Sparkling Citrus Cocktail

If you’re looking for a cocktail to serve at gatherings and parties, how about a bubbly cocktail with refreshing oranges? It’s easy to make, looks pretty and you and your guests can enjoy it during the holidays or any time of the year.

Candied Orange Slices & Orange Syrup

I came up with this cocktail while making candied oranges for my Whole Wheat Orange Muffins. I had few extra orange slices and syrup left and decided to add some of that to my Prosecco I was sipping. I really enjoy a glass or two of champagne or sparkling wine but sometimes, I need more than just plain bubbles.

So to make this, you need 2 small oranges and you can use regular orange, blood orange or both. This will give you enough orange slices for garnish and provide plenty of citrus flavor to the orange syrup. Just simmer in sauce pan with some water and sugar and they’re done in about 10 minutes!

Choice of Bubblies

There are variety of bubblies to choose from and it depends on what you like best.

  • Champagne – You don’t need super expensive, premium bottle of champagne for this cocktail. There are plenty of less expensive bottles out there that pairs well with citrus flavors.
  • Prosecco – This is a sparkling wine from Italy. They are bit sweeter and not as strong as Champagne and I personally think its sweetness make it a perfect bubbly for a citrus cocktail.
  • Cava – Sparkling wine from Spain has similar taste to Champagne; bit dry and yeasty.

Vintage Glassware

I love using my vintage pink needle etched glassware to serve special cocktails! The set I used for this occasion is actually a set of sorbet glasses, but I use them to serve cocktails! Needle etch technique was a popular technique in 1920’s and I love the delicate and intricate design of these glassware. Small antique shop where I found this is now permanently closed, but thanks to sites like Etsy, you can find beautiful pieces like this from sellers around the world.

What Can You Serve With This Cocktail?

There are lot of appetizers that will be a hit with this citrus cocktail, but here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

Sparkling Citrus Cocktail

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 small organic oranges, sliced 5mm thick
  • ½ cup  water
  • ½  cup  cane sugar
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) of champagne or sparkling wine

Instructions

  • Heat medium sized sauce pan over low heat, add water and sugar and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Add orange slices to the pan and place piece of parchment paper on top of orange slices. Place cover on the pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes under low heat. When orange slices become soft, turn off heat and set aside to cool.
  • Add ¼ oz of orange syrup and 4 oz of bubbly to a cocktail glass or champagne flute.
  • Add slice of candied orange and serve.
 

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