Making Spirits Bright with the Perfect Cranberry and Rosemary Christmosa

I’ll never forget the first time I heard the word. My sister-in-law, bless her heart, was planning her annual holiday open house and called me in a flurry. She said, “Julie, I need something festive for brunch, something better than a plain old mimosa.” I suggested cranberry, a classic choice. She sighed and said, “I need a Christmosa.” I must have been quiet for a solid ten seconds before I admitted I had no idea what she was talking about.

She explained it was just a Christmas mimosa, usually with cranberry juice. Well, that sounded fine, but not quite special enough for a party. If we were going to call it a Christmosa, it needed to taste like Christmas in a glass. I got to thinking about the smells and flavors of the season. Cranberry is a great start, but what about the scent of fresh evergreen, the warmth of holiday spice, and that little touch of orange you find in so many holiday treats?

That’s when the idea for my spiced cranberry and rosemary simple syrup was born. It elevates this simple cocktail into something truly spectacular. The homemade syrup infuses the drink with a beautiful, complex flavor that is both festive and elegant. It’s the secret that makes this Christmosa recipe one my family and friends request year after year.

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Why This Christmosa Recipe Works

A mimosa is a beautiful thing in its simplicity. Orange juice and bubbly wine, what’s not to love? Over the years, folks have created countless variations, and the holiday season is the perfect excuse to get creative. The idea of a cranberry mimosa, often called a Poinsettia, has been a holiday brunch staple for ages. It’s pretty, it’s simple, and the color is just right for Christmas morning.

But we can do better than just swapping one juice for another. This Christmosa recipe works because it builds layers of genuine holiday flavor. It doesn’t just rely on the color of cranberry juice. It captures the essence of the season.

The star of the show is the homemade spiced cranberry and rosemary simple syrup. Making your own syrup is incredibly easy, and it’s the difference between a good drink and a great one. Simmering fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and rosemary together creates a fragrant, ruby-red syrup. The rosemary adds a subtle, pine-like herbaceous note that is surprisingly wonderful with the tart cranberries.

We don’t stop there. A splash of high-quality orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Cointreau, introduces a warm, complex citrus flavor that complements the cranberry perfectly. It adds a touch of sophistication and depth that you just won’t get from juice alone. When you combine this flavorful base with crisp, dry Prosecco, the result is a balanced, festive, and utterly delicious Christmosa. It’s a thoughtful cocktail that truly earns its festive name.

Ingredients for Christmosa

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, yet high-impact ingredients. Each one is chosen to contribute a specific layer of holiday flavor, coming together to create the perfect festive sip. While the list isn’t long, paying attention to the quality of a few key items will make all the difference in your final Christmosa.

My secret weapon, the ingredient that truly elevates this drink, is the fresh rosemary used to infuse the simple syrup. It adds a wonderfully aromatic, slightly woodsy note that feels just like Christmas. Combined with a quality orange liqueur, it transforms the cocktail.

Here is exactly what you will need:

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine: I prefer Prosecco for its crisp, fruity notes, but a dry Cava or a classic Brut Champagne would also be lovely. Just be sure it’s dry (labeled ‘Brut’) to balance the sweetness of the syrup.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Either will work beautifully for the syrup. If you have fresh ones, save a few of the prettiest ones for garnish.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Simple white sugar works best here to let the fruit and herb flavors shine through.
• 1/2 cup water: The base for our simple syrup.
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish: This is our twist! It infuses the syrup with an incredible holiday aroma. Do not substitute with dried rosemary, the flavor will be too harsh.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juice: Look for 100% cranberry juice, not a cranberry cocktail blend which is full of extra sugar. This adds an extra layer of pure, tart cranberry flavor.
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau): This adds a sophisticated warmth and citrus complexity. Grand Marnier has a brandy base which is lovely and warm, while Cointreau is a bit brighter. Use what you love!
• Fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds for garnish: These make the drink look extra jeweled and festive in the glass.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Christmosa

Making this gorgeous holiday cocktail is so much easier than it looks. The process is broken down into two simple parts: creating the flavorful syrup and then assembling the drinks. The syrup can even be made a few days ahead, which is a lifesaver when you’re entertaining.

Let’s walk through it together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping a perfect Christmosa in no time.

Step 1: Create the Spiced Cranberry and Rosemary Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine your 1/2 cup of cranberries (fresh or frozen is fine), the granulated sugar, water, and two sprigs of fresh rosemary. The key here is a small saucepan, which helps the ingredients simmer together without the water evaporating too quickly. Turn the heat to medium and stir gently as the mixture heats up. You just want to help the sugar dissolve completely into the water.

