If you’re searching for the perfect festive cocktail that bursts with color, flavor, and a touch of sophistication, then this Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is your new best friend. Bright, bubbly, and beautifully balanced, this drink brings together Aperol’s bittersweet charm with the tartness of cranberry juice and the effervescence of Prosecco, creating a vibrant libation that’s both refreshing and elegant. Whether you’re welcoming guests, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is guaranteed to lift your spirits and brighten your glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of taste and texture. These easy-to-find essentials come together harmoniously to deliver a drink that’s visually stunning and refreshingly delicious.
- 3 oz. Aperol: The star of the show, offering a bittersweet orange flavor that makes this spritz uniquely bright.
- 1½ oz. cranberry juice cocktail: Adds a vibrant color and tart sweetness that perfectly complements the Aperol.
- 3 oz. Prosecco: Sparkling Italian wine that provides light bubbliness and a touch of crispness.
- Splash sparkling water: Adds a gentle fizz to keep the spritz refreshingly light.
- Orange wedges, fresh cranberries, and rosemary: These garnishes not only enhance the aroma but also elevate the presentation with a festive flair.
How to Make Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start by filling a wine glass halfway with crushed ice. This ensures your spritz stays chilled and refreshing from the first sip to the last drop.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Pour in 3 ounces of Aperol, followed by 1½ ounces of cranberry juice cocktail, then add 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco. Finally, top it off with a splash of sparkling water to give the spritz that lively fizz. Gently stir the mixture to blend the flavors without losing the bubbles.
Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish your Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe with an orange wedge, a handful of fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. These garnishes bring not only a festive look but also an inviting aroma that gets the senses tingling before your first sip.
How to Serve Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you personalize the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe and turn it into something extra special. Orange wedges impart a citrusy aroma, fresh cranberries add a pop of color and a hint of natural tartness, while a sprig of rosemary lends a lovely herbaceous note that complements the drink’s bright flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light and flavorful bites. Consider serving it alongside an assortment of cheese and charcuterie, crispy bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, or even simple roasted nuts to keep the evening relaxed and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive touch, try serving the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe in stemless wine glasses adorned with sugared rims made from crushed cranberries and sugar. Adding edible flowers or floating cranberries in the glass can also transform each sip into a feast for the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe tastes best fresh, if you find yourself with any leftover mix, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the sparkling water and Prosecco separate until ready to serve to maintain the bubbles.
Freezing
This spritz is not suitable for freezing, due to the carbonation and fresh ingredients which can lose their texture and flavor when frozen.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this cocktail, as it’s designed to be served cold and bubbly. If anything, just give it a gentle stir and add fresh ice before pouring.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberry juice is a wonderful substitute that can make your Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe a bit tarter and less sweet. You may want to adjust with a touch of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this spritz?
Yes, you can replace Aperol with a non-alcoholic bitters alternative or a splash of bitters-free orange syrup and swap Prosecco for sparkling white grape juice to keep the festive fizz without the alcohol.
What type of Prosecco is best for this recipe?
Go for a dry or extra dry Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the cranberry juice and Aperol, resulting in a perfectly harmonious cocktail.
Can I make this recipe for a large batch or party?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings, but keep sparkling water and Prosecco separate until serving to maintain the bubbles.
How do I make crushed ice easily at home?
Pop ice cubes into a clean kitchen towel and gently pound them with a rolling pin or mallet until they break into small pieces—perfect for chilling your spritz without watering it down too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is one of those delightful finds that instantly becomes a favorite, combining ease, elegance, and exceptional flavor in one gorgeous glass. Whether you’re welcoming guests or savoring a quiet evening, I can’t recommend giving this spritz a try enough—it’s a sparkling celebration in every sip!
Print
Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cranberry Aperol Spritz that combines the citrusy bitterness of Aperol with the tartness of cranberry juice, balanced by sparkling Prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. Perfect for a festive occasion or a light, elegant cocktail any time.
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 3 oz. Aperol
- 1½ oz. cranberry juice cocktail
- 3 oz. Prosecco
- Splash of sparkling water
- Orange wedges, fresh cranberries, and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Glass: Fill a wine glass halfway with crushed ice to chill the drink and keep it refreshingly cool.
- Mix Ingredients: Pour in the Aperol, cranberry juice cocktail, Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water into the glass. Stir gently to combine the flavors without losing carbonation.
- Garnish: Add an orange wedge, a few fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary to the rim or inside the glass for an aromatic and festive touch.
Notes
- Use cranberry juice cocktail for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Adjust sparkling water amount to taste for preferred fizz and dilution.
- Crushed ice chills the drink faster and dilutes it slightly for smooth flavor.
- Fresh rosemary adds aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This cocktail is best served immediately to enjoy the bubbles and fresh flavors.
