This cranberry Aperol spritz the recipe is sweet tart, fruity and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (we think)! It is simple to make and looks fantastic – the idea’s signature drink for parties or a cozy evening.
Here’s a cocktail recipe that’s so fun and easy we’ll be making it every season: the Cranberry Aperol Spritz! Using tart cranberry juice tones down the sweet Aperol, making for a drink that’s fruity, balanced, and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (in our opinion!).
This one is so perfect for parties because you can pour it straight into the glass: no cocktail shaker required! It’s great for fall and winter (we first served it as a Christmas cocktail), but it honestly works in summer too: just add an orange wedge garnish!
Ingredients in a cranberry Aperol spritz
Cranberry Aperol spritz is a spin on the popular Aperol spritz, an Italian aperitif. The concept has been around for hundreds of years, but the Aperol spritz took the form it has today in the 1950s. This spin simply adds cranberry juice, which balances out the flavors in what can be a very sweet drink. Here’s what you need to make a cranberry Aperol spritz:
- Aperol: Aperol is an Italian bitter (amaro) with a slightly sweet taste and notes of herbs and citrus. It was invented in Italy in 1919.
- Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from Italy’s Veneto region, known for its delicate taste and light bubbles. You can use any type of champagne if desired.
- Cranberry Juice: We like to use 100% cranberry juice for the brightest color and clean, tart flavor.
- Soda water: Use club soda or unflavored sparkling water (we use our SodaStream to make it at home). Avoid tonic water, as it is flavored with quinine and lightly sweetened.
More about the spritz
The spritz is a drink invented in Italy that combines three ingredients: liqueur, sparkling wine (usually Prosecco) and soda. You can make any type of spritz using these two ingredients and any mixer of your choice. The basic spritz ratio is 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part soda.
The most popular spritz is an Aperol Spritz, but you can also make a Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz and St Germain Spritz (also called Hugo).
Making several portions at once
Cranberry Aperol spritz is perfect for parties and it’s easy to make several batches at once! Here’s what you need to know:
- If you are making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect – it can hold 187ml or about 6 ounces! For 4 drinks, use half a bottle 375 ml (12 oz).
- A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks.
- If you are serving 8, mix 1 ½ dl Aperol and 1 ½ dl cranberry juice. Into each glass, pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of the mixture and top with 3 ounces of Prosecco.
Garnish with a cranberry Aperol spritz
The Cranberry Aperol Spritz makes a great fall or winter cocktail, but it also works in warm weather as a summer cocktail, depending on the garnish. If you want to take it over, try the following:
- Throw in a straw. A gold straw works well here; it also helps minimize dilution.
- Serve with clear ice cream. This ice cream is crystal clear, with none of the cloudiness of normal ice cream. You can cut big pieces and they look like a fancy bar! All you need is 24 hours. See how to make clear ice cream.
- Add a citrus wedge and frozen cranberries. Lemon or orange work great!
- Add herbs. Use a sprig of rosemary in winter. If served in the summer, a sprig of thyme or mint would work perfectly.
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Cranberry Aperol Spritz
This cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is sweet tart, fruity and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (we think)! It is simple to make and looks fantastic – the idea’s signature drink for parties or a cozy evening.
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Preparation time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No cook
- Kitchen: Cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
- 1 ½ ounces Aperol, chilled
- 1½ ounces unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, chilled
- 3 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled (see notes)*
- Ice cream (try clear ice cream!)
- For garnish: Frozen cranberries, orange juice, rosemary (optional)
- Add Aperol to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with cranberry juice and Prosecco.
- If desired, stir gently, then serve. Add frozen cranberries and an orange wedge for garnish (and rosemary, if desired).
Notes
A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect – it can hold 187ml or about 6 ounces! For 4 drinks, use half a bottle 375 ml (12 oz).
Serving 8 drinks: Mix 1 ½ dl Aperol and 1 ½ dl cranberry juice. Into each glass, pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of the mixture and top with 3 ounces of Prosecco (from a 750 ml bottle).
More cranberry cocktails
A few more cranberry cocktail recipes to use up your cranberry juice: we love a good Cosmopolitan. Or try a vodka cranberry, cranberry Moscow mule, cranberry margarita or cranberry bourbon cocktail.
