These sparkling gin cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve!

Celebrate the most spectacular season of the year with sparkling gin cocktail recipes! Our Master Mixologist, Maria, has made four beautiful bubbly tipples with Codorníu Cava Non Vintage Brut, which our lucky members received in their December 2020 Gin of the Month box as part of our fabulous Cocktail of the Month, the Gin Star Martini.

Each one of these festive cocktails is fabulously fizzy and absolutely perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve!

What is Cava?

We’ve all heard the name, of course, but did you know that it’s a sparkling wine originating in Spain and made using what’s referred to as the ‘traditional method’ – the technique used to make the finest Champagne in France? In this method, the wine is left in the bottle with yeast, where bubbles form naturally and the liquid gains it’s distinctive (not to mention delicious!) flavour.

Where did it all begin?

The history of Cava is deeply entwined with the history of the remarkable Codorníu family, who have been tending to vineyards and making wine since the 16th century, starting with Jaume Codorníu.

Fast-forward to 1872, when Jaume’s descendent Josep Raventós was inspired by his travels to the Champagne region of France. He brought home their method of making sparkling wine and used it to create a fizz using the delicious grape varieties of Catalonia. The result was Cava, and it didn’t take long for it to become the toast of the town.

18 generations on, Cava is beloved by connoisseurs the world over.

What does it taste like?

That depends! A Cava’s flavour depends on its terroir — or where it’s made — along with the grape varieties used and how long it’s aged.  

 Where is it from?

Just as Champagne must come from a certain region of France, Cava must be from Spain. Traditionally it’s made in Catalonia, famous for its Pyrenean peaks, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, as well as its world-renowned vineyards. The terroir of this beautiful coastal area comes through in the flavours of Codorníu Cava Non Vintage Brut.

How should I drink it?

Codorníu Cava is fabulous on its own or served as an aperitif alongside canapes, dried fruits or nuts.

It’s also a lovely addition to cocktails. Gin and Cava can pair to make some truly spectacular mixed drinks – just sample Craft Gin Club’s Gin Star Martini and you will know why!

When is Cava best to drink?

Popping open a bottle of Codorníu Cava is a great way to toast any special moment!

Here are our three top tips for creating spectacularly sparkling cocktails!

1) Wait for the last possible moment to add your Cava to your cocktail. Adding your sparkling wine to a cocktail shaker or mixing glass will mean it loses all its effervescent bubbles and pizzazz, so top up your cocktail with Cava just before garnishing and serving.

2) The glassware you use can make all the difference! It affects the aroma, appearance and even bubbles of Cava. We recommend using a Champagne flute, tulip flute, Champagne coupe or white wine glass to showcase the quality of Codorníu Cava.

3) You can top up many of your favourite cocktails with Cava – even if the original recipe doesn’t call for it. Simply halve the amount of gin in the recipe and top up with a splash of Codorníu Cava before serving. Cocktails which have been adapted in this way often have the word ‘Royale’ added on the end – for example, an Aviation Royale or Negroni Royale.