Jazz up holiday celebrations with the Cranberry Aperol Spritz – a quick and delightful concoction featuring Aperol, cranberry juice cocktail, prosecco, and sparkling water.

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Cranberry Aperol Spritz

If you’re in full holiday mode like me, this Cranberry Aperol Spritz is the perfect festive libation! This effervescent and gorgeous cocktail marries the bold flavors of Aperol, tartness of cranberry juice, the bubbles of prosecco, and crispness of sparkling water. I’ve been running last-minute errands before we take off to the East Coast for Christmas, and this has been my go-to quick holiday sipper. If you don’t have prosecco, any sparkling white wine works here. While a typical Aperol spritz includes Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water, I added cranberry juice cocktail for a seasonal touch and a pretty tinge of red. Cheers!

Ingredients for the Cranberry Aperol Spritz

• Aperol: Aperol brings its signature bittersweet orange flavor to the mix.
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail: The tartness of cranberry juice adds a festive and seasonal touch. I had Simply Cranberry Cocktail on hand.
• Prosecco: Choose a quality prosecco for its effervescence and subtle sweetness. I used La Marca Prosecco.
• Sparkling Water: Provides a refreshing fizz to balance the flavors. I like LaCroix.
• Orange Slice, Sugared Cranberries: Orange slice and sugared cranberries for a festive and sweet finish.

How to Make the Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Mixing this up takes no time, but looks like it took all the effort!

Start by filling a wine glass with ice. Pour in the Aperol, cranberry juice cocktail, Prosecco, and sparkling water. Give it a gentle stir.

For an extra festive touch, garnish your Cranberry Aperol Spritz with a cocktail pick adorned with sugared cranberries and a slice of orange before enjoying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Cranberry Aperol Spritz for different seasons?

Absolutely! While cranberry is perfect for the holiday season, feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like pomegranate or orange slices for a refreshing twist.

What is Aperol, and what does it taste like?

Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a bittersweet orange flavor. It’s known for its vibrant orange color and is a key ingredient in popular cocktails like the Aperol Spritz. The taste is a delightful combination of citrus and herbal notes.

Can I substitute prosecco with another sparkling wine?

Yes, if you don’t have Prosecco on hand, you can use any other sparkling wine of your choice. Experiment with different varieties to find your preferred combination.

Looking for a non-alcoholic version of this spritz?

Skip the Aperol and prosecco, increase the amount of cranberry juice, add some fresh orange juice, and add more sparkling water for a delightful non-alcoholic cranberry spritz that everyone can enjoy.

How do I make the sugared cranberry?

Start by rinsing fresh cranberries and making a simple syrup with equal parts granulated sugar and water. Submerge the cranberries in the syrup for a few minutes, then lift them out, letting excess syrup drain. Roll the damp cranberries in granulated sugar until fully coated, and place them on a parchment paper-lined tray to air dry for at least an hour. Once dry, these sweet and festive sugared cranberries are ready to adorn your Cranberry Aperol Spritz.

More Cranberry Drinks to Enjoy

• Cranberry Sauce Mimosa
• Cranberry Olio Gin Sour
• Cranberry Vanilla Sparkler

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