Stir together the first 4 ingredients in a large pitcher; chill until ready to serve.
Pour about 1/3 cup cranberry mixture into each of 16 champagne glasses.
Fill each glass with sparkling wine; garnish if desired.
*Sugared cranberries-roll fresh cranberries in light corn syrup; remove from syrup with a fork, shaking off excess; dredge in sugar, and let dry on a wire rack; thread several sugared cranberries on a wooden pick, and place in each glass.