This Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a fun and fruity drink that’s perfect for any get-together. Its bright flavors come from cranberry juice, Aperol, and a splash of bubbly!
It’s so easy to make that you’ll want to sip on these all day. Just mix, pour, and enjoy while pretending you’re at a fancy bar. Cheers to good times! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Aperol: This is the star of the drink, giving it that bright orange color and distinct bittersweet flavor. If you can’t find Aperol, you might try using Campari for a stronger bitter taste, or even a sweet orange liqueur like Triple Sec.
Cranberry Juice: While unsweetened cranberry juice is best for balancing flavors, feel free to use lightly sweetened if you prefer a sweeter drink. You can substitute with pomegranate juice for a unique twist.
Prosecco: This sparkling wine brings the bubbles! You can use any dry sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne as a substitute. I personally like using a fruity Prosecco for this recipe to enhance the flavors.
Orange Slices: Fresh oranges add a lovely citrus aroma. If oranges are out of season, you can use a splash of orange juice or lemon as a substitute, but fresh is always best!
How Do You Get the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
Balancing the ingredients in your Cranberry Aperol Spritz is key to making it refreshing! Start with the right ratios:
- Measure out the Aperol first; it’s the base flavor.
- Follow with cranberry juice; taste as you pour to reach your desired sweetness.
- Use a gentle hand when adding prosecco to keep the fizz.
Always stir gently to mix without losing those lovely bubbles. Adjust the sparkling water to suit your taste – more for a lighter drink, less for a stronger flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 3 oz prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange slices or wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes just about 5 minutes to prepare. Perfect for spicing up your gatherings without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by filling a large wine glass or tumbler with ice cubes. Make sure to fill it nicely, as the ice will keep your drink chilled and refreshing.
2. Mix the Base:
Pour the Aperol into the glass, followed by the cranberry juice. Watch as the beautiful orange and red colors mingle together!
3. Add the Sparkle:
Gently add the prosecco or sparkling wine to the glass. Pour slowly to maintain the fizziness, as those bubbles are what make this drink so fun!
4. Top it Off:
Finish off your drink with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. This adds a light, bubbly finish that balances the flavors perfectly.
5. Mix and Garnish:
Stir everything together gently. You want to combine the ingredients without losing that wonderful sparkle. Now for the fun part: garnish your drink with fresh cranberries and an orange slice or wedge on the rim!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now you’re ready! Serve your Cranberry Aperol Spritz immediately and enjoy this deliciously refreshing drink with friends and family. Cheers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Juice?
Absolutely! If you want to mix things up, try using pomegranate juice or orange juice in place of cranberry juice. Keep in mind that flavors will shift, so adjust sweetness as needed!
How Can I Make This Drink Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet drink, opt for unsweetened cranberry juice and reduce the amount of sparkling water slightly. You could also skip the added sparkling water for a more concentrated flavor.
Can I Make a Pitcher of Cranberry Aperol Spritz?
Yes! To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix everything in a pitcher, add the prosecco just before serving to keep the bubbles, and garnish individual glasses as you pour.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Unfortunately, this drink is best enjoyed fresh, as the carbonation can diminish over time. If you have leftover mixed drink, store it in the fridge in a sealed container for no more than a few hours, but for the best experience, prepare fresh when serving!