- December 17, 2024
- Main Dishes
Cranberry Spritzer Recipe
This Cranberry Spritzer Recipe is a refreshing blend of tart cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a splash of orange juice, perfect for any occasion. Garnished with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange, it’s a light and festive drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
The Cranberry Spritzer is a refreshing, festive drink perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing a Christmas Eve dinner, or just looking for a delicious recipe to enjoy by the fire, this cranberry spritzer recipe will quickly become one of your favorite drinks. Its fizzy, cranberry flavor and gorgeous garnishes make it the perfect drink to share with family and friends.
Why This Recipe Works
Great for Holidays: This signature cocktail is versatile and can easily be made into a cranberry mocktail for the whole family. Plus, its vibrant colors make it a showstopper for the holiday table.
Simple and Festive: This easy drink, made with simple ingredients like cranberry juice and sparkling water, comes together in minutes, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
Healthier Option: With no added sugar (unless you use a touch of simple syrup), it’s a lighter alternative to heavier cocktails, while still tasting fresh and delicious.
Supplies Needed
To create this festive drink, you’ll need:
- Champagne glasses or wine glasses
- Large pitcher or punch bowl (if serving for a crowd)
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Stirring spoon
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or orange slices for garnish
Ingredients
This cranberry spritzer recipe uses simple ingredients you might already have at home. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences:
- Base Flavors: Cranberry juice and Aperol (or elderflower liqueur like St. Germain). If you want a non-alcoholic version, use orange juice or soda water.
- Bubbles: Prosecco (or white wine for a holiday wine spritzer). For a kid-friendly option, swap prosecco with ginger ale or carbonated water.
- Sweetener: Simple syrup is optional for those who want a slightly sweeter drink.
- Topper: Club soda, sparkling water, or spicy ginger beer for an added fizzy twist.
- Garnishes: Fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries, rosemary sprigs, orange slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sticks for a festive look.
Substitutions
Switch the Juice: Mix in a splash of blood oranges or lemon juice for a tart twist.
Switch the Aperol: Try elderflower liqueur for a floral flavor or even cranberry vodka spritzer for a stronger classic cocktail twist.
Add Spice: Stir in a splash of cinnamon simple syrup for a cozy, holiday flavor.
Make it Non-Alcoholic: Use sparkling water, ginger ale, or soda water to keep it fresh tasting and family-friendly.
How To Make A Cranberry Spritzer
Creating this cranberry spritzer is as easy as it gets! Here’s how to make the perfect drink:
- Chill Your Glass: Start by adding a few frozen cranberries or ice cubes to a champagne glass. This helps keep your drink chilled and adds a festive touch.
- Add the Base: Pour 2 oz of cranberry juice and 2 oz of Aperol (or elderflower liqueur). If you’re making a big batch, add these ingredients to the bottom of the pitcher or punch bowl.
- Top It Off: Gently pour in 3 oz of prosecco and finish with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy kick.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir gently with a quick stir, then garnish with a sprig of rosemary, orange slices, or even sugared cranberries for that festive drink look. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
This drink recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a great option for all your holiday parties:
- Ginger Beer Twist: Top the spritzer with spicy ginger beer instead of club soda for a bolder flavor.
- Cinnamon Infusion: Add a touch of cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods to your drink for a warm, aromatic kick.
- Mocktail Version: Swap the Aperol and prosecco for sparkling water or ginger ale to make a cranberry mocktail the kids will love.
- Holiday Punch: For larger crowds, mix all the ingredients in a punch bowl and float fresh cranberries and orange slices on top.
What To Pair With It
This festive cocktail is refreshing and pairs perfectly with a variety of holiday treats and meals:
- Appetizers: Serve with a charcuterie board or with these fried brie bites, smoked mini cheese balls, brie bread bowl, or candied bacon crackers.
- Main Courses: This drink complements this cheesecloth herb butter turkey, double smoked ham, or a even a festive cozy pasta like this chuck roast ragu.
- Desserts: Pair it with cranberry-flavored desserts like tarts, cookies, or spiced bundt cakes. I also love it with this festive eggnog ruffled milk pie and some date bark.
- Snacks: Enjoy alongside light bites like steak and potato chip crostini, cheese balls, spinach artichoke puff pastry bites, or prosciutto-wrapped dates.
More Recipes To Try
Cranberry Spritzer Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice
- 2 oz Aperol or Elderflower Liqueur (see notes below)
- 1/2 oz. Simple Syurp optional- if you desire a slight sweeter drink
- 3 oz Prosecco
- Splash Club Soda optional
- Rosemary Sprig, Orange, or frozen Cranberries (to help keep the drink chilled) Garnishes
Instructions
- Fill a champagne glass with a few frozen cranberries (if desired).
- Pour in the cranberry juice and Aperol. If you'd like to try another variation, use elderflower liquer here (like St. Germaine) instead.
- Top with the prosecco and a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice or sugared rosemary for a festive tough. Serve immediately and enjoy this festive twist on the classic Aperol Spritz!
Notes
- Swap out the aperol for elderflower liqueur (like a Hugo spritz).
- Use gingerbeer over the top instead of club soda.
- Spice it up with a splash of cinnamon simple syrup if desired.