Sparkling Raspberry Chambord Prosecco Cocktail

This Prosecco cocktail made with Chambord Raspberry Liqueur and fresh raspberries is a beautiful cocktail for any celebration. Refreshing and impressive, this is a beautiful Christmas cocktail and perfect for Valentine’s Day.

The first time I ever had Prosecco, Bob and I were sitting in the back room at Nick’s Italian Cafe in McMinneville, Oregon. Having the opportunity to dine at Nicks was a special event its own right as Nick’s has been a highly celebrated restaurant serving Oregon Wine Country since 1977.

And celebrating that dining experience became even more special with my first sip of Prosecco. Fresh and fizzy, I was smitten. Boisterous in flavor, I knew I had found a new favorite sparkling wine.

At that moment, I felt I liked it better than Champagne.

What’s The Difference Between Champagne and Prosecco?

Fast forward ten years to my time spent in Culinary School. The first six weeks of my training were spent studying wines of the world.

We explored every single wine region and were taught the different processes for making wine and the rules and regulatory factors that dictate production from each AVA.

So what’s the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?

The simple difference is that in order for a sparkling wine to be called Champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region of France, which is approximately eighty miles northeast of Paris. Champagne is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It’s made using the Traditional Method.

Prosecco comes from Italy.

A sparkling wine produced mainly in Veneto, about fifteen miles north of Venice. The grape used is primarily Glera. Prosecco is made using the Tank Method.

The tank method is less time and labor intensive than the traditional method used in making Champagne, therefore the cost of Prosecco is less expensive.

Christmas Prosecco Cocktail

This festive Prosecco cocktail came to life last year when I attended our December Holiday Book Club at my neighbor Lynn’s home.

Her holiday lunch buffet included these lively Champagne flutes that included a base of red Chambord Raspberry liqueur, sparkling bubbling Prosecco, then topped with floating baubles of raspberries.

How To Make This Prosecco Cocktail

Creating this layered effect is quite easy. Here’s how it goes:

• Spoon one teaspoon of Chambord Raspberry Liqueur into each Champagne flute.
• Spoon in 3 – 4 fresh raspberries.
• Hold a spoon inside the glass just above the raspberries and raspberry liqueur.
• Slowly pour the champagne over the spoon, steadily pulling the spoon up as you pour.
• The raspberries will follow that flow of liquid and find their way to the top of the glass.

Make Ahead Christmas Cocktail

These Prosecco cocktails can be partially prepared in advance. Always helpful when hosting a holiday party.

About thirty minutes before guests arrive, line up the glasses and pour the Chambord into each flute. Drop in the raspberries.

Once guests have assembled, pop the cork and add the Prosecco to each glass. Guests will admire your skill for keeping the Chambord and Prosecco layers separate, and enjoy watching that spoon trick.

Once the Prosecco has been poured into each glass, you’re ready for your holiday toast. Let the celebration begin.

What Appetizers Go With Prosecco?

Prosecco is a very food friendly wine. It pairs well with cured meats, antipasto, and almonds. It’s lovely with stuffed mushrooms and famous for its kinship with spicy Asian food. It’s good with smoked salmon and chilled shrimp. And excellent with Sushi.

If you’re interested in food and wine pairings, Culinary School gave us a great book, What to Drink with What You Eat. A comprehensive guide to matching food and drink.

Recipe for Raspberry Chambord Christmas Prosecco Cocktail

And not to slight Valentine’s Day, this is an ideal cocktail to serve for your special Valentine’s Day date night dinner.

I hope you give this Prosecco cocktail a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating, and leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

And if you have any favorite Prosecco cocktail recipes, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

And if you’re looking for more Party Cocktail Recipes, don’t miss my Beverages and Appetizers Category, you’ll find lots of unique party drink ideas. Including the most popular recipe for my Thanksgiving Cocktail, Pumpkin Pie Martini.