Cranberry Winter Aperol Spritz Recipe
Introduction
The Cranberry Winter Aperol Spritz is a bright, festive twist on the classic Italian cocktail. Combining the bitterness of Aperol with tart cranberry and fresh lemon juice, this sparkling drink is perfect for cozy winter gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 2 oz Cranberry juice
- ½ oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3-5 oz Prosecco (preferably 4 oz)
- 1 sprig Rosemary (for garnish)
- Cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Step 2: Add 2 ounces of Aperol, 2 ounces of cranberry juice, and half an ounce of fresh lemon juice to the glass.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
- Step 4: Top up with 3-5 ounces of chilled Prosecco, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
- Step 5: Give the drink a light stir to mix everything without losing too many bubbles.
- Step 6: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.
- For a sweeter twist, add a splash of simple syrup or substitute cranberry juice with pomegranate juice.
- Try freezing cranberries and rosemary sprigs to use as festive ice cubes that won’t dilute your drink.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately to savor the bubbles and freshness. If you prepare the Aperol, cranberry, and lemon juice mix in advance, keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours and add Prosecco just before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?
Yes, you can substitute Prosecco with other sparkling wines like Champagne or Cava, but keep in mind the flavor profile and sweetness may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this drink non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! You can replace Aperol with a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif or omit it entirely, using sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine in place of Prosecco for a refreshing mocktail.
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Cranberry Winter Aperol Spritz Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A festive and refreshing Cranberry Winter Aperol Spritz featuring a vibrant mix of Aperol, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, and bubbly Prosecco, garnished with rosemary and cranberries for a perfect holiday aperitif.
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 2 oz Cranberry juice
- ½ oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3–5 oz Prosecco (chilled, preferably 4 oz)
Garnishes
- 1 sprig Rosemary
- Cranberries (fresh, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill the glass: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and keep it refreshing.
- Add main ingredients: Pour 2 ounces of Aperol, 2 ounces of cranberry juice, and half an ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice into the glass over the ice.
- Mix ingredients: Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon to blend the flavors without reducing the fizziness.
- Add Prosecco: Top up the glass with 3 to 5 ounces of chilled Prosecco, adjusting the amount to your taste preference, typically around 4 ounces.
- Final stir: Give the drink a light stir to combine, being careful not to over-stir and lose the bubbles.
- Garnish and serve: Add a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries to the glass for a festive and aromatic touch before serving.
Notes
- Use chilled Prosecco to maintain the drink’s crispness and bubbles.
- Adjust the amount of Prosecco based on your flavor preference and desired strength.
- Be gentle when stirring to avoid flattening the bubbles.
- Fresh rosemary sprig enhances aroma and presentation.
- Can be prepared in larger batches for holiday parties, but garnish individually.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: Aperol Spritz, Cranberry Cocktail, Winter Cocktail, Holiday Drink, Prosecco Cocktails, Festive Drinks
