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!
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!
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.