Twinkle Cocktail

The Twinkle Cocktail is one of those champagne cocktails that feels made for celebration, especially when the lights are low and the glasses are clinking. The first time I served this drink was at a New Year gathering where everyone wanted something light but still special, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table.

What makes this cocktail stand out is how simple it is while still feeling festive. Vodka and elderflower liqueur give it a clean base with gentle floral notes, while Champagne brings the sparkle people expect from holiday cocktails. The edible gold glitter adds a playful touch that makes the drink feel like an event all on its own.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Twinkle Cocktail checks a lot of boxes for anyone hosting during the holidays. It is light, refreshing, and visually impressive without being complicated. This is the kind of drink that makes people feel like you planned ahead, even if you did not.

• It uses only a few easy-to-find ingredients.
• The flavor is light with soft floral notes.
• Champagne keeps the drink crisp and celebratory.
• Edible gold glitter adds instant visual appeal.
• It works well as a welcome drink or toast.
• It fits naturally into holiday cocktails and New Year cocktails menus.

Once you serve one round, guests usually ask for another.

Ingredients

The ingredients for a Twinkle Cocktail are simple, but each one plays a clear role. Together, they create a drink that feels balanced and elegant. Using chilled ingredients makes a noticeable difference in both taste and texture.

• 1 oz vodka, chilled
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
• Champagne, chilled
• Edible gold glitter
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Vodka provides a clean base that lets the other flavors shine. Elderflower liqueur adds a light floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with bubbles. Champagne brings brightness and structure, while the lemon twist adds a fresh citrus aroma.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Because this cocktail is spirit-forward but delicate, choosing smooth brands helps keep the flavor balanced. You do not need luxury bottles, but clean profiles matter. There are also easy substitutions if you need them.

• Vodka: Tito’s, Ketel One, or Absolut all work well for a smooth finish.
• Elderflower liqueur: St Germain is the most common choice and blends easily.
• Champagne: A dry brut Champagne keeps the drink from becoming too sweet.
• Prosecco substitute: Works well if you prefer a softer bubble.
• Non-alcoholic option: Use elderflower syrup and sparkling water instead of alcohol.

Sticking with dry sparkling wine keeps the drink crisp.

Equipment and Glassware

You do not need many tools to make this cocktail, which makes it great for entertaining. Presentation matters more than technique here. A clean glass and cold ingredients do most of the work.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Champagne flute
• Bar Spoon

A Champagne flute highlights the bubbles and keeps the drink lively. Make sure glasses are chilled for the best result.

How to Make It

The Twinkle Cocktail comes together quickly, which is helpful when serving guests. The goal is to lightly chill and combine the base before adding bubbles. Once topped with Champagne, the drink is ready to shine.

1. Add the chilled vodka and elderflower liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Seal the shaker and give it a brief, sharp shake to chill and combine.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled Champagne flute.
4. Top with chilled Champagne until the glass is nearly full.
5. Sprinkle a small pinch of edible gold glitter into the glass and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.

Avoid over-stirring once the Champagne is added to preserve carbonation.

Pro Tips

Small details make a big difference with champagne cocktails. These tips help keep the Twinkle Cocktail looking and tasting its best. They are especially useful when making more than one drink.

• Chill everything. Cold ingredients keep bubbles lively.
• Shake briefly. Over-shaking can water down the base.
• Use glitter sparingly. A little goes a long way visually.
• Choose dry Champagne. This balances the elderflower sweetness.
• Strain carefully. Keeps ice shards out of the glass.
• Add garnish last. This keeps the lemon aroma fresh.
• Serve right away. Sparkling drinks are best fresh.

Once comfortable, adjust the elderflower amount slightly to taste.

Variations

This cocktail is easy to adjust while keeping its celebratory feel. Small changes can suit different preferences or occasions. These variations stay close to the original spirit of the drink.

• Swap vodka for gin for a more botanical profile.
• Use prosecco instead of Champagne for a lighter finish.
• Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
• Skip the glitter for a clean, minimalist look.
• Make a mocktail using elderflower syrup and sparkling water.

Each version keeps the drink light and festive.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Twinkle Cocktail fits naturally into moments that call for bubbles. It works well before dinner or as a toast drink. The flavor pairs best with lighter foods.

• Serve at New Year celebrations or holiday parties.
• Offer as a welcome drink for guests.
• Pair with seafood appetizers like shrimp or oysters.
• Enjoy alongside cheese boards with soft cheeses.
• Serve with light desserts like shortbread or fruit.

It sets a celebratory tone without overwhelming the palate.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail should always be made fresh. Champagne loses carbonation quickly once opened, so plan to mix drinks close to serving time. Keep bottles chilled until the last minute.

If serving a group, pre-measure vodka and elderflower liqueur to speed things up. Add Champagne individually to each glass for the best texture.

FAQs

Champagne cocktails often raise a few quick questions. These answers help keep things simple and stress-free.

Is this cocktail sweet?
It is lightly sweet with a floral note, balanced by dry Champagne.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best made fresh to keep the bubbles intact.

Does edible glitter affect flavor?
No, it is purely visual when used in small amounts.

Can I use flavored vodka?
Plain vodka works best to keep flavors balanced.

What glass is best?
A Champagne flute keeps bubbles lively and presentation clean.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Twinkle Cocktail, here are a few more champagne cocktails and celebratory drinks worth trying. They fit perfectly into holiday cocktails and New Year cocktails menus.

• Kir Royale: Classic bubbles with blackcurrant flavor.
• French 75: Bright citrus with a sparkling finish.
• Bellini: Peach-forward and smooth, great for brunch.
• Strawberry Champagne Margarita: A bubbly twist on a favorite.
• Raspberry Lemon Drop: Citrus and berry notes with sparkle.