This fun Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a bubbly and bright drink perfect for gatherings. With sweet cranberry juice and the refreshing taste of Aperol, it’s sure to please everyone!
It’s like a party in a glass! I love how easy it is to make—just mix, pour, and sip. It’s fabulous for festive occasions or when you just want to feel a little fancy. Cheers! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Aperol: This sweet and bitter liqueur gives the drink its signature flavor. If you don’t have Aperol, Campari is a good substitute, though it’s a bit more bitter. You can also use a non-alcoholic aperitif for a mocktail version.
Cranberry Juice: Use unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice for a natural tartness. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a splash of simple syrup or mix it with orange juice for a different twist.
Prosecco: While prosecco is my top choice for its bubbly character, any dry sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne can work well too. Just avoid anything too sweet to balance the drink.
Soda Water: This adds a refreshing finish. If you want extra flavor, try using sparkling water with hints of lemon or lime.
How Can I Perfectly Layer the Flavors in My Spritz?
The layering of flavors is key to making your Cranberry Aperol Spritz delightful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a glass filled with ice to keep the drink cold.
- Pour the Aperol first, followed by the cranberry juice. This order helps blend the flavors nicely without the juice sinking.
- Add the prosecco slowly—pouring down the side of the glass helps keep those lovely bubbles intact.
- Finally, top it off with soda water for a fizzy finish. Stir gently to mix everything.
Garnish creatively! Fresh cranberries and orange slices add visual appeal and extra flavor. Enjoy your drink on a cozy evening or at a vibrant gathering!
How to Make a Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 3 oz prosecco (or any sparkling wine)
- 1 oz soda water (club soda)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix up, making it perfect for when guests arrive or when you’re winding down at the end of the day. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll be sipping in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by choosing a large glass of your choice—you want something that showcases the beautiful colors of the drink. Fill it with ice cubes to chill it nicely.
2. Mix in the Aperol:
Carefully pour in 3 oz of Aperol into the glass over the ice. This will give your drink its vibrant orange color and unique flavor profile. This is the base that brings all the ingredients together.
3. Add the Cranberry Juice:
Next, pour in 2 oz of cranberry juice. The juice adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of Aperol. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how sweet or tart you prefer your drink.
4. Gently Add the Prosecco:
Now, pour in 3 oz of prosecco slowly. This is where the fun bubbles come into play! Pouring gently helps keep the fizz so your drink stays lively and refreshing.
5. Top with Soda Water:
Finish off your drink by adding 1 oz of soda water for that extra bubbly touch. Stir very lightly to combine all the ingredients without losing the bubbles you’ve just added.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your Cranberry Aperol Spritz with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange for a bright, festive touch. Serve your drink immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Cheers to a wonderful drink experience!
Can I Use Different Types of Juice?
Yes! While cranberry juice is traditional, you can experiment with other juices like pomegranate or even orange juice for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will change with different juices.
Can I Make This Drink Less Sweet?
Absolutely! If you find the drink too sweet, either reduce the amount of cranberry juice or opt for unsweetened cranberry juice. You can also add more soda water for a lighter taste without altering the balance too much.
What If I Don’t Have Prosecco?
No worries! If you don’t have prosecco, any dry sparkling wine will work well, such as cava or Champagne. For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace it with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover Aperol and opened prosecco in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for several weeks. Keep the cranberry juice tightly sealed to maintain its freshness, and it can last for about a week once opened.
