This fun Santa Spritz Cocktail is a jolly mix of sparkling wine and fruity flavors, perfect for holiday cheer! With a splash of cranberry juice, it looks festive and tastes delightful.
You can easily whip it up for a party or just to enjoy while wrapping gifts. Trust me, a little sparkle in your glass can make even the coldest winter day feel warm! 🎄🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Aperol: This orange aperitif gives a lovely bittersweet flavor and beautiful color. If you don’t have Aperol, try using Campari for a bolder flavor or even a sweeter aperitif like Amaro. Both will change the taste, but they can work well!
Sparkling Wine: Prosecco is my favorite for this drink because it’s light and bubbly. If you prefer Champagne, that works too. For a non-alcoholic option, use sparkling water with a splash of orange juice — it’s still festive!
Cranberry Juice: I recommend unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart contrast. If you’re looking for something sweeter, just opt for lightly sweetened juice. You could also use pomegranate juice for a twist.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary garnishes this drink beautifully, but you could also use thyme or even mint if you prefer a different aroma and taste.
How Do You Create the Perfect Santa Spritz Cocktail?
Crafting the Santa Spritz Cockail is easy, but it’s important to balance flavors for the best results. Start by choosing the right glass and ice to keep it refreshing.
- Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes first. This helps chill the drink quickly and keeps it cool while you sip.
- In a shaker or directly in the glass, combine the Aperol and cranberry juice. Stir gently, as you want to mix without losing too many bubbles from the sparkling wine.
- When adding the sparkling wine, pour slowly. This will prevent too much fizzing over!
- Garnish beautifully! Dropping fresh cranberries, adding an orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary not only looks festive but also adds amazing aromas!
Remember, a little presentation goes a long way in making the drink feel truly special. Cheers!
How to Make a Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ounces Aperol or another red/orange aperitif
- 3 ounces sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne)
- 1 ounce cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1 orange slice (for garnish)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail comes together quickly! You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing and assembling the drink. Perfect for unexpected guests or festive gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by grabbing a rocks glass and filling it generously with ice cubes. This will keep your drink cold and refreshing!
2. Mix the Base:
Pour 2 ounces of Aperol into the glass, followed by 1 ounce of cranberry juice. This combination provides a wonderful base for your cocktail.
3. Add the Bubbles:
Now, gently top off your mixture with 3 ounces of sparkling wine. Pour slowly to keep the bubbles intact and give the drink a nice fizz!
4. Garnish Your Cocktail:
To make your Santa Spritz look festive, drop in a handful of fresh cranberries, add a slice of orange either inside the glass or on the rim, and place a sprig of rosemary for that aromatic touch!
5. Optional Tip:
If you want to make the rosemary aroma even more delightful, slap the sprig between your hands before garnishing. It releases the oils and makes it smell incredible!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Santa Spritz Cocktail is ready! Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors with family and friends—it’s sure to bring cheer to your holiday celebrations!
Can I Substitute the Aperol?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Aperol, you can use Campari for a more bitter taste, or even a sweeter aperitif like Amaro for a different flavor profile. Each will give the cocktail a unique twist while still keeping it festive!
What Type of Sparkling Wine is Best?
Prosecco is a great choice because it’s light and bubbly, but Champagne works beautifully too. For a non-alcoholic version, try sparkling water mixed with a splash of orange juice or cranberry juice for a festive fizz!
How Do I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have any leftover Aperol or cranberry juice, store them in tightly sealed bottles in the fridge. They should keep well for about a month. For the sparkling wine, it’s best to consume it fairly quickly after opening—ideally within a few days—to enjoy its fizz!
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
While ready-made cocktails are fantastic, it’s best to mix this cocktail fresh to keep the bubbles from the sparkling wine. However, you can pre-mix the Aperol and cranberry juice, and then add the sparkling wine just before serving to keep it bubbly!
