The Santa Spritz Cocktail is a festive delight that shakes up holiday cheer! With a mix of bubbly prosecco, cranberry juice, and a splash of soda, it’s refreshing and fun.
Honestly, I can’t resist the bright color—it instantly puts me in the holiday spirit! Perfect for sipping while wrapping gifts or relaxing with friends. Cheers to that! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Tart cranberry juice is key for balancing sweetness. If you prefer a lighter taste, try using white cranberry juice. It’s less intense but still festive!
Prosecco: This bubbly gives the cocktail its sparkle. If you don’t have prosecco, you can use any dry sparkling wine or champagne. Just keep it cold for the best fizz!
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau adds a lovely citrus note. If you want to omit alcohol, consider orange juice for a similar flavor without the kick.
Fresh Garnishes: Fresh cranberries and rosemary not only make the drink pretty but add a lovely aroma. If fresh isn’t available, a sparkling citrus peel can substitute.
How Do I Perfectly Assemble the Santa Spritz Cocktail?
The Santa Spritz Cocktail looks festive and is easy to whip up, but placing each ingredient correctly makes all the difference. Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Start with ice cubes in a short glass; they help keep your drink cool and refreshing.
- Pour the cranberry juice and orange liqueur over the ice first. This way, the flavors meld nicely before adding bubbly elements.
- Slowly pour in the prosecco to keep those bubbles lively. You want it to fizz, not fizz away!
- Finally, add soda water for that extra fizz and stir gently to mix without losing carbonation.
Finishing with fresh garnishes elevates your cocktail’s visual appeal and aroma. Enjoy the cheers!
How to Make a Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz cranberry juice (preferably tart)
- 2 oz prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 oz soda water or club soda
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by filling a short glass with ice cubes. This will keep your cocktail nice and chilly as you enjoy it.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
Pour the cranberry juice and orange liqueur over the ice. This combination gives the drink its delicious flavors right from the start.
3. Add Some Sparkle:
Next, slowly add the prosecco to your glass. Pouring it gently helps maintain those lovely bubbles, which makes the drink feel extra special.
4. Top It Off:
Add soda water or club soda to finish off your drink with a little extra fizz. This adds a refreshing touch!
5. Give It a Gentle Stir:
Using a spoon, stir the drink gently to mix everything together without losing the bubbles. You want it all combined and fizzy!
6. Finishing Touches:
Now for the fun part! Garnish your cocktail with a handful of fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary. These not only look pretty but also enhance the festive aroma.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Santa Spritz Cocktail immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Ingredients?
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version of the Santa Spritz, simply omit the orange liqueur and replace prosecco with sparkling grape juice or tonic water. You’ll still get a refreshing and festive drink!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have any leftover cranberry juice or soda, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to keep your sparkling wine chilled to maintain its fizz until you’re ready to enjoy more cocktails!
Can I Make This Recipe in Bulk for a Party?
Yes! To make a batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix everything except the prosecco and soda in a pitcher, and pour the prosecco just before serving to keep it bubbly!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Rosemary?
If you can’t find fresh rosemary, you can use a few drops of rosemary-infused simple syrup for a hint of flavor, or simply skip it. The cocktail will still taste great without it!