Cranberry Aperol Spritz – A Festive Twist on the Classic Cocktail
If you’re looking for a festive cocktail for holiday celebrations, then you will love my Cranberry Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe. This winter aperol spritz is like a classic aperol spritz, except we’ve added cranberry juice, orange juice, and fun garnishes like fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to get in the holiday spirit. You will love my cranberry aperol spritz recipe!
It truly doesn’t get easier than this winter cranberry aperol spritz! It’s the perfect cocktail because you can prep it ahead (just top with soda water and bubbly prosecco immediately before serving), and it makes use of fresh orange juice and orange slice during peak citrus season!
And whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a holiday party, my fried goat cheese balls, Sicilian arancini, cranberry orange whiskey sour, and tagliatelle al ragu are all holiday-worthy!
Ingredients
- Aperol Liquor – This bright orange Italian aperitif brings a bittersweet, citrusy flavor that’s the heart of the spritz. Aperol’s low alcohol content makes it perfect for light, easygoing cocktails that won’t weigh you down.
- Cranberry Juice (unsweetened) – Tart cranberry juice balances out the Aperol’s sweetness.
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice – Fresh orange juice adds a burst of natural sweetness and bright acidity that complements the Aperol perfectly.
- Prosecco – This bubbly Italian wine tops off the drink with just the right amount of sparkle and a light, fruity finish.
- Fresh Cranberries and Orange Slice (garnish) – These festive garnishes not only make your drink look stunning but also add a hint of fresh flavor.
- Ice –. Larger ice cubes melt slower!
Substitutions and Additions
- Swap out Prosecco with Cava – Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, has a slightly different flavor profile but still brings the same bubbly joy to your spritzer while often being a bit more budget-friendly. You can also use champagne for ths holiday cocktail.
- Rosemary Sprig – Adding a fresh rosemary sprig as a garnish adds a subtle, aromatic herbaceous note that complements the citrus and cranberry. It also adds a festive touch to your winter cocktail.
- Simple Syrup – A splash of simple syrup (start with ¼ ounce) can balance out the tartness of the cranberry juice, especially if you prefer a slightly sweeter cranberry orange aperol spritz.
- Soda Water – You can add some soda water to further dilute the cocktail and add some extra bubbles if you’d like!
How to Make a Cranberry Aperol Spritz
- First, add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed orange juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Next, add 2 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice. You can use cranberry juice cocktail if you want a sweeter drink. After adding the cranberry juice, you’ll add 2 ounces of Aperol.
3. Add ice and shake well until everything is nicely chilled. Fill a glass with ice, then strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
4. Add 2-3 ounces of chilled Prosecco to the glass, depending on how bubbly you want your spritzer.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Drop in a few fresh cranberries and add a slice of orange to finish it off with a festive touch.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @alliehagerty on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
Holiday Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Glass (stemmed wine glass or rocks glass)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice chilled
- 2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice chilled
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 2-3 ounces Prosecco chilled
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- 1 slice of orange for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces Aperol, 2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice, and 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice. Add ice and shake well until everything is nicely chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice, then strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
- Add 2–3 ounces of chilled Prosecco to the glass, depending on how bubbly you want your spritzer. Stir gently to combine.
- Drop in a few fresh cranberries and add a slice of orange to finish it off with a festive touch.
Notes
Expert Tips from My Kitchen
- Chill everything — from your prosecco to the cocktail glass. The colder your ingredients, the crisper and more refreshing your spritz will taste.
- Layering vs. shaking — unlike a traditional spritz where you’d layer the ingredients in the glass, here we shake the Aperol with cranberry and orange juice first, then top with prosecco. This gives a brighter, more balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cheese and charcuterie board — the tangy cranberry and bitter Aperol complement rich cheeses and cured meats beautifully.
- Serve as a holiday welcome drink — garnish with sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
These are a must-make for winter. If you’re a cranberry fan, you will loooove these. So good.
Soooo yummy!
Love these! Made a big batch for book club.