If you’re looking to wow your guests with a festive, refreshing, and absolutely charming holiday drink, I can’t recommend the Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe enough. This isn’t just your everyday bubbly cocktail— it’s a drink that brings sparkle and a touch of winter magic right to your glass. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights by the fire, or anytime you want to feel a little extra merry and bright.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun Presentation: The cranberry and rosemary ice cubes look like little snowflakes, making your drink instantly Instagram-worthy.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a liquor cabinet full of fancy bottles—just fruit juices, fresh herbs, and bubbly.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you want to keep it classic with champagne or go alcohol-free with sparkling apple cider, it’s all good.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The frozen ice cubes can be prepped days in advance, saving you stress during busy holiday moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe comes from everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully—fresh cranberries for tartness, rosemary for a piney hint, and sweet fruit juices to balance it all. Plus, the sparkling finish brings it all together perfectly.

- Fresh Cranberries: These give the drink that pretty pop of red, plus a subtle tart flavor and festive vibe.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: I love how these add a gentle pine aroma that’s like winter in a glass.
- Cranberry Juice Cocktail: Adds sweet and tart depth—opt for one without added sugars if you can.
- Apple Juice: Smooth and sweet, it mellows the tart cranberries and pairs beautifully with the bubbles.
- Champagne (or Sparkling Apple Cider): The star of the show! Crisp, bubbly, and celebratory—go for good quality but no need to splurge extravagantly.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe, and you’ll find it’s super adaptable to what you have on hand or your specific holiday vibe. Feel free to make it your own and add that personal twist!
- Alcohol-Free Version: Swap the champagne for sparkling apple cider—just as festive and perfect for all ages or designated drivers in your crew.
- Herbal Switch-Up: Try thyme instead of rosemary for a different aromatic experience—I once did this for a brunch and everyone asked what the secret ingredient was!
- Juice Alternatives: If you want it tarter, use 100% cranberry juice untouched by sugar, or jazz it up with a splash of pomegranate juice.
- Extra Fruity Touch: Toss a few frozen pomegranate seeds into the ice molds along with cranberries for a pretty, jewel-like effect.
How to Make Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Festive Ice Cubes
This is the secret to the whole Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe’s charm. Pop about a dozen fresh cranberries into each ice cube mold. I like to think of it as a nod to the 12 days of Christmas, but honestly, add as many as you want—more cranberries means more color and flavor. Next, pour cranberry juice into the molds until they’re about halfway full, then top off with apple juice. Be sure to leave a little space at the rim—juice expands as it freezes, and you don’t want a messy overflow.
Step 2: Add the Rosemary Magic
Place a small, fresh sprig of rosemary into each ice cube mold. Don’t worry if it pokes out a bit—this adds to the festive vibe! The rosemary releases subtle pine-y notes as the cubes melt, making each sip feel like a winter wonderland. Then, cover and transfer the molds carefully to your freezer and let freeze solid overnight. Patience here is key—the longer they freeze, the clearer and prettier the ice gets.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve Your Cocktail
When it’s party time, gently pop those icy snowflake cubes out of the molds and nestle them into champagne flutes or your fanciest cocktail glasses. Pour cold champagne or sparkling apple cider on top—try to pour slowly to keep those bubbles lively. Watch the ice cubes twinkle as they float, and get ready for the first sip—it’s crisp, festive, and totally unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries really elevate the aroma and look of the drink—don’t skip this if you want that wow factor.
- Freeze Overnight: Giving your ice cubes a full night to freeze ensures they hold up well and don’t dilute your champagne too quickly.
- Pour Slowly Over Ice: This helps keep the bubbles from fizzing out right away—trust me, it makes a difference in the drinking experience.
- Serve Within Five Days: Those rosemary sprigs will wilt if left too long, so use fresh-made cubes for the prettiest presentation.
