Winter Cranberry Aperol Spritzer Cocktail Recipe

If you’re a fan of aperol spritz, then you will love my Cranberry Aperol Spritzer 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. It’s my favorite cocktail during the holidays but can be enjoyed any time of year. This makes the perfect apertif – I just know you will love my cranberry aperol spritz recipe! 

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You always need a festive drink when entertaining for the holidays, and 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! Pair this winter twist on a traditional aperol spritz with charcuterie boards or fun appetizers for the perfect winter aperitif for your holiday party this winter! 

If you’re looking for more festive recipes, check out my fried goat cheese balls, Sicilian arancini, and tagliatelle al ragu!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy and festive! This is the perfect recipe to serve at any get-together. It’s easy to make ahead and is light and refreshing.
• It’s customizable. You can add different flavored simple syrups and garnishes to make each cocktail more unique.

Ingredients

• Aperol – This bright orange aperitif brings a bittersweet, citrusy flavor that’s the heart of the spritzer. 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, keeping the drink crisp and refreshing. Unsweetened is the way to go—it lets you keep control over the flavor without any added sugars sneaking in.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice – Fresh orange juice adds a burst of natural sweetness and bright acidity that complements the Aperol perfectly. Squeeze it fresh if you can; it makes a world of difference compared to bottled juice. Love an orange cocktail? Try my cranberry orange whiskey sour!
• Prosecco – This bubbly Italian wine tops off the spritzer with just the right amount of sparkle and a light, fruity finish. Go for a dry Prosecco (labeled Brut) to keep your cocktail balanced and not too sweet.
• Fresh Cranberries and Orange Slice (garnish) – These festive garnishes not only make your drink look stunning but also add a hint of fresh flavor. Try freezing the cranberries—they’ll keep your drink cool without watering it down, and they look gorgeous! A slice of orange adds a nice, festive spin on things! 
• Ice – Ice is more than just a chiller—it subtly softens the bold flavors, making each sip perfectly smooth and refreshing.  Larger ice cubes melt slower, so your cranberry aperol spritzer stays perfectly cold without diluting too fast.

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.
• 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.
• A Splash of Elderflower Liqueur – Just a half-ounce of elderflower liqueur can introduce a floral sweetness that enhances the Aperol and pairs well with the cranberry and orange. It’s a small addition that adds a delicate layer of complexity without overpowering the drink. If you’re a fan of elderflower, try my St-Germain spritz or my hugo spritz 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!

Step by Step Instructions

Tips and Notes

• Shake vs. Layer – Shaking the Aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice together helps blend the flavors thoroughly and chills the drink quickly. However, if you prefer a more distinct flavor profile and visual layers, you can gently layer the ingredients directly into the glass without shaking.
• Chill Everything – Keep your Prosecco and juices chilled before making the spritzer. This not only ensures your cocktail is cold and refreshing but also helps maintain the bubbles in the Prosecco.

Serving Suggestions

• Goat Cheese Crostini – The tangy, creamy goat cheese crostini is a delicious contrast to the spritzer’s bittersweet and citrusy notes. Top with a touch of honey or cranberry compote for an extra festive touch.
• Baked Ricotta Dip – Warm, creamy baked ricotta dip with herbs and olive oil pairs perfectly with the bright, bubbly spritzer. Serve with toasted garlic crostini or crudités for a cozy, comforting bite that complements the cocktail’s refreshing acidity.
• Short Rib Ragu – This rich, slow-cooked dish offers a hearty, savory element that balances the lightness of the spritzer. Serve over the braised short rib ragu over pappardelle or polenta for an indulgent pairing that’s perfect for a festive main course.
• Beef Crostini – Thinly sliced beef on crostini with a dollop of horseradish cream or mustard aioli provides a robust bite that pairs wonderfully with the drink’s bubbles, cutting through the richness of the beef.
• Lobster Crostini – Elevate your pairing with buttery lobster crostini, topped with a hint of lemon zest and fresh herbs. The sweetness of the lobster highlights the fruity, bright flavors of the spritzer, making for an elegant, luxurious pairing. You could also serve my lobster cakes!

Make-Ahead Cranberry Aperol Spritzer Pitcher Instructions

For easy entertaining, you can prepare this festive spritzer ahead of time and have it ready to serve when your guests arrive! Here’s how:

• Mix It Up: In a pitcher, combine 8 ounces Aperol, 8 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice, and 4 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice. This makes enough for about four cocktails. Stir everything together well.
• Chill: Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour or until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to blend and makes sure your drink is perfectly cold.
• Serve: When you’re ready to pour, fill your glasses with ice, and give your pitcher a quick stir. Pour the mix into each glass, filling about two-thirds of the way.
• Top with Bubbles: Just before serving, top each glass with 2-3 ounces of chilled Prosecco (or more if you love the bubbles!). Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish: Add fresh cranberries and an orange slice, or a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!