Step 2: Simmer and Infuse the Syrup

Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will start to pop and soften. Take the back of a wooden spoon and gently press on them. This helps release all their beautiful color and tart juice into the syrup. Don’t mash them into a pulp, just a gentle press is all you need. You’ll smell the amazing aroma of rosemary and warm cranberry filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Steep and Strain the Syrup

After 10 minutes of simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, for the most important part for flavor: let it steep. Allow the syrup to sit, off the heat, for at least 30 minutes. This gives the rosemary plenty of time to fully infuse its flavor. Once it has steeped, pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve set over a jar or bowl. Discard the solids left in the sieve. Let the beautiful, clear, red syrup cool completely before using it.

Step 4: Assemble Your Christmosa

Now for the fun part! Grab your favorite champagne flutes. Pour about 1 ounce of your cooled spiced cranberry and rosemary syrup into the bottom of each flute. Add 1/2 ounce of the unsweetened cranberry juice and 1/2 ounce of the orange liqueur. This creates your flavorful base.

Step 5: Top with Bubbly and Garnish

Hold the flute at a slight angle and gently top with your chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine. Pouring slowly at an angle helps preserve those precious bubbles. Finally, make it pretty! Garnish with a few fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, and a small, fresh sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy the compliments.

How To Serve Christmosa

Serving a Christmosa is all about embracing the festive spirit. This drink is an event in itself, so presenting it beautifully makes it all the more special for your guests, whether you’re hosting a big holiday brunch or enjoying a quiet Christmas morning with family.

The classic vessel is, of course, a champagne flute. The tall, slender shape is designed to showcase the bubbles and concentrate the wonderful aromatics of the rosemary and citrus. Chilling your flutes in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving is a professional touch that keeps the drink perfectly cold from the first sip to the last.

Garnishing is where you can really have fun and make this drink look spectacular. A few simple additions turn a delicious drink into a showstopper.

• Floating Berries: Drop a few fresh cranberries and jewel-like pomegranate seeds into the flute just before serving. They will dance in the bubbles and add a stunning pop of color.
• Aromatic Rosemary: A small, fresh sprig of rosemary not only looks elegant but also enhances the aroma every time someone takes a sip. Gently rub the sprig between your fingers before adding it to the glass to release its essential oils.
• Sugared Rims: For an extra-fancy touch, you can create a sugared rim. Simply run a wedge of orange or lime around the rim of the glass, then dip it onto a plate of granulated sugar. It looks like a lovely frost on the glass.

If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a Christmosa bar. Prepare a large batch of the syrup base (the syrup, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur) and keep it chilled in a pitcher. Set it out with buckets of iced Prosecco, bowls of garnishes, and a collection of flutes. This way, guests can assemble their own fresh, bubbly cocktail whenever they’re ready.

How To Store & Reuse Christmosa Leftovers

One of the best parts about this Christmosa recipe is that its core component, the spiced cranberry and rosemary syrup, can be made well in advance and stores beautifully. This makes holiday entertaining so much less stressful. However, once the cocktail is mixed with the sparkling wine, it’s a different story.

The fully assembled Christmosa is meant to be enjoyed immediately. Like any drink made with sparkling wine, it will lose its carbonation and go flat if left to sit. Storing a mixed mimosa is not recommended, as it simply won’t be the same later. It’s always best to mix these cocktails to order.

The real star when it comes to storage is the simple syrup. Here’s how to handle it:

• Refrigerate the Syrup: Once the spiced cranberry and rosemary syrup is completely cooled and strained, pour it into an airtight container like a glass jar or bottle. It will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to make a big batch to last all season, the syrup also freezes wonderfully. Pour it into an ice cube tray. Once frozen solid, transfer the syrup cubes to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. Just thaw the cubes you need in the fridge before using.

Don’t let any leftover syrup go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile. You can stir it into iced tea, mix it with sparkling water or club soda for a festive non-alcoholic spritzer, or even drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or morning pancakes. It’s a little jar of holiday flavor you can enjoy in so many ways.

Substitutions & Variations For Christmosa

While I believe this recipe is pretty perfect as is, I always encourage getting creative in the kitchen! Your home bar and pantry might inspire some delicious new takes on the classic Christmosa. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Whether you need a non-alcoholic option or just want to try a different flavor profile, these substitutions and variations are a great place to start. Every small change can create a uniquely delicious result, so have fun experimenting.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Non-Alcoholic Christmosa: To make a mocktail version that everyone can enjoy, simply swap the Prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling white grape juice, or even a crisp ginger ale or club soda. You will also want to omit the orange liqueur. You can add a splash of orange juice instead to keep that citrus note.
• Sparkling Wine Swaps: While I love Prosecco, any dry sparkling wine works. A Spanish Cava will be similarly crisp and dry. A French Champagne will, of course, be a luxurious choice. A sparkling Rosé would also be lovely, adding another layer of berry flavor and a beautiful pink hue.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of rosemary or want to try something new, fresh thyme is a fantastic substitute. It has a more delicate, slightly earthy flavor that also pairs beautifully with cranberry and orange. A cinnamon stick simmered in the syrup would also be delicious for a warmer spice note.
• Liqueur Options: If you don’t have Cointreau or Grand Marnier, any decent triple sec will work. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the orange liqueur for a ginger liqueur to add a spicy kick, or Chambord for a rich raspberry note that complements the cranberry.

