Festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol Recipe (2024)

Enjoy the holiday season’s flavors with this refreshing winter cranberry spritz Aperol beverage. This is a perfect blend of flavors for a festive winter co*cktail. Cheers!

This winter Aperol spritz will get you into the holiday spirit with warm and comforting hints of cranberries and cinnamon. I have listed not only the recipe for the winter cranberry spritz Aperol drink but also a recipe for homemade cranberry simple syrup. It is easy to do and adds so much to the flavor of this co*cktail and goes a long way to making this the perfect drink for this time of the year.

Festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol Recipe

The first time I had an Aperol aperitif and Aperol spritz was during a trip to Italy a few years back. We went to a rooftop bar in Verona that overlooked the coliseum there, and they had an extensive menu of Aperol drinks (not just the classic Aperol spritz) in just about any flavor combination you can imagine! On our last trip to Italy I had a few in various cities. I love to see the variety!

While Aperol aperitif and Aperol spritz and spritzers are now considered classic co*cktails, many variations exist – including this delicious cranberry co*cktail!

A traditional Aperol spritz is usually considered a summer drink because of how refreshing it is. However, this festive co*cktail is the perfect co*cktail to share with friends and family at your next holiday party or gathering. It is an easy drink to make, and the simple ingredients meld together deliciously.

While this cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is sure to become a favorite co*cktail when holiday festivities are neigh, it is also a refreshing drink to have just because you want a co*cktail! You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to mix up this great co*cktail.

What is the difference between a spritz and a spritzer?

A spritzer is a mix of wine and sparkling water. A spritz is a mix of sparkling wine, a bitter liqueur, and sparkling water such as club soda or mineral water.

Aperol is bright orange in color and has a bitter taste. In this delicious co*cktail, the Aperol is offset by the sweetness of the syrup. The cinnamon really comes through in the syrup and has warm hints of cranberries and spices. Perfect for a winter evening or a holiday party.

Tips and variations for making this Festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol Recipe:

● Jar the cranberry simple syrup for future use. Be sure to cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 months.
● The cranberry syrup should be cooled for a few minutes before you add any co*cktail ingredients, but keep in mind that the ice will help to cool it in the glass.
● Any unused cranberry simple syrup should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
● If you wish to add more cinnamon sticks to the simple syrup, you can. Just realize it will change the final taste of your simple syrup and your Aperol spritz co*cktail.
● If you do not have a large wine glass, use a 10 ounce co*cktail glass.
● Prosecco is used in this recipe, but you can use any sparkling wine you may enjoy.
● Sugared Cranberries Recipe – for a real holiday flair! If you make these for your garnish, the leftover water is basically simple syrup.
● I have listed orange slices as a garnish, but if you prefer, an orange wedge will work just as well.
● If you use a jigger to measure the liquors in the spritz, that is generally one ounce. If you use a jigger like this, the smaller side is ½ ounce.

If you enjoy cranberry flavor and are looking for the perfect holiday co*cktail? Here are some other festive cranberry holiday co*cktails you might enjoy:

● Cranberry Bliss co*cktail Recipe – a good co*cktail for cranberry lovers.
● Cranberry Mimosa Drink co*cktail Recipe – a good drink for your holiday brunch. Mix up a large pitcher!
● Holiday Cranberry Sangria Recipe – the perfect holiday drink. I use a punch bowl for this tasty co*cktail.

Festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol Recipe Ingredients:

For the Cranberry Simple Syrup:

● 1 cup fresh or frozen Cranberries
● 1 cup Granulated Sugar
● 1 cup Water
● 3 fresh Orange Slices
● 1 Cinnamon Stick
● Star Anise, to taste
● Cloves, to taste
● Rosemary, to taste

For the co*cktail:

● Ice
● 1½ ounces Cranberry Simple Syrup
● 1 ounce Soda Water
● 1 ounce Aperol
● 3 ounces Prosecco or any sparkling wine
● Sprig of Rosemary, Orange Curls and Slices, and Cranberries for garnish

Festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol Mise en Place:

● Small Saucepan
● Measuring Cup
● Sieve
● Airtight Container
● Jigger
● Cutting Board
● Knife
● Large Wine Glass (or other 10-ounce co*cktail glass)

Festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol Recipe Directions:

1. In a small saucepan on the stove, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange slices, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and fresh rosemary ingredients for the cranberry simple syrup.

2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Be careful; the cranberries will pop and split.
3. Remove the cranberry simple syrup from the heat and let it stand to cool for at least 10 minutes.

4. Run the cranberry syrup through a sieve and discard the cooked cranberries. There is enough cranberry simple syrup produced for approximately 5 co*cktails; store any leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

5. In a large wine glass, place 3-4 ice cubes.
6. Pour the cranberry simple syrup over the ice.

7. Add the soda water to the glass.
8. Add the Aperol to the glass.

9. Top with 3 ounces of Prosecco (or any sparkling wine).
10. Garnish with frosted rosemary, fresh cranberries, and orange curls.

11. Serve Immediately.

As always, drink responsibly, and please don’t drink and drive.

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