The Santa Spritz Cocktail is a festive drink that combines bubbly prosecco, cranberry juice, and a hint of orange for a cheerful flavor. It’s bright, refreshing, and perfect for holiday cheers!
It’s so easy to make; just mix it up and serve it in a pretty glass. You’ll feel like a holiday pro! 🎄 Whenever I make it, I can’t help but smile at the merry color—cheers to that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: I recommend using fresh or unsweetened cranberry juice for the best flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, you could use cranberry cocktail juice instead!
Prosecco: I love the bubbly nature of prosecco, but if you don’t have it, any dry sparkling wine works. Champagne or Cava are great alternatives too!
Aperol: This gives the drink a lovely orange flavor. If you don’t have Aperol, you can try Campari, but it’s more bitter. A splash of orange liqueur could work as well for a lighter taste.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice helps brighten the drink. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will do, but fresh is always better!
How Do You Make a Beautifully Balanced Cocktail?
Creating a balanced Santa Spritz Cocktail relies on how you mix your ingredients. Here are some tips to make sure your drink is just right:
- Start with ice in the glass to keep everything chilled. This helps maintain the fizz.
- Pour in cranberry juice and Aperol first, then add orange juice. This layering can create a beautiful color gradient!
- When you top with prosecco, pour it gently to keep the bubbles intact. This gives you that fizzy, fun feel.
- Mix gently with a stir stick to avoid losing too much fizz.
- Finish it off with eye-catching garnishes like cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch.
Enjoy making and sipping this delightfully festive cocktail!
How to Make a Festive Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz cranberry juice (fresh or unsweetened)
- 2 oz prosecco or sparkling wine
- 1 oz Aperol or a similar bitter orange aperitif
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Santa Spritz Cocktail comes together in about 5 minutes! It’s perfect for when you want to whip up a quick, festive drink without fuss. Just gather your ingredients, mix, and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink chilled and refreshing!
2. Mix Your Juices:
Next, pour in the cranberry juice, Aperol, and fresh orange juice into the glass over the ice. This mix is what gives your cocktail that delightful fruity base!
3. Stir to Combine:
Using a stirrer or a spoon, gently mix the ingredients together. You want them to be well combined but don’t stir too hard—let’s keep those bubbles intact!
4. Add the Bubbles:
Now for the fun part! Top off your glass with prosecco or sparkling wine. Go slowly to preserve the fizz and make it extra bubbly!
5. Garnish for a Festive Touch:
Take a moment to pretty up your drink! Add a handful of fresh cranberries on top, and place a sprig of rosemary in the glass for that holiday flair.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Santa Spritz Cocktail is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately and toast to a festive celebration. Cheers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Juice?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cranberry juice, you can substitute it with pomegranate juice for a different twist. Just keep in mind that you might want to adjust the sweetness accordingly!
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Cocktail?
Yes! Simply replace the prosecco and Aperol with sparkling water and a splash of orange juice. You can still enjoy the festive flavors without the alcohol!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store the mixed juices in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, add prosecco just before serving to maintain its fizz.
Can I Make a Larger Batch for a Party?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix the juices together in a pitcher and pour in the prosecco right before serving to keep the bubbles intact!