If you are looking for the perfect winter cocktail over the holidays, look no further, as this Cranberry Aperol Spritz might just be the one. This seasonal spin on the classic Aperol Spritz with cranberry syrup and rosemary makes this winter aperitif just what you need to get you in the holiday spirit.
CRANBERRY APEROL SPRITZ
A classic aperol spritz recipe is a drink most of us associate with summer, however I’ve played with the flavors, adding a cranberry syrup to make a great tasting winter style Aperol Spritz.
You will love the fresh cranberry flavor mixed with aperol and fresh rosemary. It really is the perfect holiday cocktail.
I like to make this Aperol Spritz along with this Cranberry Wine Spritzer, Christmas Sangria, Grapefruit Paloma and this White Sangria in the winter months.
This is a light and refreshing aperitif and the perfect winter cocktail for kicking off your holiday festivities. Not only does this Cranberry Aperol Spritz taste great, but it is also beautiful and one of those refreshing cocktails we all love.
It’s also a really easy winter cocktail to prepare, as once you’ve made the cranberry syrup, it’s a really quick cocktail to assemble. If I’m hosting a party for family and friends, I keep things simple and make a good sized batch of cranberry syrup beforehand.
I then store it in the refrigerator until my guests arrive.
CRANBERRY APEROL SPRITZ INGREDIENTS
- Alcohol: I use a combination of Aperol and Prosecco to make this cranberry orange spritz.
- Syrup: The cranberry flavor comes from a homemade cranberry syrup which I make by combining fresh cranberries with sugar and water.
- Water: I use soda water in this cocktail, but you could also use sparkling water.
- Ice: This is a long drink so always serve over ice to keep your cocktail nice and cold.
- Garnish: I like to finish my cocktails with a garnish of some fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
How to Make a Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Step 1. Make the cranberry syrup: Start by making the cranberry syrup. Place all the cranberry syrup ingredients into a small pan and mix to combine. Then place the saucepan over a medium heat and bring to boil. Mix continuously so the syrup doesn’t burn.
Step 2. Boil the Syrup: Leave the syrup to boil for about 6 minutes until you notice all of the sugar has dissolved and the syrup thickens.
Then after boiling, set the syrup aside and let the syrup cool down to room temperature before straining the syrup and using it in your cocktail.
Step 3: Make the Cocktail: To make your cocktail, fill ⅔ of your glass with ice. Next pour in the Aperol, Prosecco, and Cranberry Syrup and top the cocktail off with a splash of soda water
Step 4: Finish the Cocktail: To finish the cocktail, garnish with some fresh cranberries, orange wedge and sprig of rosemary.
Recipe Modifications
- This recipe makes enough syrup for 2-3 oz depending on how long you let it boil and how much the syrup thickens. If you want to make more aperol spritz cocktails you can double or triple the recipe.
- Get ahead, as the cranberry syrup can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to make your cocktails.
- Add some spices or a slice of orange when you are making your cranberry syrup for a spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz. A cinnamon stick, some cloves, or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg would all work.
- Boost the orange flavor and add some fresh orange slices as a garnish, along with the cranberries and rosemary for the perfect aperol spritz.
- Cranberry pairs great with ginger, so add some fresh slices of root ginger when making the cranberry syrup.
- If you prefer more fizz, a good suggestion is to use 4oz of Prosecco and slightly less soda water.
What does Aperol Spritz Pair With?
An Aperol Spritz cocktail is the ideal winter aperitif, it makes a great welcome cocktail when entertaining family and friends. I like to serve it with small plates, snacks and nibbles. Think olives, breadsticks, crostini or a charcuterie platter.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an italian drink using Italian bitter apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb and cinchona, among other ingredients. It has a vibrant orange hue. Its name comes from apero, an Italian slang word for apéritif (aperitivo).
An Aperol Spritz does contain alcohol, but it also contains soda water which keeps down the alcohol content. You could always swap the Prosecco for some a non-alcoholic sparkling wine if you want a lower alcohol content.
Other Cocktail Recipes You Might Like:
- GRAPEFRUIT PALOMA COCKTAIL
- CRANBERRY WINE SPRITZER
- CHRISTMAS SANGRIA
- WHITE SANGRIA
- RED SANGRIA
- SPARKLING APPLE PEAR SANGRIA
- 7UP SPARKLING PEACH LEMONADE
- STRAWBERRY BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SPRITZER
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Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz Cranberry Syrup
- Soda water
- Ice
- Garnish: Rosemary and cranberries
- FOR THE CRANBERRY SYRUP:, enough for 2 – 3 oz depending on how long you let it boil and how much it thickens.
- ½ cup of cranberries
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1/3 cup of water
Instructions
- FOR THE COCKTAIL:Fill ⅔ of your glass with ice. Then continue by pouring in the Aperol, Prosecco, and Cranberry Syrup. Finally top it off with soda water, and garnish with extra cranberries and rosemary.
- FOR THE CRANBERRY SYRUP:
In a small pan add all the cranberry syrup ingredients and mix.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to boil. Mix continuously so the syrup doesn’t burn.
Let it boil for about 6 minutes until you notice all of the sugar has dissolved and the syrup thickens.
After boiling, let the syrup cool down to room temperature before using.
Strain the syrup and use for your cocktail.
Notes
- You can also add some spices or a slice of orange when you are making your cranberry syrup for a spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz.
A good suggestion is that you can also use 4 oz of Prosecco to use less soda water. - You will have some of the syrup leftover so you can always make two drinks or save the syrup.