How to Serve Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a small extra sprig of rosemary on the rim or a few fresh cranberries dropped in addition to the ice cubes. Sometimes, I zest a little orange peel over the top for a subtle citrus aroma that pairs beautifully with the apple and cranberry flavors.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with light hors d’oeuvres like brie and cranberry crostini, roasted nuts, or even a charcuterie board dotted with fresh fruit. I love serving it at brunch alongside cinnamon rolls or a warm baked brie.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve served the Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe in clear glassware sprinkled with edible glitter on the rims. Another fun trick: use clear plastic spoons to float a small rosemary sprig across the top as a “stirrer.” It’s these little details that make guests feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I find the best way to store these is just to keep the ice cube trays in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap or a lid to avoid freezer smells. Use them within five days, as the rosemary will start to lose its crispness beyond that.
Freezing
Because the ice cubes are just juice and herbs, freezing is straightforward and they hold up great when kept in airtight containers. I avoid freezing the cocktail itself though, since champagne loses fizz.
Reheating
This one’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled, so reheating isn’t really applicable. If you make too much juice mixture, just store it cold in the fridge and stir a bit before making your next batch of ice cubes.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for the Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe?
While frozen cranberries can technically work, I recommend fresh cranberries for the best texture and appearance. Frozen berries tend to discolor or become mushy as they freeze, which can make your ice cubes cloudy and less visually appealing.
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What other juices can I use besides cranberry and apple?
You can experiment with pomegranate juice for a richer color and tartness or even pear juice for a mild sweetness. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness to keep balance when pairing with champagne.
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Can I prepare the ice cubes further ahead of a holiday party?
Yes! I recommend making them up to five days in advance. Beyond that, the rosemary will start to wilt and lose aroma, so try to use fresh-made cubes for your guests’ enjoyment.
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How do I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Simply swap out the champagne for sparkling apple cider or any sparkling white grape juice. It will still have the same celebratory fizz and pairs beautifully with the fruit and herbs.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how the Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe brings a little extra sparkle—and genuine joy—to any gathering. When I first tried making these cranberry and rosemary ice cubes, I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients created such an unforgettable drink experience. My family goes crazy for this at holiday brunches and New Year’s celebrations, and I bet your friends will too. Give it a try, and trust me, you’ll be adding this to your festive favorites for years to come!
Print
Mistletoe Snowflake Cranberry Champagne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (freezing time)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 cocktails 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holidays with festive Mistletoe Mimosas, a refreshing cocktail featuring cranberry and apple juice frozen into decorative ice cubes with fresh rosemary, topped with chilled champagne or sparkling apple cider for a delightful twist on a classic mimosa.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cubes
- 1 cup Fresh Cranberries
- 6 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- 1/2 cup Apple Juice
For the Drink
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Champagne, chilled (Mocktail Version: Sparkling Apple Cider)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Ice Cubes: Pop about 12 cranberries into each ice cube mold to represent the 12 days of Christmas or use your preferred amount.
- Fill Molds with Juice: Pour cranberry juice into each mold until it’s halfway full, then top off with apple juice, leaving some space to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Add Rosemary Sprigs: Place one sprig of fresh rosemary into each mold for a festive flavor and visual appeal.
- Freeze: Carefully transfer the molds to the freezer and let them freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours until completely solid.
- Serve: When ready to serve, gently remove the mistletoe ice cubes from the molds and place them into cocktail glasses.
- Pour Champagne or Sparkling Apple Cider: Top each glass with chilled champagne or sparkling apple cider for a bubbly and refreshing holiday drink.
- Enjoy and Store: Enjoy immediately for best flavor. Store any leftover ice cubes in the freezer for up to five days; however, note that the rosemary may wilt over time.
Notes
- Use sparkling apple cider instead of champagne for a festive non-alcoholic mocktail.
- Be sure to leave some space in the ice cube molds to allow for liquid expansion during freezing to avoid cracks or overflows.
- Fresh rosemary adds a seasonal aroma but may wilt if stored for more than five days in the freezer.
- Customize the number of cranberries in each cube to fit your holiday theme or personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


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