This cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is sweet tart, fruity, and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (we think)! It’s simple to make and looks stunning—the idea signature drink for parties or a cozy evening.
Here’s a cocktail recipe that’s so fun and easy, we want to make it in every season: the cranberry Aperol spritz! Using tart cranberry juice tones down the sweet Aperol, making a drink that’s fruity, balanced, and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (in our opinion!).
This one is so perfect for parties because you can pour it up right in the glass: no cocktail shaker required! It’s great for fall and winter (we first served it as a Christmas cocktail) but it honestly also works in summer: just add a orange wedge garnish!
Ingredients in a cranberry Aperol spritz
The cranberry Aperol spritz is a spin on the popular Aperol spritz, an Italian aperitif. The concept has been around for hundreds of years, but the Aperol spritz took the form it has today in the 1950’s. This spin simply adds cranberry juice, which balances the flavors in what can be a very sweet drink. Here’s what you need to make a cranberry Aperol spritz:
- Aperol: Aperol is an Italian bitter (amaro) with a lightly sweet flavor and notes of herbs and citrus. It was invented in Italy in 1919.
- Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from Italy’s Veneto region, known for its delicate flavor and light bubbles. You can use any type of champagne if desired.
- Cranberry juice: We like using 100% cranberry juice for the brightest color and pure, tart flavor.
- Soda water: Use club soda or unflavored sparkling water (we use our SodaStream to make it at home). Avoid tonic water, since it is flavored with quinine and lightly sweetened.
More about the spritz
The spritz is a drink invented in Italy that combines three ingredients: liqueur, sparkling wine (usually Prosecco) and soda water. You can make a spritz of any type using these two ingredients and any mixer of your choosing. The basic spritz ratio is 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part soda water.
The most popular spritz is an Aperol Spritz, but you can also make a Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz, and St Germain Spritz (also called the Hugo).
Making multiple servings at once
The cranberry Aperol spritz is perfect for parties, and it’s easy to make several servings at once! Here’s what to know:
- If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces! For 4 drinks, use a half bottle 375 ml (12 oz).
- A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks.
- If you’re serving 8, mix up 1 ½ cups Aperol and 1 ½ cups cranberry juice. Into each glass, pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of the mixture and top with 3 ounces Prosecco.
Garnishing a cranberry Aperol spritz
The cranberry Aperol spritz is a great fall cocktail or winter cocktail, but it also works in warm weather as summer cocktail, depending on the garnishes. If you want to take it over the top, try the following:
- Throw in a straw. A gold straw work well here; it also helps to minimize dilution.
- Serve with clear ice. This ice is crystal clear, with none of the cloudiness of normal ice. You can cut large chunks and they look just like a fancy bar! All you need is 24 hours. See How to Make Clear Ice.
- Add a citrus wedge and frozen cranberries. Lemon or orange works great!
- Add herbs. In winter use a rosemary sprig. If serving in summer, a sprig of thyme or mint would work perfectly.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
This cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is sweet tart, fruity, and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (we think)! It’s simple to make and looks stunning—the idea signature drink for parties or a cozy evening.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
- 1 ½ ounces Aperol, chilled
- 1 ½ ounces unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, chilled
- 3 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled (see Notes)*
- Ice (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: Frozen cranberries, orange wedge, rosemary (optional)
- Add the Aperol to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with the cranberry juice and Prosecco.
- If desired, stir gently, then serve. Add frozen cranberries and an orange wedge as a garnish (and rosemary if desired).
Notes
A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces! For 4 drinks, use a half bottle 375 ml (12 oz).
Serving 8 drinks: Mix up 1 ½ cups Aperol and 1 ½ cups cranberry juice. Into each glass, pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of the mixture and top with 3 ounces Prosecco (from a 750 ml bottle).
More cranberry cocktails
A few more cranberry cocktail recipes to use up your cranberry juice: we love a good Cosmopolitan. Or try a vodka cranberry, cranberry Moscow mule, cranberry margarita, or cranberry bourbon cocktail.