The Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler is a whimsical, festive cocktail that captures the magic of the holiday season in every sparkling sip. This enchanting drink is a mix of sweet and tart flavors, vibrant colors, and a touch of effervescence, perfect for holiday gatherings and special winter celebrations. Inspired by the elegance and dreamlike quality of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, this cocktail combines fruity liqueurs, sparkling wine, and a hint of plum for a holiday drink that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler is simple to make yet impressive enough to wow guests, making it an ideal choice for Christmas, New Year’s, or any festive event where you want to add a bit of magic to the evening.
This sparkling drink is as delightful to look at as it is to sip, with its delicate pink or purple hues, sparkling bubbles, and festive garnishes. The Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler is made with vodka, plum liqueur or syrup, a splash of cranberry juice, and topped with sparkling wine or prosecco for that perfect holiday fizz. It’s fruity, refreshing, and has just the right amount of sweetness, creating a drink that will transport you to a winter wonderland with each sip.
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz plum liqueur or plum syrup (for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened for balance)
- 3-4 oz sparkling wine or prosecco (for a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water or sparkling grape juice)
- Fresh plum slices or sugared cranberries, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Preparation
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, plum liqueur (or syrup), and cranberry juice. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
Step 2: Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or a festive glass of your choice.
Sp 3: Top with sparkling wine or prosecco, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.
Step 4: Garnish with a slice of fresh plum on the rim or a few sugared cranberries for a frosted, festive look.
This cocktail is best served immediately, as the sparkling wine or prosecco will retain its fizz and bring a delightful effervescence to each sip. The plum and cranberry flavors are brightened by the bubbly wine, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and crisp notes.
Variations
The Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler can be customized to suit your preferences or the occasion:
Non-Alcoholic Sugar Plum Sparkler: Replace the vodka and sparkling wine with sparkling grape juice or flavored sparkling water. You can still use plum syrup and cranberry juice for the festive flavor profile, making it a great option for all ages.
Spiced Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler: Add a hint of winter spices like cinnamon or nutmeg by infusing the vodka with a cinnamon stick for an hour before making the drink. This adds a cozy warmth to the cocktail, perfect for cold holiday nights.
Berry Fairy Sparkler: Substitute the plum liqueur with blackberry or raspberry liqueur for a slightly different fruity twist while maintaining the gorgeous color and sweet flavor.
Ginger Plum Sparkler: Add a splash of ginger liqueur or ginger ale to bring a bit of spicy warmth and complement the plum and cranberry flavors beautifully.
Cooking Note
For the perfect Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler, use a good-quality sparkling wine or prosecco that’s not overly sweet, as the other ingredients will bring enough sweetness to balance the drink. Chilling all ingredients ahead of time is essential, as this ensures the drink stays crisp and refreshing. Fresh or frozen plum slices work well for garnish, and if you can find sugared cranberries, they add a stunning, frosty finish that enhances the wintery feel of the cocktail.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler in elegant champagne flutes or coupe glasses for a sophisticated presentation. This drink pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, smoked salmon bites, or a charcuterie board with dried fruits and nuts. For a holiday brunch, this sparkling cocktail also complements savory dishes like quiche or a breakfast casserole. The fizzy, fruity nature of this drink makes it versatile enough for appetizers or main courses, adding a touch of celebration to any moment.
Tips
- For a bolder plum flavor, consider infusing the vodka with fresh plum slices a few hours before making the drink.
- Sugared cranberries are easy to make by tossing fresh cranberries in sugar after a light syrup coating—perfect for an extra festive garnish.
- Chill the glasses beforehand for a frosty presentation that helps keep the drink cooler for longer.
- Adjust the cranberry juice for tartness to balance the sweetness from the liqueur and sparkling wine.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 175 per serving
- Protein: 0 grams
- Sodium: 10 mg
FAQs
Can I use another fruit liqueur instead of plum liqueur?
Yes! Blackberry, raspberry, or even a mixed berry liqueur can work beautifully in this cocktail, offering a similar color and fruity sweetness.
What type of sparkling wine is best for this recipe?
A brut or dry prosecco works best to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. However, you can use a semi-sweet sparkling wine if you prefer a sweeter drink.
How do I make sugared cranberries for garnish?
Dip fresh cranberries in a simple syrup, let them sit for a few minutes, then roll them in granulated sugar and let them dry on a baking sheet. They’ll look frosty and festive, perfect for holiday garnishes.
Is there a way to make this cocktail less sweet?
Yes, use unsweetened cranberry juice and consider adding a splash of soda water to tone down the sweetness without losing the sparkle.
Can I make this as a batch cocktail?
Yes, you can easily multiply the ingredients and mix them in a large pitcher, but add the sparkling wine just before serving to retain the bubbles.
Conclusion
The Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler is a magical cocktail that brings together the sweet, fruity flavors of plum and cranberry with the celebratory fizz of sparkling wine. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this drink combines nostalgia with a fresh twist, making it a versatile and enchanting addition to your seasonal cocktail lineup. Garnish with sugared cranberries and plum slices for an extra festive touch, and enjoy the way each sip transports you into the fairy-tale world of The Nutcracker. Whether you’re sipping by the fireplace or sharing with friends at a holiday party, this cocktail is sure to add a bit of sparkle and joy to your festivities.
Print
Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz plum liqueur or plum syrup (for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened for balance)
- 3–4 oz sparkling wine or prosecco (for a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water or sparkling grape juice)
- Fresh plum slices or sugared cranberries, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, plum liqueur (or syrup), and cranberry juice. Add a handful of ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
Step 2: Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or a festive glass of your choice.
Step 3: Top with sparkling wine or prosecco, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles.
Step 4: Garnish with a slice of fresh plum on the rim or a few sugared cranberries for a frosted, festive look.
This cocktail is best served immediately, as the sparkling wine or prosecco will retain its fizz and bring a delightful effervescence to each sip. The plum and cranberry flavors are brightened by the bubbly wine, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and crisp notes.
Notes
For the perfect Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkler, use a good-quality sparkling wine or prosecco that’s not overly sweet, as the other ingredients will bring enough sweetness to balance the drink. Chilling all ingredients ahead of time is essential, as this ensures the drink stays crisp and refreshing. Fresh or frozen plum slices work well for garnish, and if you can find sugared cranberries, they add a stunning, frosty finish that enhances the wintery feel of the cocktail.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 175 per serving
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Protein: 0 grams