisingly tasty.
9. Limoncello Spritz

Combine one part limoncello, two parts Champagne, and a splash of soda water. It delivers sunny, zesty flavors perfect for a winter party that dreams of summer shores. Serve icy cold for maximum zing.
10. Ginger Pear Fizz

Pear nectar, a touch of ginger syrup, and brut Champagne make a gently spiced, orchard-forward drink. The ginger adds warmth that feels festive in cool weather. Garnish with a paper-thin slice of pear for elegance.
11. Blackcurrant Sparkle

A teaspoon of crème de cassis plus a splash of blackcurrant juice deepens both color and flavor. The result is fruit-driven yet still crisp. It pairs nicely with creamy cheeses on your snack platter.
12. Blood Orange Mimosa

Blood-orange juice gives a dramatic crimson hue and berry-like sweetness. Top with equal parts Champagne for a drink that screams celebration. If you like a touch of bitterness, add a drop of Campari.
13. Apple Cider Champagne Toast

Combine chilled dry cider with sparkling wine in a 1:1 ratio. A cinnamon stick or clove-infused apple slice turns it into cozy winter cheer. The drink bridges autumnal flavors and New Year’s sparkle.
14. Pomegranate Jewel

Pomegranate juice brings tangy depth while the seeds add crunch and visual drama. Use about an ounce of juice per glass, then top with brut Champagne. The color alone feels like fireworks.
15. Floral St-Germain Fizz

Shake gin, lemon, and St-Germain, strain into a coupe, and top with bubbles. The elderflower pairs beautifully with botanical gin. Finish with a micro-spritz of lemon oil for extra brightness.
16. Aperol Rosé Spritz

Swap prosecco for sparkling rosé in the familiar Aperol Spritz recipe. The rosé’s berry notes harmonize with Aperol’s bittersweet orange. It’s low in alcohol, letting you sip from early evening through the countdown.
17. Strawberry Basil Bubbly

Muddle ripe strawberries and basil, strain, and add a tablespoon of the juice to your glass before topping with Champagne. The herb lends a whisper of peppery freshness. Use chilled berries for best clarity.
18. Passion Fruit Royale

A spoonful of passion-fruit purée amps up tropical aroma while keeping acidity high. Pair it with extra-dry bubbly to prevent overpowering sweetness. The seeds give pleasant texture and visual intrigue.
19. Cointreau Citrus Glow

Just half an ounce of Cointreau lends bright orange perfume that mingles well with brut. Express an orange twist over the top to release oils. Ideal for guests who love a crisp, clean profile.
20. Mango Mint Mimosa

Blend mango chunks until smooth, chill, and combine with Champagne at a 1:2 ratio. Slap a mint leaf gently to release scent before resting it on top. The tropical flavor turns any apartment into a warm-weather oasis.
21. Rosemary Lemon Sparkler

Quickly torch a rosemary sprig to express oils, then drop it into the flute along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The herb’s pine note echoes winter greenery. It’s crisp enough to refresh between rich hors d’oeuvres.
22. Blue Curaçao Midnight Kiss

Add just a quarter-ounce of blue curaçao for color plus light orange flavor. Top with brut to keep sweetness in check. The hue looks magical under dim party lights as the clock nears twelve.
23. Sake Sparkling 75

Replace gin with chilled junmai sake in the French 75 template. The rice-wine softness highlights Champagne’s yeast notes. Finish with a strip of yuzu peel if available.
24. Chili-Lime Champagne Pop

A chili-salt rim plus a squeeze of lime deliver a spicy, vibrant contrast to dry bubbly. The warmth sneaks up gently after each sip. Great with shrimp cocktail or other savory bites.
25. Coconut Rum Fizz

Combine a splash of coconut rum, pineapple juice, and sparkling wine for a New Year’s vacation in a glass. Toasted coconut adds fragrance without mess. It pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate desserts.
26. Vanilla Bean Champagne Float

Drop vanilla sorbet into a glass, then pour Champagne over it for fizz and froth. The sorbet chills and sweetens the wine while creating creamy foam. Serve immediately with spoons for scooping.
27. Espresso Champagne Martini

Shake chilled espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, strain into a coupe, and top with brut bubbles. The effervescence lightens rich coffee flavors. Ideal for guests needing a late-night lift before the ball drops.
28. Sage & Peach Pop

Lightly muddle fresh sage with peach purée, strain, then top with Champagne. Grilling the peach beforehand deepens sweetness and aroma. The herb adds earthiness that keeps the drink from leaning too sweet.
29. Hibiscus Flower Celebration

