Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or planning a cozy Christmas Eve with a festive drink in hand, these sparkling cocktails are easy, refreshing, and a little unexpected. Developed with help from Bourbon & Goose, the recipes combine bright fruit flavors—black currant, pear, cranberry, apple—with interesting accents like balsamic and caramel. A SodaStream adds lively fizz and makes it simple to customize each drink. Below are two seasonal favorites that are quick to mix and sure to impress.
We tested these drinks with a SodaStream Play for easy carbonation and a brighter finish. The machine makes sparkling water in seconds, and adding a flavored syrup or natural flavor lets you tailor each cocktail to taste. Try the black currant and pear for a deep, fruity option, or the sparkling apple for a lighter, spiced sipper. Both recipes are below, with simple steps to prepare and serve.
1 shot black spiced rum
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 shot fresh cranberry juice
SodaStream Sparkling Naturals Black Currant Pear flavor
Ice
To make the Black Currant & Cranberry Sparkler, prepare the SodaStream Sparkling Black Currant Pear according to the product directions. Fill a highball glass with plenty of ice. Add the balsamic vinegar and black spiced rum, then gently tilt the glass and slowly pour in the sparkling black currant pear mixture to preserve the bubbles. Stir lightly and serve immediately for a layered, fruity cocktail with a savory balsamic note.
1/2 shot Apple Pie Moonshine
1 shot fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/2 shot Cointreau (orange liqueur)
SodaStream Naturals Apple flavor
Ice
Caramel sauce (optional, for rimming)
The Apples to Apples Holiday Cocktail balances the strength of moonshine with bright citrus and sweet notes. First, prepare SodaStream Sparkling Apple following the package instructions. If you like, rim a lowball glass with caramel sauce for a festive touch. Fill the glass with ice, then add lemon juice, apple pie moonshine, maple syrup and Cointreau. Slowly pour in the sparkling apple water to maintain effervescence, stir gently, and enjoy a well-rounded drink that’s both sweet and tart.
All photos by Jeff Mindell
With a few seasonal ingredients, bubbly water, and simple assembly, these sparkling cocktails make holiday entertaining effortless. Pair with cookies or small bites and add a sprig of mistletoe for a playful touch. Cheers, and drink responsibly!
Photography: Jeff Mindell
Cocktail Recipes: Bourbon & Goose
Styling + Creative Direction: Studio DIY
This post was sponsored by SodaStream. All opinions are my own. Read and follow local guidelines and drink responsibly.