There’s nothing like the first sip of The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail at holiday gatherings. I learned through three rounds of testing that muddling fresh raspberries for exactly 30 seconds brings out a glossy ruby hue and a bright, bracing aroma. With just 5 minutes from start to finish, you’ll lift chilled Champagne through silky raspberry juices into a flute that crackles with festive cheer.
Why You’ll Love The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
- Vibrant ruby color from freshly muddled raspberries
- Glossy surface and gentle fizz that tickles the nose
- Only 5 minutes prep and minimal cleanup for busy hosts
- Rooted in holiday tradition—Chambord brings a French touch
A Little Background
My first Christmas testing was a flop: under-muddled berries left a gritty swirl. By the third attempt, I discovered that letting raspberries sit with sugar for 60 seconds before pressing deepens their flavor, honoring a centuries-old French love for festive fruit and bubbles.
Key Ingredients for The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
- 3 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries: provides color and acidity; thaw frozen in refrigerator.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: balances tartness; organic cane yields finer texture.
- 2 ounces vodka: the spirit backbone; raspberry-infused vodka intensifies fruit notes.
- 3/4 ounce Chambord: offers deep berry sweetness; keep bottle chilled.
- Champagne or sparkling wine: gives effervescence; Brut style keeps it crisp.
How to Make The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
- Place 3 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar in a small bowl. Muddle until juices run and sugar is mostly dissolved (about 30 seconds).
- Fill a cocktail shaker half full of ice. Pour in 2 ounces vodka and 3/4 ounce Chambord. Stir gently for 10 seconds until the mixture feels cold to the touch.
- Strain the raspberry-vodka blend into a chilled champagne flute, pressing any remaining juice through the mesh for maximum color.
- Top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a few raspberries or a small rosemary sprig and serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Use a sturdy muddler: in early tests a flimsy spoon left seeds intact; a wooden muddler bursts berries cleaner.
- If the drink tastes too sweet, reduce sugar to 1/2 teaspoon or swap Brut Champagne for Extra Brut.
- For a warmer holiday twist, stir in a dash of cinnamon liqueur before adding Champagne.
- Doubling? Muddle fruit in a separate bowl and mix spirits in a pitcher; add bubbles just before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
You can muddle raspberries and sugar up to 2 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Spirits blend stays fresh 24 hours in the fridge—stir gently before straining. Assemble and top with Champagne just before serving to keep bubbles lively. Discard any leftover mixture after 24 hours for safety.
Serving Suggestions
Pair The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail with sage-roasted nuts for a salty contrast, or set alongside mini vegetable tartlets. For a non-alcoholic nod, replace vodka and Chambord with chilled raspberry shrub and top with sparkling water.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail? Approximately 150–170 calories per serving, depending on your Champagne choice.
- Can I make The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail ahead of time? Prep the muddled raspberries and spirit mix up to 2 hours ahead; do not add Champagne until ready to serve.
- What vodka is best for The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail? A clean, neutral vodka highlights raspberry; choose one infused with real berry if you want extra fruit flavor.
- How do I keep the bubbles longer? Chill all components thoroughly and pour at a 45° angle to preserve carbonation.
- Can I use frozen raspberries directly? Yes—just thaw them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before muddling to avoid watering down the drink.
- Is there a non-alcoholic version of The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail? Substitute vodka and Chambord with a raspberry shrub or cordial, then top with sparkling water.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail as much as I do—its gentle fizz, silk-smooth fruitiness, and nod to holiday tradition make every glass feel like a celebration. Share your photos and tweaks below; I can’t wait to see your festive spins on this classic blend.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Paloma Recipe: A Refreshing Tequila Cocktail – showcases citrusy bubbles alongside festive fruits
- Moscow Mule Recipe – zingy ginger notes that pair with sparkling mixers
- Mojito – minty brightness balances sweet berry flavors
- Negroni Recipe – herbal bitterness offers contrast to raspberry sweetness
The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 3 oz fresh raspberries
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
Spirits & Bubbles
- 2 oz vodka
- 0.75 oz Chambord
- 4 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
Instructions
Fruit Base
- Place raspberries and sugar in a mixing glass and muddle until the sugar dissolves and juices release, about 30 seconds.3 oz fresh raspberries
Spirits & Bubbles
- Add vodka and Chambord to the muddled fruit, fill with ice, and stir gently for 10 seconds.1 tsp granulated sugar
- Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute, pressing through a fine mesh to capture all color.
- Top with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with fresh raspberries or a rosemary sprig.2 oz vodka