This Cranberry Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing, bubbly cocktail that combines sweet citrusy limoncello, tart cranberry juice, and crisp prosecco. Made with just four simple ingredients and ready in 3 minutes, it’s an easy, festive cocktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. 

If you’re a limoncello lover and want to make your own, try my Easy Homemade Limoncello Recipe. Then check out my Creamy Limoncello Cocktail with Charred Lemon (Low-Alcohol) and Limoncello Martini.

The Social Sipper red holiday cocktail with cranberry garnish in a glass.

Quick Look: Easy Cranberry Limoncello Spritz

  • ⏱ Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • ⏳ Total Time: 3 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 1 cocktail 
  • 🍋 Flavor Profile: Citrusy, sweet, tart, bubbly, and refreshing
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy, perfect for a festive brunch or special occasion. 

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Limoncello is such a versatile liqueur which makes its bright flavors fitting for any season. In this recipe specifically, I love the balance of sweet, citrusy limoncello with the vibrant tartness of unsweetened cranberry juice – then topping it with prosecco and sparkling water gives it that light, bubbly finish that makes a spritz so refreshing. The gorgeous cranberry color and festive garnishes make this cocktail feel extra special without requiring much effort. It’s a great option for Thanksgiving, Christmas gatherings, holiday brunches, or anytime you’re craving a festive twist on a classic spritz. You can even make this cocktail with homemade limoncello for an extra special touch (and your guests will be so impressed)!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in 3 minutes: No complicated prep or cocktail shaker required.
  • Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet citrusy limoncello pairs beautifully with tart cranberry juice and crisp prosecco.
  • Festive and beautiful: The cranberry color, fresh cranberries, dehydrated lemon, and thyme make it an eye-catching holiday cocktail.
  • Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness with your choice of cranberry juice or swap in pomegranate juice for a fun variation.
  • Perfect for entertaining: Easily scale the ingredients to make a batch for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, or Christmas celebrations.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

  • Limoncello: A sweet Italian lemon liqueur that gives this spritz its bright citrus flavor. I love using my homemade limoncello recipe, but store-bought works great too.
  • Unsweetened cranberry juice: Adds a beautiful color and tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the limoncello. I used Open Nature cranberry juice. Look for 100% cranberry juice without added sweeteners if you prefer a tarter cocktail. For more cranberry cocktails, try my Cranberry Moscow Mule, Empress Cranberry Sparkler and Cranberry Bramble Mocktail.
  • Prosecco: Adds crisp bubbles and a light, refreshing finish. I used LaMarca Prosecco, but any dry prosecco or sparkling wine will work.
  • Sparkling water: A splash of sparkling water lightens up the cocktail and adds extra bubbles. I used LaCroix, but any plain or citrus club soda or sparkling mineral water will work.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Make it sweeter: Unsweetened cranberry juice creates a tart cocktail. Swap it for sweetened cranberry juice for a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
  • Try pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice is a delicious alternative to cranberry and also pairs beautifully with the citrusy limoncello.
  • Adjust the limoncello: Add a little more limoncello for a sweeter, more pronounced lemon flavor or reduce it if you prefer a less sweet cocktail.
  • Use another sparkling wine: Substitute prosecco with champagne or another dry sparkling wine.
  • Make it a mocktail: Skip the limoncello and prosecco. Use lemon juice with a little simple syrup to recreate the citrus flavor, then top with cranberry juice and sparkling water. Adjust to taste.
  • Make it extra citrusy: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a little extra brightness.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Limoncello Spritz

Step 1: Fill your glass

Fill a wine glass with ice. Using a jigger, add the limoncello and unsweetened cranberry juice.

Step 2: Add the bubbles

Top with prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine without losing too much carbonation.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

If desired, garnish with fresh cranberries, a dehydrated lemon wheel, and a sprig of fresh thyme. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Carolyn’s Tips for Making Easy Cranberry Limoncello Spritz

  • Use chilled ingredients: Keep your prosecco and sparkling water refrigerated before making the cocktail. This helps keep your spritz crisp and keeps the ice from melting too fast.
  • Choose your cranberry juice based on sweetness: Unsweetened cranberry juice is quite tart, which I love with the sweet limoncello. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use sweetened cranberry juice.
  • Make a pitcher: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine the limoncello and cranberry juice in a pitcher and refrigerate. Add prosecco and sparkling water right before serving.
  • Use homemade limoncello: If you have extra time, try making my Easy Homemade Limoncello Recipe. It adds a fun homemade touch!

Easy Cranberry Limoncello Spritz FAQs

What does a cranberry limoncello spritz taste like?

A cranberry limoncello spritz is sweet, tart, citrusy, and bubbly. The limoncello adds a bright lemon flavor and sweetness, while cranberry juice brings a tart, fruity balance. Prosecco and sparkling water make it light and refreshing.

What can you substitute for limoncello in a spritz?

If you don’t have limoncello, you can use another citrus liqueur (like Cointreau) or a lemon-flavored vodka with simple syrup for a similar sweet citrus flavor. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will vary depending on your substitution.

What is the best prosecco for a limoncello spritz?

A dry prosecco (Brut) is a great choice because its crisp, refreshing flavor balances the sweetness of limoncello. You can also use another dry sparkling wine or champagne.

Can you make a cranberry limoncello spritz without alcohol?

Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, replace the limoncello with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to taste. Swap the prosecco for non-alcoholic sparkling wine or additional sparkling water, then add cranberry juice for that festive color and tart flavor.

Can you make a cranberry limoncello spritz ahead of time?

You can prepare the limoncello and cranberry juice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Add the prosecco and sparkling water right before serving to keep the cocktail bubbly and fresh.

More Festive Spritz Recipes to Try

⭐ If you loved this recipe, I would SO appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review below. Also, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @thesocialsipper!

Easy Cranberry Limoncello Spritz, a bright red holiday cocktail in a wine glass garnished with cranberries, a dried orange slice, and a sprig of thyme, set against a festive backdrop with miniature white houses and greenery.
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Easy Cranberry Limoncello Spritz

Servings: 1
Prep: 3 minutes
This Cranberry Limoncello Spritz is a refreshing, bubbly cocktail that combines sweet citrusy limoncello, tart cranberry juice, and crisp prosecco. Made with just four simple ingredients and ready in 3 minutes, it’s an easy, festive cocktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, or a cozy night in.
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 1 1/2 oz limoncello
  • 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 4 oz prosecco
  • Splash of sparkling water
  • Cranberries, dehydrated lemon and thyme sprigs, for garnish

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Fill a wine glass with ice. Add limoncello and cranberry juice.
  • Top with prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. Stir to combine.
  • If desired, garnish with cranberries, a dehydrated lemon wheel, and thyme sprigs.

Notes

  • Use chilled ingredients: Keep your prosecco and sparkling water refrigerated before making the cocktail. This helps keep your spritz crisp and keeps the ice from melting too fast.
  • Choose your cranberry juice based on sweetness: Unsweetened cranberry juice is quite tart, which I love with the sweet limoncello. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use sweetened cranberry juice.
  • Make a pitcher: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine the limoncello and cranberry juice in a pitcher and refrigerate. Add prosecco and sparkling water right before serving.
  • Use homemade limoncello: If you have extra time, try making my Easy Homemade Limoncello Recipe. It adds a fun homemade touch!
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!