This Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a fun twist on a classic drink! With its bright cranberry flavor and bubbly orange notes, it’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix Aperol, cranberry juice, sparkling water, and ice. Don’t forget a slice of orange for that festive touch—cheers to good times! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Aperol: This unique orange liqueur provides a beautiful balance of bittersweet flavors. If you can’t find Aperol, you could use Campari for a more intense bitterness, or try orange bitters mixed with a bit of club soda for a lighter option.
Cranberry Juice: For the best flavor, unsweetened cranberry juice is ideal. However, if you’re looking for something sweeter, feel free to use cranberry cocktail juice instead. You can even blend cranberry juice with a touch of orange juice for a great twist!
Prosecco: This sparkling wine adds fizz and a fruity profile. If you’re in a pinch, any dry sparkling wine, like Cava or even a good-quality sparkling white, can work well. Just make sure it’s dry so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Club Soda: This adds a refreshing bubbly finish to your spritz. You can substitute with tonic water if you prefer a slightly different flavor, but keep in mind it will add sweetness.
How to Achieve the Perfect Spritz?
The key to a great Cranberry Aperol Spritz is the buildup of flavors and maintaining the fizz. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a glass filled with ice. This keeps your drink cold and the ingredients well mixed.
- Pour in the Aperol and cranberry juice first; this allows them to blend nicely before the bubbles.
- When adding the prosecco and club soda, pour them slowly down the side of the glass. This helps keep the carbonation intact.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix without losing those lovely bubbles!
- Finish with garnishes like fresh cranberries or an orange slice, which makes it look festive and adds subtle flavor notes.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 3 oz prosecco or other sparkling wine
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Just gather your ingredients, mix, and garnish for that extra touch. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by selecting a large wine glass or a tumbler. Fill it halfway with plenty of ice cubes to keep your drink chilled and refreshing.
2. Mix the Base:
Pour in 3 ounces of Aperol followed by 2 ounces of cranberry juice. These two ingredients create a vibrant and flavorful base for your spritz!
3. Add the Bubbles:
Gently pour in 3 ounces of prosecco, then add about 1 ounce of club soda or sparkling water. Pouring it slowly helps to retain the bubbles, which is key to a light and fizzy drink.
4. Stir It Up:
Grab a spoon and give your drink a gentle stir to combine everything. Be careful not to stir too vigorously— we want those lovely bubbles to stay intact!
5. Garnish and Present:
Now for the fun part! Garnish your spritz with a slice of orange, a handful of fresh cranberries, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch.
6. Enjoy:
Your refreshing Cranberry Aperol Spritz is ready to serve! Sip and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors. Cheers!
Can I Use Different Juice in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cranberry juice gives a lovely tartness, you can substitute it with pomegranate juice or even orange juice for a different flavor profile. Just keep the sweetness in mind, adjusting the amount based on the juice used!
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply swap the Aperol and prosecco for sparkling grape juice or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. You can still use cranberry juice and club soda for that refreshing taste!
How to Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover Aperol or cranberry juice, store them in their original bottles in a cool, dark place. Prosecco should be consumed within a few days after opening; ensure it’s tightly capped to keep it fizzy. The juices can stay fresh in your fridge for up to a week!
What’s the Best Way to Garnish This Drink?
Go for simple but festive! Fresh cranberries and an orange slice add color and flavor. For an extra touch, a sprig of rosemary not only looks beautiful but also enhances the aromatic experience of this spritz.