A Minnesota Good-Bye (Cranberry French 75) Recipe

This drink, from Nathaniel Smith of Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis, hits all the right holiday notes: simmered tart cranberries, toasty spices, some piney gin, and a topper of bubbly. It's ideal for batching in advance of a party. The cranberry cordial can be made up to several weeks ahead, and the cocktail mix can be combined an hour or two before your guests arrive.

A sparkling cocktail is the perfect drink for holiday gatherings. They’re festive, spritzy, and simple to make. If you’re making a cocktail with sparkling wine, a bit of juice, and some spirits, you’re riffing on the classic French 75 (made with gin and lemon juice).

Here’s a tart and blushing variation from Nathaniel Smith of Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. It requires a little more effort, but it hits all the right holiday notes: warm spices, like star anise, cinnamon, and clove; fragrant citrus peels; and simmered tangy cranberries, with a little dry Cava to perk it all up. You'll start by making an easy homemade cranberry cordial, which can be batched up and stored in the fridge for several weeks. Toasting the spices for the cordial helps bring out their flavors, and the mix balances sugar with bright lime and the popped berries.

The mixed cocktail can be pre-batched, too: You'll measure out gin and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, add the cranberry elixir, then stash it in your fridge before your guests arrive. Each ice-filled glass gets a little of the cocktail mix, a little of the bubbly, and, if you want to get extra fancy, a little cranberry garnish on top.

The name, says Smith, refers to a local custom: "A Minnesota good-bye is a standoff in manners; basically, no one can leave first for fear of being rude. It's annoying." But, he adds, "during the holidays, it's welcome, to spend those last few minutes with cousins, a few more hugs with family, making plans with friends. This cocktail is for celebrating, and taking those extra few minutes with loved ones."

Also try these festive sparkling cocktail riffs: a Salzburg 75, Silver Daisy, or Bellisimo Aceto.