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A festive twist on the classic cocktail, this Cranberry Aperol Spritz features Aperol, prosecco, sparkling water and a splash of cranberry juice garnished with a slice of orange and fresh rosemary. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or holiday gathering, this refreshing spritz is as delightful to look at as it is to sip!
What is an Aperol Spritz?
Aperol Spritz is an iconic Italian cocktail that all the girlies love to sip on in the summer. Known for its bright orange color and bittersweet flavor, it’s traditionally made with Aperol, prosecco and a splash of club soda. The classic drink is light, refreshing and slightly bitter with a hint of citrus.
Why You’ll Love a Cranberry Aperol Spritz
This version of the Aperol Spritz is perfect for autumn and winter! Sometimes a classic Aperol Spritz is a little tart for me, but the sweet cranberry juice balances out the bitterness of the Aperol perfectly, while the prosecco adds a bubbly lightness that makes every sip feel celebratory. With the addition of cranberry juice and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning, making it a crowd-pleaser both in flavor and presentation.
Whether you’re a seasoned spritz lover or new to Aperol, this cranberry version is an easy and festive way to brighten up any celebration!
Everything You’ll Need to Make a Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Here’s the few simple ingredients you’ll need to make this refreshing cocktail.
- Aperol: Obviously, one can’t have an Aperol Spritz without Aperol! Aperol is a unique bittersweet orange liqueur made with a secret recipe so unfortunately, there’s no substitutes.
- Cranberry Juice: I much prefer 100% cranberry juice to cranberry cocktail or any kind of sweetened cranberry juice, but you can add whatever kind of cranberry juice you like!
- Prosecco: I prefer to use a dry prosecco that isn’t too sweet for this drink. Since it will be mixed with other flavors, I usually opt for a more inexpensive bottle!
- Sparkling Water (or Club Soda): Traditionally, an Aperol Spritz calls for club soda, but I usually prefer the taste of sparkling water, however, the choice is also totally up to you!
- Orange Slice & Rosemary Sprig: An orange slice is the traditional garnish for an Aperol Spritz, but to add some flair to this autumnal drink, I like to add a little sprig of fresh rosemary as well.
How to Make a Cranberry Aperol Spritz
- Mix Ingredients: Add your Aperol, cranberry juice, prosecco and sparkling water to a large wine glass filled with ice.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with an orange slice and sprig of rosemary and serve immediately!
Serving A Crowd
You could easily make a large batch of this cocktail in a pitcher to serve multiple guests! Simply double, triple or quadruple the ingredients (and so on) depending on the amount needed. I recommend refraining from adding ice to the pitcher and instead adding it to your serving glasses so that the cocktail does not become too watered down.
Cocktail Tools
I love to serve this cocktail in a big red wine glass – here are my favorite ones from Crate and Barrell! (Insider tip, I have noticed these are the same brand and style used at many trendy restaurants.) You will also need a nice long bar spoon to mix your drink. Check out all of my recommended bar essentials here!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment or give it a rating. If you’re looking for more seasonal cocktail ideas, check out my Pumpkin Spice RumChata Martini or Iced Bourbon Chai.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz aperol
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz prosecco
- splash sparkling water
- orange slice
- rosemary sprig
Instructions
- Add Aperol, cranberry juice, prosecco and sparkling water to a large wine glass filled with ice and stir.
- Garnish with orange slice and rosemary sprig and serve immediately.
