The Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a dazzling cocktail that brings together the bright citrusy bitterness of Aperol, the tart complexity of cranberry juice, and the crisp effervescence of Prosecco. This vibrant, ruby-hued spritz is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party, a summer evening gathering, or just a laid-back happy hour at home.
Aperol Spritz is already a beloved Italian classic, known for its balance of bittersweet flavors and refreshing bubbly finish. By incorporating cranberry juice, this version takes on a delightful seasonal twist, adding depth and a festive touch to an already elegant drink. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be served in single glasses or as a pitcher for larger gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Aperol Spritz
✔️ Perfect for the holidays – Its bold red color and fresh cranberry garnish make it a stunning addition to any festive table.
✔️ Easy to make – No cocktail shaker required—just pour, stir, and enjoy!
✔️ Balanced flavors – The bitterness of Aperol, the tartness of cranberry, and the bubbly Prosecco create a perfectly harmonized drink.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, add different garnishes, or even make it non-alcoholic!
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 60 ml (2 oz) Aperol – The heart of the drink, adding its signature bittersweet orange and herbal notes.
- 90 ml (3 oz) Prosecco – A dry, crisp sparkling wine that enhances the spritz’s refreshing quality.
- 30 ml (1 oz) cranberry juice – Adds tartness and a stunning deep red hue. Use unsweetened for a more bitter cocktail or sweetened for a milder version.
- 30 ml (1 oz) soda water – For that signature spritz fizz and balance.
- Ice cubes – To keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Garnishes: Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
How to Make Cranberry Aperol Spritz
- Prepare your glass – Fill a large wine glass or balloon glass with plenty of ice cubes to keep the drink perfectly chilled.
- Add Aperol and cranberry juice – Pour the Aperol first, then the cranberry juice, allowing the flavors to layer beautifully.
- Top with Prosecco and soda water – Gently pour in the Prosecco, followed by soda water, and stir lightly to combine.
- Garnish and serve – Drop in some fresh cranberries, add an orange slice for a citrusy aroma, and finish with a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic, festive flair.
- Enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 9g
- Alcohol Content: ~11-12% ABV
Tips & Variations
1. Make It Sweeter or More Tart
- If you prefer a sweeter spritz, use sweetened cranberry juice or add a splash of simple syrup.
- For a more tart and bitter version, use unsweetened cranberry juice and add a squeeze of fresh lemon.
2. Choose the Right Prosecco
- A dry (Brut or Extra Dry) Prosecco works best to keep the cocktail refreshing.
- If you like a sweeter spritz, try a Demi-Sec Prosecco for a touch more sweetness.
3. Make It Non-Alcoholic
Want to enjoy a mocktail version? Simply replace the Aperol with a mix of orange juice and a dash of bitters, and swap Prosecco for sparkling white grape juice or soda water.
4. Try Different Garnishes
- A cinnamon stick adds warmth and spice, perfect for winter gatherings.
- A sprig of mint instead of rosemary makes it feel more summery.
- Pomegranate arils can be used instead of cranberries for a more exotic twist.
5. Make a Large Batch for Parties
Hosting a gathering? Make a pitcher of Cranberry Aperol Spritz to serve multiple guests effortlessly.
Pitcher Recipe (Serves 6)
- 360 ml (12 oz) Aperol
- 540 ml (18 oz) Prosecco
- 180 ml (6 oz) cranberry juice
- 180 ml (6 oz) soda water
- Ice, fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher filled with ice, stir gently, and serve in individual glasses.
When to Serve Cranberry Aperol Spritz
This cocktail is incredibly versatile and suits various occasions, including:
🎄 Holiday parties – Its festive red color makes it perfect for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
☀️ Summer brunches – The crisp, fruity flavors are wonderfully refreshing on a hot day.
🎉 Casual get-togethers – Easy to make and serve, making it ideal for dinner parties and happy hours.
💍 Weddings & bridal showers – Its elegance and color fit beautifully into celebratory events.
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