If you watched Good Day on CBS this week, you saw me raise a glass to New Year’s Eve with two sparkling drink recipes- one with champagne, and one without. Because when you’re hosting a celebration, everyone deserves something special in their glass.
Whether you’re toasting at midnight, hosting a holiday gathering, or just looking for an elegant drink to enjoy any time of year, these recipes deliver festive flair without being complicated. Even better? One is a show-stopping champagne cocktail, and the other is a gorgeous, grown-up mocktail that never feels like an afterthought.
And that’s intentional.
Nearly half of Americans don’t drink alcohol, according to a recent Gallup study, which means thoughtful hosts should always offer a non-alcoholic option that feels just as celebratory. That includes designated drivers, kids, pregnant guests, people taking a break from alcohol- or anyone who simply doesn’t want to imbibe.
Here are two delicious recipes to try: a Pomegranate Orange Champagne Cocktail and Spiced Cherry Spritzer Mocktail
Spiced Cherry Spritzer Mocktail
A non-alcoholic star with serious sparkle
This mocktail was a huge hit on air- and for good reason. Tart cherry juice brings depth, warming mulling spices add holiday comfort, and a touch of edible pink glitter makes it feel like a party in a glass.
Ingredients
- Tart cherry juice
- Sparkling water
- Mulling-Spice Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- ¼ teaspoon edible pink glitter
- Sugared rosemary sprig, for garnish
Mulling-Spice Simple Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons mulling spices
Combine water, sugar, and mulling spices in a saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes. Let cool completely, then strain out the spices and store refrigerated (lasts about a week in the fridge). This spiced syrup is also great in tea and coffee.
Sugared Rosemary Sprig
- Dip a rosemary sprig in water, roll it in sugar, then sprinkle with edible glitter. Let dry for 45 minutes. Use as a garnish for either drink.
How to Make Spiced Cherry Spritzer Mocktail
- Fill half of a glass with ice.
- Add cherry juice to fill about half the glass.
- Stir in a splash to ½ ounce of the mulling-spice simple syrup- taste ahead of time to find the perfect balance for you.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a sugared rosemary sprig.
Optional: Stir ¼ teaspoon of edible pink glitter into the cherry juice before mixing for a festive shimmer.
Pomegranate Orange Champagne Cocktail
Bright, elegant, and perfect for midnight
For those who are toasting with bubbles, this champagne cocktail is simple, refined, and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce orange liqueur (cognac-based options like Grand Marnier, ABK6, or Cointreau work beautifully)
- ½ ounce pomegranate juice
- Pomegranate arils
- Champagne or sparkling wine (or sparkling water for a lighter version)
- Sugared rosemary sprig, for garnish
How to Make It
- Add orange liqueur and ½ ounce pomegranate juice to a champagne flute.
- Drop in a few pomegranate arils.
- Top with champagne or sparkling wine (or sparkling water).
- Garnish with a sugared rosemary sprig for a festive, aromatic finish.
The result is bright, lightly citrusy, and beautifully balanced. It’s elegant without being fussy.
If you’re making a special champagne cocktail, always plan an equally special non-alcoholic option. It’s more inclusive, more thoughtful, and your guests will appreciate it.
Both of these drinks can be enjoyed year-round, but they truly shine at festive gatherings, from New Year’s Eve to holiday dinners, milestone celebrations, or anytime you want to make the moment feel just a little more magical.
Because the best celebrations aren’t just about what’s in the glass- they’re about making sure everyone feels welcome at the table.
Watch the full segment below: