You could try and serve something original during the holidays. But when the canon of sparkling cocktails is sitting right there, the question is why? There’s something so festive and so celebratory about anything with bubbles — just go with it.

But once you’ve landed on the category (bubbles), that’s where your creative vision can come to life. Stick with the super classics, the French 75s or champagne cocktails, or bring a little whimsy into it. When it comes to sparkling — anything goes. Champagne may feel the most festive, but if you want to save your best bottles for savoring solo, prosecco or cava work just fine. Go for sparkling rosé if you want to add some color. Don’t be afraid to branch out beyond wine, too: club soda or a dry sparkling hard cider can be lovely additions.

And for the base spirit — well, that’s the dealer’s choice too. The recipes below represent a wide array of options, from a sweet liqueur, to bittersweet amaros, to warming bourbon.

One thing: there’s been a movement to move away from flutes for serving sparkling wine (it doesn’t appear to do anything to enhance the taste), but many of these cocktails are so pretty, you won’t want to serve the drink in anything but a crystal-clear flute. My recommendation is to just go with it.

KIR ROYALE

Serves 1

You can’t go wrong with this timeless French classic that recalls a sort of adult Shirley Temple (in a good way). Bonus conversation starters: You and your guests can reminisce about your last Parisian trip over a flute of the slightly sweet (but not overly so) concoction. Go ahead and use the measurements below but know that you can pour on the fly too, which makes it a dream for holiday entertaining.

• 1⁄4 ounce cassis (or any berry-fruity liqueur)
• Sparkling wine to top
Glassware: Flute

Garnish: raspberry (optional)

Add the cassis to a fluted glass. Top with sparkling wine and serve.

AMERICANO

Serves 1

This cousin of the Negroni Sbagliato may be my all-time favorite aperitif for any time of year, but it works especially well during the holidays thanks to its pretty red color. Serve it in a highball glass if you want to get the full vacation-on-the-Italian-Riviera effect. The addition of sparkling water makes it feel like you’re doing double duty — hydrating and celebrating.

• 1 ounce sweet red vermouth
• 1 ounce Campari
• 3 ounces club soda
Glassware: Highball glass Garnish: Orange wheel or wedge

Add the vermouth and Campari to a highball glass and stir. Add ice, then top with the club soda. Garnish with an orange wheel or wedge straight into the glass.

BOURBON CIDER SMASH

Serves 1

For your brown spirit lovers, this appley cocktail encapsulates the cold weather cozy vibes. The new dry ciders coming out of California and the Finger Lakes of New York can give Normandy a run for their money. Truly delicious on their own, they make great sparkling wine dupes and pair especially well with bourbon. This recipe is basically a Bourbon sour topped with sparkling cider — my go-to for showing off the best that this category can offer.

• 1 1⁄2 ounces bourbon
• 3⁄4 ounce lemon juice
• 3⁄4 ounce simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
• 3 ounces sparkling dry hard cider Glassware: Flute
Garnish: Lemon ribbon or peel

In a shaker filled with ice, add the bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake until combined (around 15 seconds), then strain into a flute and top with the cider. Garnish with a pretty lemon ribbon or peel.