If you’re craving a cocktail that’s bursting with festive color, zesty bittersweet flavor, and a refreshing fizz, the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is your new go-to. This sparkling drink perfectly balances the bright citrus notes of Aperol with the tart juiciness of cranberry juice and the sparkle of prosecco, making it a show-stopping sipper for any gathering or quiet evening. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or toasting a special occasion, this easy-to-make cocktail will bring that sparkle right to your glass and your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is remarkably simple but relies on fresh, quality ingredients to create a delightful harmony of flavors. Each component adds its own touch—whether it’s the bubbly prosecco’s effervescence, the bittersweet Aperol, or the crisp tartness of cranberry juice.
- 3 ounces chilled prosecco: Choose a dry or extra dry sparkling wine for the perfect bubbly base with lively bubbles and subtle sweetness.
- 2 ounces Aperol: This bright orange Italian aperitif brings a wonderfully balanced bitter-sweetness loaded with citrus and herbaceous notes.
- 2 ounces chilled cranberry juice: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened to get that fresh, tart kick without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 ounce chilled soda water: Adds a refreshing sparkle and lightness to the drink, keeping it crisp and easy to sip.
- Ice, for serving: Essential for keeping your spritz perfectly chilled and refreshing.
- Garnishes — fresh cranberries, orange slice, rosemary sprig: These make your drink pop visually and add subtle aroma and flavor notes to elevate the experience.
How to Make Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass with Ice
Start by filling a large rocks or wine glass about two-thirds full with plenty of ice. The ice is crucial because the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe shines brightest when it’s icy cold, keeping every sip refreshing and crisp from start to finish.
Step 2: Combine Aperol, Cranberry Juice, and Prosecco
Pour the 2 ounces of Aperol first to give your glass that gorgeous vibrant orange base. Follow with 2 ounces of chilled cranberry juice to infuse a wonderful tartness, then slowly add 3 ounces of prosecco. The prosecco creates that signature effervescence that keeps this spritz lively.
Step 3: Top with Soda Water and Stir Gently
Finish off your cocktail with 1 ounce of chilled soda water to add a subtle sparkle and lighten the flavors so that the drink remains refreshing and balanced. Stir gently just once to combine everything without losing those delicate bubbles.
Step 4: Garnish Your Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
Add a few fresh cranberries, a bright orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary as garnishes to give your drink a festive and aromatic touch that delights both the eyes and the palate.
How to Serve Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are not just pretty additions; they bring extra layers of aroma and flavor. Fresh cranberries provide a juicy burst when you bite into them, the orange slice adds gentle sweetness and a citrusy scent, and the rosemary sprig offers an inviting herbal note that complements Aperol beautifully.
Side Dishes
This drink pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped melon, marinated olives, or a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses and crackers. The slightly bitter and tangy profile of the spritz perfectly offsets salty and savory bites without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming look, serve your Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe in stemless wine glasses or even festive coupe glasses. You can rim the glass with a little sugar or finely grated orange zest for added flair. Consider adding a cinnamon stick for a warm twist during colder months or freeze cranberries in ice cubes for a sparkling visual effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While this spritz is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the Aperol and cranberry juice mix ahead of time and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a day. Add the prosecco, soda water, and ice just before serving to preserve the bubbles and chill the drink perfectly.
Freezing
Freezing the entire cocktail is not recommended because the prosecco will lose its fizz and cranberry juice’s texture can change, resulting in a flat and less enjoyable drink. However, you can freeze fresh cranberries to use as ice cubes, which helps keep your spritz cold without watering it down.
Reheating
Since the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is a cold, sparkling cocktail, reheating is not applicable. The charm is in its chilled, effervescent nature, so always serve it fresh and cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other sparkling wines besides prosecco for this recipe?
Absolutely! While prosecco shines in this recipe for its lightness and subtle sweetness, you can swap it with cava, champagne, or any other dry sparkling wine you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will tweak slightly depending on your choice.
Is it okay to use sweetened cranberry juice?
You can use sweetened cranberry juice if that suits your taste, but aim to go lightly sweetened so the cocktail’s bittersweet balance isn’t overwhelmed. Too much sweetness might mask the lovely bitterness of Aperol.
Can I make a pitcher of Cranberry Aperol Spritz for a party?
Yes, you can! Mix the Aperol and cranberry juice in a large pitcher and keep chilled in the fridge. Add prosecco, soda water, and ice right before serving so everyone gets that fresh sparkle in their glass.
Are there any great non-alcoholic alternatives to Aperol?
For a non-alcoholic version, try a bitter orange soda or a bitters syrup with orange and herbal notes. While it won’t be exactly the same, these alternatives can offer a similar zesty, bittersweet vibe in your spritz.
What’s the best glass to use for a Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe?
Classic wine glasses or large rocks glasses work perfectly because they hold enough ice and liquid while showing off the brilliant color. Some people like using stemless wine glasses to keep it casual and easy to handle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your cocktail rotation, the Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its dazzling color, sparkling bubbles, and perfectly balanced bittersweet and tart flavors make it a standout drink that’s easy to craft yet impressive to serve. So why wait? Mix one up and let the festive spirit take over your glass and your evening.
Print
Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
The Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that combines the bittersweet flavors of Aperol with sparkling prosecco and tart cranberry juice. Perfect for a festive occasion or a casual gathering, this easy-to-make drink is garnished with fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary, adding aromatic and visual appeal.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 3 ounces chilled prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 2 ounces chilled cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 ounce chilled soda water
Other
- Ice, for serving
- Garnishes: fresh cranberries, orange slice, and/or rosemary sprig
Instructions
- Add Ice: Fill a rocks glass or wine glass about two-thirds full with ice to properly chill the drink and maintain its refreshing temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the Aperol, cranberry juice, and prosecco into the glass over the ice. Then top with the chilled soda water to add a light fizz. Gently stir once to mix the flavors without losing carbonation.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cocktail with a few fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary to enhance both the aroma and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp and bitter-sweet flavors of this classic Italian-inspired spritz.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients to keep the cocktail refreshingly cold without watering it down quickly.
- Adjust the amount of cranberry juice to taste, depending on your preferred sweetness and tartness.
- For a sweeter version, use cranberry juice that is lightly sweetened.
- Prosecco can be substituted with any sparkling wine of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- The rosemary sprig adds an herbal aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
