Cranberry juice in simple syrup creates a holiday-flavored base for this drink. Christmas Morning Sunrise is perfect for the holidays.
Jump to RecipeEnjoy the festivities of Christmas morning with a delicious cranberry cocktail that you can make ahead. We are calling this the Christmas Morning Sunrise because the cranberries make me think of the seasons and when layered, it looks a bit like a sunrise.
This reminds me a bit of a mimosa. It’s a drink that can be sipped and enjoyed with brunch. Most of it can be made ahead of time. It’s great for Christmas morning when you want something quick and easy.
I know the day is full of joy but can also be a bit stressful. Especially if you are hosting the dinner that evening. Make this for a quick way to relax in the morning and set the mood for the rest of the holiday.
Christmas Morning Sunrise Cocktail Step by Step
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 tbsp grenadine
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup chilled prosecco
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, cook the sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
Add cranberry juice and grenadine to the cooled simple syrup. This creates a simple syrup infused with cranberry flavors.
Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours. This can also be made up to two days in advance. Stop here and put this in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Make the rest of the drink when you are ready to serve.
Fill 4 glasses with ice and pour 1/4 cup of the cranberry simple syrup in each glass. Use the back of a spoon to slowly pour 1/2 cup of orange juice into each glass (do not stir). Slowly pour 1/4 cup of Prosecco over the back of a spoon on top of the orange juice (do not stir to get your sunrise effect). Serve immediately.
Leftovers
The drink will not keep once everything is poured. Only pour as many Christmas Morning Sunrise drinks as you plan to serve. The cranberry simple syrup can be returned to the refrigerator for a few more days.
Recipe
Originally Published On: December 4, 2020
Last Updated On: June 28, 2023
Christmas Morning Sunrise Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 tbsp grenadine
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup chilled prosecco
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, cook the sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes
- Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes
- Add cranberry juice and grenadine to the cooled simple syrup
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours
- Fill 4 glasses with ice and pour 1/4 cup of the cranberry simple syrup in each glass
- Use the back of a spoon to slowly pour 1/2 cup of orange juice into each glass (do not stir)
- Slowly pour 1/4 cup of Prosecco over the back of a spoon on top of the orange juice (do not stir)
- Serve immediately
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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- Christmas Morning Sunrise Cocktail
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- White Chocolate Blondies with Peppermint
- Christmas Sandwiches: A Family Holiday Tradition
- Peppermint Chocolate Ganache Thumbprint Cookies
- Coquito aka Puerto Rican Eggnog
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More Cocktail Drink Recipes to try
- 5 Ingredient Rum Runner Cocktail Recipe
- Amaretto Punch Slush
- Christmas Morning Sunrise Cocktail
- Prosecco Mimosa Recipe
- Homemade Creme de Menthe + Drink Recipes
- Spiked Hot Apple Cider
- Coquito aka Puerto Rican Eggnog
- Frozen Piña Colada
- Strawberry Pineapple Daiquiri
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- Classic Mojito Drink Recipe
- Orange Mojito: A Tangy Twist on the Classic Drink
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You had me at cocktail! We never make fun cocktails and I told my husband I really wanted to make more this holiday season! Such a fun recipe!
We don’t very often, either. But I wanted to try something a bit different because, why not?!
This sounds delicious – perfect for Christmas morning! Will make a nice change from our usual Buck’s Fizz!
Oh, I don’t know what a Buck’s Fizz is, I’ll have to look it up! I hope you enjoy this drink, too.
Perfect drink for Christmas morning!!! Looks amazing and so delicious…
Thanks! It’s a great drink and so yummy 🙂
I can’t wait for the holiday season to try it!
It’s good any time of the year, but especially at the holidays 🙂
Ooh it looks so pretty, I am definitely down for trying this recipe!
I love when they look so pretty and also taste so good!
I love that there are already posts for Christmas. I haven’t given this one a try.
This drink is tasty any time of the year, but really great for the holidays.
I love the color of the coctail! it looks so festive and fancy enough
It looks nice and tastes even better 🙂
I am not a fan of the taste of alcohol, but I do love cranberries
My daughter in law is big on mixology and entertaining. This is right up her alley! It sure looks pretty.
I don’t drink but I jus love the look of this cocktail.
I am definitely going to be making this for my Christmas Party! I might be the only one but I absolutely love cranberry juice!