Searching for a festive, delicious New Year’s eve cocktail? These Champagne floats require just two ingredients, are easy and fast to make, and are the perfect way to celebrate the New Year, Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, a bridal shower, and any other special occasion!
Nothing says "celebrate!" like a glass of bubbly Champagne!
Whatever you are celebrating, a Champagne Float is the perfect drink to toast to any occasion. Even if that occasion is simply Wine Wednesday!
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🍾 Champagne Floats
Champagne Floats are one of my favorite celebratory drinks for so many reasons.
- This delicious recipe is easy to make. No special equipment required!
- Require just two simple ingredients.
- Can be made non-alcoholic.
- Customize the flavors to suit your fancy or to coordinate with your party colors!
🥂 2-ingredient cocktail
Sherbet - You can use any flavor sherbet you like for this Champagne cocktail. I love the look and taste of orange sherbet, but you could also use mango sherbet, raspberry sherbet, or strawberry sherbet.
Make sure you use sherbet (with milk) and not sorbet (without milk), as that's a different cocktail altogether ;)
Champagne- For the best flavor, and to celebrate very special occasions, use your favorite traditional brut Champagne. Only sparkling wines made in the traditional method in the Champagne region of France can actually be officially called Champagne; everything else must be labeled as sparkling wine.
Since true Champagne does cost more than sparkling wine, you can always substitute your favorite sparkling wine instead.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
- Scoop out sherbet and place in the middle of a glass.
TIP: Make it a small scoop, since the sherbet will melt and you don't want it eventually overflowing the glass - Pour Champagne over sherbet.
TIP: Only pour enough Champagne to fill the glass about halfway up, since the sherbet combined with the Champagne will bubble up and create a foamy top layer. You also want to make allowances for the melting of the sherbet over time.
The recipe calls for about ½ cup, but this amount really depends on the size and shape of your wine glass.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
🥄 Kitchen tools and equipment
You really only need one kitchen tool to make this cocktail. No cocktail shaker required!
Ice cream scoop - Most ice cream scoops are heavier than spoons in order to scoop the ice cream out smoothly without much muscle. But you can also always use a regular ol' spoon to scoop out the sherbet!
Wine glass - A note about the wine glasses you will want to use for this particular cocktail. Because the sherbet scoop takes up considerable space, and to make scooping the sherbet into the glass easier, you'll want to use a wide wine glass, such as a Champagne coupe (these Martha Stewart Coupe Glasses are super cute for Valentine's Day or anniversaries!).
Avoid using a traditional champagne flute, as those tend to be very thin and also delicate.
🥂 Cocktail FAQs
Of course! You don't have to use official Champagne, you can use any sparkling wine that you love.
Substituting non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider, lemon lime soda, or even ginger ale for the Champagne can be a great way to make the floats alcohol-free.
Because the sherbet melts at room temperature, it's best to make this right before serving. Thankfully, it just takes a minute to make, so it's easy to whip up on the spot as each guest arrives!
🍽 What to serve with champagne sherbet floats?
Depending on your special occasion, there are several different dishes that would complement the flavors of champagne floats. In general, try one of these appetizer, main course, and dessert recipes.
- The Ultimate Grazing Table
- Gougere Bites
- Ricotta Crostini with Berries
- Ham, Mozzarella, and Melon "Caprese" Bites
- Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
- Funfetti Cookie Bars
- Air Fryer Lobster Tails
More holiday cocktail recipes
Want to try a unique cocktail? Try this Airmail Cocktail recipe!
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Champagne Float
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Sherbet (like orange, raspberry, mango, or strawberry)
- ½ cup Champagne
Instructions
- Scoop out sherbet and place into the center of a wide drinking glass, such as a Champagne coupe.
- Slowly pour well chilled Champagne or sparkling wine over the sherbet until the glass is about halfway filled.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
NIc says
So fun and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Alison says
I know what I'm making tonight to ring in the New Year! The sherbert and champagne are a delicious and festive duo!
Emily Flint says
What a fun idea! We had to try these ahead of time to make sure they were a good choice for our NYE party and we loved them! HAving them again this weekend!
Shadi Hasanzade says
Love all the ingredients, can’t wait to try this! It looks so delicious and easy!
Sharon says
These champagne floats are like the grown-up version of the party punch I would drink as a kid.