Marasca Fizz

Is there anything more festive than a Champagne cocktail? Crisp bubbles serve as the ideal counterpart for the sweet and tart notes of cherry liqueur and cherry syrup, while a sugar rim adds a bit of extra visual intrigue. This is definitely a cocktail for celebrations, but the recipe is simple enough that I’m tempted to make one on an ordinary Wednesday night, just because. —Oset Babür-Winter

Frequently asked questions

What are bitters?

“Bitters,” explains Christa Cotton, CEO of El Guapo Bitters, “add complexity to cocktails and bring forward different expressions within spirits.” They shine in non-alcoholic cocktails, too. “Aside from adding a depth of flavor to spirited concoctions, they also can be used to balance flavor and are great on their own as a natural flavoring for club soda,” Cotton adds. Here’s our handy guide to using bitters more effectively in your cocktails.

What is Champagne?

Champagne is a sparkling wine that bears the name of the region it comes from. In order to bear the name on its label, a Champagne must be made according to a long, strictly regulated list of requirements that govern every step of the production process from grape to glass. This covers details like the permitted grape varieties, which we'll get into a bit later on, along with pruning, grape yields, the winemaking method (the Méthode Champenoise, or Traditional Method), minimum alcohol levels, a minimum storage period (15 months) prior to release, and more.

What can I use instead of cherry liqueur?

While cherry liqueur really is a fundamental ingredient in this cocktail, you can substitute Chambord, an easy-to-find raspberry liqueur.

Notes From the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

While the Marasca Fizz calls for Champagne to add effervescence and that signature yeasty flavor to this cherry-forward cocktail, you can use other sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco in a pinch. Cava will make your drink a little drier and crisper, while Prosecco will add some additional sweetness. Feeling extra creative? I love to use sparkling Chenin Blanc in cocktails, or even a non-alcoholic sparkling wine to make a lower-ABV version of this party-ready drink. —OBW