The tart and bubbly Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a fantastic way to quench your thirst during the cooler times of year.
When one hears the word spritz, what comes to mind? I can only speak for myself, so whenever I hear it, apart from the obvious cocktail connections, I’m always reminded of something refreshing on an extra-hot day. Like accidentally getting drenched by the garden hose because you dropped it on its handle and as a result received a face full of spray. Or an ice-cold beverage, preferably of the boozy variety.
Many of my friends have mentioned that a spritz is their favorite thing to sip on when the summer months roll around. Light, bubbly, and with the right amount of alcohol, these mixtures are often right at home when being imbibed by the seaside, or under an umbrella at some cute and rustic sidewalk café, while a warm breeze flows gently through your hair.
But what about the wintertime? Is there anything like that that can be enjoyed when the air is brisk and the snow begins to fall? Why yes, there is. In fact, that’s the recipe we’re looking at tonight, the Cranberry Aperol Spritz. A tart, sweet, and citrusy effervescent treat, this concoction combines cranberry juice and sparkling wine with the bittersweet Italian apéritif for a delicious—and refreshing—seasonal riff on the classic and ever-popular Aperol Spritz.
So the next time the temperature dips and the winds begin to bite, craft up a few of these to simultaneously warm you up and cool you down.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Cranberry Aperol Spritz?
The orange-tinged Aperol is a must when crafting this drink, as is a nice, chilled bottle of prosecco. For the bubbly, a brut or extra-dry variety will give your Spritz a balanced taste, melding in an even way with the sweetness from the apéritif. La Marca is a popular choice, and a very good one at that. I also enjoy a Mionetto or a Coppola Diamond prosecco.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 1 ounce soda water or club soda chilled
- An orange slice, a few fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig to garnish
Instructions
- Pour the Aperol and cranberry juice into a large wine glass filled with ice.
- Gently pour the chilled prosecco into the glass, tilting the glass slightly as you pour.
- Add a splash of soda water to top off the drink and gently stir.
- Garnish with an orange slice, a few fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a large wine glass with ice, then pour and gently mix your Spritz within. Garnish with a fresh orange wedge, some cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for a little extra aromatic flair.
What else can be used in place of Aperol?
For a more robust and bittersweet taste, you can craft a cranberry version of a Campari Spritz by using the deep-red Italian liqueur instead of Aperol.
Other spritz cocktails worth trying
If you love a light and fizzy spritz as your cocktail of choice, then look no further than right here at Twist & Toast for some delicious recipes you can whip up for yourself and your loved ones at home. You don’t need a special occasion or specific reason, either, just a thirst to quench and a desire to relax.
- Hugo Spritz – This light and floral elixir is perfect on a lazy afternoon.
- Limoncello Spritz – A summertime treat, both boozy and buoyant.
- Vodka Spritzer – Citrusy and strong, this refresher will definitely cool you down.
- Americano – Both sweet and bitter, this classic tipple is a warm-weather favorite.
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