Cranberry & Star Anise Champagne Cocktails
It’s definitely a celebratory time of year and these cocktails are a great way to ring in 2015. I promise I’ve got plenty of smoothies, salads and wholesome recipes coming your way to balance out all of the sweets and booze from the holidays but in the meantime we still have a few more cocktails to drink before 2014 is over. I think these drinks will be a great addition to your New Years festivities (they’re also easy to make virgin!) I’ve shared many cranberry drinks over the years on the blog however, I’m going to be bold and say these sparklers just might be my new favorite. The cranberry and star anise simple syrup is heavenly. I love both of these ingredients separately but I’ve never thought to pair them together in the same recipe. I’m excited to see what else comes out of our kitchen highlighting them- I’m thinking cookies are next (after a big salad of course!)
I whipped these up the other day to celebrate the completion of our chicken tractor. I handed a drink to Taylor as soon as he came in from the field and aside from looking slightly awkward holding a bright pink drink with his big bushy beard, calloused hands, and muddy Carhartt pants I think he’ll be requesting these for New Years (hopefully we’ll be clinking glasses to celebrate the completion of our kitchen!) Have I mentioned winter projects are taking over our lives? Anyhow, we each enjoyed two drinks and then ate vanilla ice cream with the leftover simple syrup for dessert. The syrup really is divine.
I got the inspiration for these cocktails from the lovely ladies over at A Kitchen Box. They sent me a holiday themed box and all of the ingredients for these cocktails were included in the package (minus the champagne). The only change I made from the original recipe was subbing local honey for the sugar but feel free to use sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Regardless these will be delightful with either choice.
Happy Holidays everyone. All of us here at Tumbleweed Farm are raising a glass to you. Cheers!
Cranberry & Star Anise Champagne Cocktails
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 7-10 minutes Serves: 8 drinks
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup whole fresh cranberries
- 3 whole star anise
- Champagne/ sparkling wine/ sparkling cider for serving
Preparation
- Bring honey and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the cranberries and star anise; reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until you begin to hear the cranberries pop. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Place syrup in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Before serving strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve (save a few cranberries for garnish).
- To assemble place 2 Tablespoons of the simple syrup in each glass and top with your favorite bubbly. Garnish each glass with a few cranberries.
Notes
* The syrup can be refrigerated in a glass jar for up to a month.
What a sophisticated flavor combo. Love the colors, too. Cheers to 2015, Andrea!
It’s a great flavor combination Robyn! Give it a whirl this New Years. Cheers to you as well! xo
Nice post, things explained in details. Thank You.
Cheers, Andrea !! Your holiday drinks are delightful and most welcome. 🙂
Love your energy !
Happy New Year ~
Thank you for the sweet comment. Happy New Year!
Love how you add spices to cocktails. Happy new year to you!
What a beautiful festive cocktail! I like the unique combination of ingredients. Have a great New Year!