This post is sponsored by Stirrings. I have received sample products for writing this post.  All content and opinions are mine.

How is it possible the year is almost over?! I swear every year goes faster than the last. With a whirlwind Christmas trip from New York to California I’m looking forward to a quiet and relaxing New Year’s Eve at home.

My go-to NYE dish is a Jalapeño Popper Dip, which is so good I’m not sure why I only  make it once a year?? But this champagne cocktail is definitely my go-to NYE drink. I’m a big fan of mimosas made with cranberry juice, and this is like a grown up version of that.

The cranberry orange base is very similar to our homemade Thanksgiving cranberry sauce and only takes a few minutes to whip up. The cranberries with Stirrings Pomegranate Martini Mix and fresh pomegranate arils make the entire drink festive! I just love the bright color.

Stirrings is having a Holiday Blogger Mixology Challenge and this Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail is my submission. Stirrings has a huge selection of cocktail mixes and even rimmer garnishes, available at Super 1 Foods, Roasters, Yokes and Winter Ridge Natural Foods. Make sure to follow their social media accounts (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter) to see more recipe ideas! If I win the challenge…maybe you’ll even see mine on there! Search #StirringsMixologyContest to see the other entries.

I hope everyone has a wonderful end of 2016 and a very happy New Year!

~Stephanie

Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 navel orange, peeled and quartered
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water
• Stirrings Pomegranate Martini Mix
• Champagne
• Fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh pomegranate arils for topping (optional)

1. In small saucepan heat the cranberries, orange, orange zest, sugar and water. Simmer until berries and orange have broken down, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool.
2. Add about one tablespoon of the cranberry mixture into the bottom of each champagne glass.
3. Pour 1 oz Stirrings Pomegranate Martini Mix into each glass.
4. Top each glass with champagne and garnish with rosemary and pomegranate arils if desired.
5. Makes 6 drinks.