Take your favorite summer cocktail straight into Fall with this cranberry Aperol spritz. The tart cranberry juice blends with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water for a crisp, lightly sweet drink that feels refreshing but still seasonal. Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary give it an easy festive touch, making it perfect for holiday parties, Thanksgiving toasts, or a simple weekend drink when you want something bright and bubbly.
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Pin ItMy summer drink of choice is a classic Aperol spritz because it has that perfect mix of tart, sweet, and refreshing. I’ll admit I keep making them even when the weather starts to chill, so this cranberry Aperol spritz has become my favorite cold-weather twist. The cranberry adds a seasonal pop without losing the light, bubbly feel I love, and it makes the drink feel just right for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Tips for Beginners
- Use crushed ice instead of ice cubes. It melts a little faster and helps mellow the bitterness of the Aperol. If you prefer a stronger, less diluted spritz, stick with ice cubes.
- Chill the Prosecco well. You want cold prosecco so every sip stays bubbly, crisp, and refreshing. Warm Prosecco will lose its fizz much faster.
- Taste as you go and adjust the balance to your liking. Add extra cranberry juice or a splash of simple syrup if you want more sweetness, or stir in a little orange juice if it tastes too bitter. If the drink leans too sweet, simply add more sparkling water to lighten it.
- Add the Prosecco at the end. Pour slowly and add at the end. This keeps the bubbles lively and prevents the drink from going flat before you even take the first sip.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Aperol
- 1½ oz. cranberry juice cocktail
- 3 oz. Prosecco
- splash sparkling water
- orange wedges cranberries, and rosemary to garnish
Instructions
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Fill a wine glass halfway with crushed ice.
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Pour in the Aperol, cranberry juice, Prosecco, and sparkling water. Stir to combine.3 oz. Aperol, 1½ oz. cranberry juice cocktail, 3 oz. Prosecco, splash sparkling water
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Garnish with an orange wedge, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary.orange wedges
Video
Notes
- This cocktail is best served as a single serving. I don’t suggest batching it, because the prosecco will lose its bubbles.
Nutrition
How to Make Cranberry Aperol Spritz Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Fill a glass with ice: Fill a wine glass halfway with crushed ice.
Mix the cocktail: Pour 3 oz. Aperol, 1½ oz. cranberry juice cocktail, and 3 oz. Prosecco over the ice, then add a splash of sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
Garish and serve: Garnish with an orange wedge, a few fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary.
Recipe Variations
- Sparkling water swaps: Use club soda for a cleaner taste or tonic water for a sweeter, more citrus-forward spritz.
- Cranberry juice options: Use cranberry cocktail for a sweeter drink or 100 percent cranberry juice for a tart, less sugary version.
- Prosecco alternatives: Swap in Cava or any dry sparkling wine if you don’t have Prosecco.
- Aperol variations: Try Campari for a more bitter, deeper-flavored spritz.
- Garnish variations: Use blood orange slices, pomegranate arils, or thyme sprigs for a different seasonal look.
Serving Suggestions
I love starting off a holiday party with a cranberry Aperol spritz and some delicious festive appetizers. Have this bubbly cocktail in hand while snacking on bacon wrapped scallops and a holiday charcuterie board. I always like to end the night with a slice of honey cake because it feels so warm and nostalgic after a round of spritzes. For something a little more fun and festive, you can also set out desserts like Christmas crack or chocolate peppermint cookies.
More Festive Holiday Cocktails to Try
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