Jarred candied hibiscus flowers, often sold in syrup, unfurl dramatically when covered with Champagne. The syrup gives light berry flavor and rosy color. Guests will likely grab phones for photos.
30. Rhubarb Bitters Twist

Add two dashes of rhubarb bitters and a ribbon of pickled rhubarb for tart complexity. The bitters tint the drink a delicate pink. It’s crisp enough to refresh palates between cheese courses.
31. Cranberry Ginger Snap

Combine cranberry juice, ginger syrup, and sparkling wine for sweet heat in equal measure. Sugared cranberries sparkle like snow-covered gems. Serve alongside gingerbread cookies for a playful match.
32. Cardamom Orange Bubbles

Steep simple syrup with cardamom pods, cool, and use a teaspoon in each glass with freshly expressed orange oil. The spice lends warmth without overpowering citrus sparkle. Delicious with spiced nuts or samosas.
33. Pineapple Jalapeño Spark

Infuse pineapple juice with jalapeño slices for 30 minutes, strain, and add an ounce to your flute before topping with bubbly. Sweet fruit and gentle heat create lively contrast. Keep spare slices on hand for daring guests who want extra spice.
34. Watermelon Elderflower Cooler

Puree seedless watermelon, strain, and chill. Combine one part watermelon juice with one part elderflower liqueur, then add Champagne. The drink feels light as air while hinting at warm July memories.
35. Blackberry Thyme Royale

Muddle blackberries and thyme, double strain, and use a tablespoon of the juice per glass. The herb’s savory note balances dark berry sweetness. Finish with a quick crack of black pepper for intrigue.
36. Fig & Bourbon Fizz

Shake two teaspoons of fig jam with half an ounce of bourbon and a squeeze of lemon, strain, then add Champagne. The result is smoky, jammy, and surprisingly light. Perfect alongside a cheese board of blue and aged cheddar.
37. Yuzu Citrus Brightener

A scant teaspoon of bottled yuzu juice lifts Champagne with sharp floral acidity. It tastes like lemon, lime, and tangerine at once. Keep the pour tiny; yuzu’s intensity goes a long way.
38. Tamarind Tamaré Spark

Tamarind concentrate, a dash of simple syrup, and Champagne join for tangy-sweet complexity. The pulp’s gentle tartness pops against effervescence. Rim the glass with turbinado sugar for crunch.
39. Cucumber Mint Cooler

Shake chopped cucumber and mint with ice, strain the liquid, and top with brut Champagne. The flavors stay crisp, almost spa-like. Use English cucumbers for minimal seeds and clearer juice.
40. Red Grape & Rosemary Presse

Lightly muddle red grapes to release juice, add rosemary syrup, then Champagne. The herb’s resin pairs well with grape skin tannins. Chill the grapes first so they double as tiny ice cubes.
41. Spiced Chai Sparkler

Steep strong chai tea, cool it, and combine an ounce with sparkling wine plus a hint of rum. Cinnamon and cardamom bring gentle warmth. Garnish with a light sprinkle of ground spice for aroma.
42. Kiwi Lime Lift

Blend peeled kiwi, strain the seeds if desired, and add a squeeze of lime juice. A spoonful of this puree mixed with Champagne makes a tart yet sweet refresher. The color looks playful against winter backdrops.
43. Guava Rose Glow

Guava nectar and a dash of rosewater create a fragrant, sunset-hued pour. Keep rosewater to a few drops; it’s potent. Pair with mild cheeses or fruit tarts to highlight its floral tone.
44. Grapefruit Campari Sbagliato

Stir equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth over ice, top with sparkling wine and a splash of grapefruit juice. The bitterness refreshes after rich holiday meals. Use a large cube to keep dilution slow during long conversations.
45. Lychee Luster

Canned lychees in syrup supply exotic perfume and mild sweetness. Place one fruit in the glass, add half a teaspoon of its syrup, then pour Champagne. The fruit slowly bobs upward with each sip, adding fun movement.
46. Melon Midori Mimosa

A quarter-ounce of Midori liqueur mixed with honeydew juice and Champagne forms a vibrant, candy-colored toast. The liqueur’s sweetness is balanced by dry bubbles. Great for a late-night dance-floor vibe.
47. Zero-Proof Sparkling Tea Toast

Combine chilled sparkling white tea or non-alcoholic sparkling cider with a squeeze of citrus and a dash of aromatic bitters (there are alcohol-free versions available). The drink delivers festive fizz without alcohol, so designated drivers can clink glasses too. Garnish with a lemon twist to match the grown-ups’ flutes.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