5 FAQs About Christmosa

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Christmosa recipe.

Can I make the Christmosa simple syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making the spiced cranberry and rosemary simple syrup ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your prep for a party or holiday morning. It takes one step completely off your plate when you’re busy hosting. The process is simple, and the syrup stores wonderfully, so there’s no downside to preparing it in advance.

Once you have simmered, steeped, and strained the syrup, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a bottle with a stopper works perfectly. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. This gives you plenty of flexibility. You can make it the weekend before a big event and have it ready to go. Just give it a little shake before you use it.

What is the best sparkling wine for a Christmosa?

This is a great question, as the sparkling wine makes up the bulk of the drink. My personal preference for this Christmosa recipe is a dry Italian Prosecco. It has bright, crisp fruit notes of green apple and pear that complement the cranberry and orange flavors without competing with them. Its lively bubbles make the drink feel incredibly festive.

That said, you have many excellent options. A Spanish Cava, which is made in the same method as Champagne, is another great choice. It’s typically very dry and has a slightly more earthy, mineral quality. Of course, a true French Champagne is always a luxurious treat, but be sure to choose one labeled ‘Brut,’ which means it is dry. You want to avoid sweeter sparkling wines like Asti Spumante, as they will make the final drink overly sweet when combined with the simple syrup.

How can I make a non-alcoholic Christmosa?

Creating a delicious non-alcoholic version of this Christmosa is very easy, which is great for serving a crowd with diverse preferences. The flavorful simple syrup is the heart of the recipe, and it’s completely alcohol-free. To make the mocktail, you’ll prepare the spiced cranberry and rosemary syrup exactly as directed in the recipe.

When it comes time to assemble the drinks, you’ll simply substitute the alcoholic ingredients. Omit the orange liqueur. If you still want that citrus note, you can add a small splash of fresh orange juice. For the Prosecco, swap it with a good quality sparkling non-alcoholic beverage. My top choices are a sparkling white grape juice or a sparkling apple cider for a festive feel. For a less sweet option, a crisp ginger ale or even plain club soda would work wonderfully, creating more of a holiday spritzer.

Can I make a large batch of Christmosa for a party?

While you can’t fully mix a large batch of Christmosa ahead of time without the bubbles going flat, you can absolutely prep it for a crowd to make serving quick and easy. The best way to do this is to create a cocktail base. In a large pitcher, combine the spiced cranberry simple syrup, the unsweetened cranberry juice, and the orange liqueur. You can scale the recipe up as needed. For example, to make 8 servings, you would mix 1 cup of the syrup, 1/2 cup of cranberry juice, and 1/2 cup of orange liqueur.

Keep this base mixture chilled in the refrigerator until your guests arrive. When you’re ready to serve, you can either pour a bit of the base into each flute and top it off with Prosecco for each guest, or you can pour the entire pitcher of base into a large punch bowl and gently pour in 1 to 2 chilled bottles of Prosecco right before serving. Garnish the punch bowl with lots of fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Why is my Christmosa cloudy?

A cloudy Christmosa is usually not a cause for concern and typically comes down to one of two things: the simple syrup or the juices. If your spiced cranberry and rosemary simple syrup wasn’t strained carefully, some of the small fruit solids from the cranberries can make their way into the final drink. To ensure a crystal-clear syrup, make sure you are using a fine-mesh sieve. For an even clearer result, you can line the sieve with a layer of cheesecloth before straining.

The other potential culprit is the type of juice you are using. Some 100% unsweetened cranberry juices and orange juices are unfiltered and can contain natural sediment that makes them appear cloudy. This doesn’t affect the flavor at all, it’s just a visual thing. If a very clear, jewel-toned drink is important to you, look for juices that are clearly filtered. Ultimately, a little bit of haze won’t impact how delicious your Christmosa tastes, so don’t stress about it too much.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved the festive flavors of this Christmosa, here are a few more of my favorite holiday cocktail recipes you should try next.

• Spiced Cranberry Yule Mule: A holiday twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring cranberry, ginger, and warm winter spices. It’s perfectly refreshing and festive.
• Sugar Cookie Martini: For those who love a sweet, dessert-like cocktail, this one tastes just like a frosted sugar cookie, complete with a sprinkle rim.
• Brown Butter Bourbon Eggnog: This is not your average store-bought eggnog. The brown butter and bourbon add an incredible nutty richness that is pure holiday indulgence.

Each one is sure to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season!