Have a bubbly, red and robust treat this holiday season with the Cherry-Thyme Prosecco cocktail.
Like the song says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Your friends and family are gathered together, the blazing yule roars and crackles in the fireplace, and plates are heaped and piled with delicious, succulent food. Outside, it’s beyond cold, with a chilly wind swirling around the windows, pushing and pulling the falling snow all around.
Of course, drinks will be had. This celebration only comes once every twelve months, so holiday cheer and strong spirits are often the party’s most honored guests. With good reason, too. It isn’t just the tradition of gifts and company, but the season also inspires revelry and joy, as well as a bevy of adult beverages that come out to play when Santa’s in his sleigh.
The kids might be excited to be opening their presents come Christmas morning, but you’re looking forward to your own special tradition, and sharing it with all of the tired and worn-out grown-ups that are half-asleep around the trimmed and twinkling tree.
The Cherry-Thyme Prosecco Cocktail is a fizzy, sweet and invigorating Yuletide tipple. While there are plenty of themed drinks you can enjoy, this recipe is great any time of the day during your winter break. Even early on Christmas morning.
What is the best prosecco to use in a Cherry-Thyme Prosecco Cocktail?
Through my own adventures in the alcoholic beverage world, I’ve discovered that when you need to add some bubbly to any concoction, a dry and semi-sweet variety is often the best choice. It will neither be too sweet or too crisp, and will meld with the other ingredients in a balanced way. Try a Mionetto or even a Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs when mixing this libation up this Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 can whole cherries (10 ounces) not pie filling, but canned cherries
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme plus more for garnish
- 1 bottle of prosecco or sparkling white wine chilled
- Lemon wedges for squeezing over the drink
Instructions
- Drain the cherry juice into a saucepan. Put the cherries in a jar for later.
- Simmer the juice and thyme over low heat for about 5 minutes. Take off the heat and let cool.
- Pour the cooled juice over the cherries.
- Put about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cherry juice in the bottom of each champagne glass. Then, add one cherry to each glass. Pour the prosecco over the cherries to fill the glasses. Garnish with a small sprig of thyme and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Grab some champagne flutes to serve and enjoy this cocktail out of. Garnish with some fresh sprigs of thyme. You can even light the thyme on fire with a lighter or a match for some extra smoky ambiance.
Where can I procure fresh thyme?
Check your local farmers’ market or garden center at your local hardware store when searching for a fresh source for this cocktail’s integral ingredient.
Other holiday cocktails worth trying
Season’s greetings have suddenly snuck up on us all, and now your house is filled with guests and revellers. There’s food aplenty, but people have started asking for some themed drinks. Well, it is the time of year for giving, and instead of stressing yourself out, why not let Twist & Toast help with a few recipe ideas?
- Christmas Punch – Entertaining a large group this year? Here’s a bowl full of cheer.
- Eggnog White Russian – A creamy and spiced libation, perfect for Christmas.
- Christmas Martini – Leave this drink and some cookies out for Santa.
- Grinch – You can’t be grumpy with a Grinch or two in your hands.
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