Spiced Orange & Cranberry Sparkler

Effervescent & Festive!

A vibrant, festive drink that can be made as a cocktail or a refreshing mocktail.

Ingredients

2 oz Cranberry Juice (unsweetened/tart for best results)

1 oz Fresh Orange Juice

½ oz Spiced Simple Syrup (simmer equal parts sugar and water with a cinnamon stick and cloves)

4 oz Chilled Sparkling Wine (Prosecco or Dry Cava) OR Ginger Ale for a mocktail

Garnish: A fresh rosemary sprig and 3–4 frozen grapes (to match your duck!)

Instructions

The Base: In a chilled glass (a champagne flute or wine glass works beautifully), stir together the cranberry juice, orange juice, and spiced syrup.

he Sparkle: Slowly top the glass with your chilled sparkling wine or ginger ale. Stir very gently once to combine without losing the bubbles.

The Garnish: Drop in the frozen grapes—these act as "ice cubes" that won't water down the drink.

The Aroma: Gently slap a rosemary sprig against your hand to release the oils and tuck it into the glass.

Why it pairs perfectly

Acidity: The tart cranberry juice balances the heavy rendered fat from the duck and potatoes.

Herbal Connection: The rosemary garnish ties directly into the herbs used on the roasted duck.

Effervescence: Bubbles act as a palate cleanser, making every bite of that rich meat feel like the first one.

Quick Tips

For a Cocktail: Add 1 oz of Gin or Vodka to the base for a more robust drink.

Batching: You can mix the juices and syrup in a pitcher ahead of time and just add the bubbles right as you serve dinner.

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