Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz – Cranberry and orange juice are mixed with Aperol liquor, Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water to make for a refreshing winter cocktail. 

Historically, warm cocktails take over come winter time: hot toddys, mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, etc. But just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean that my love of refreshing drinks goes out the window. I love a great festive sangria or Moscow mule this time of year.

For my newest festive creation, I decided to celebrate a refreshing drink that has been taking over cocktail menus all year long – the aperol spritz. I recognize this drink has been around for years, but it’s only hit my radar this past year.

The aperol spritz is a refreshing Italian drink, typically served as an aperitif (a drink served before a meal). It tends to be most popular during the summer months. But with the addition of cranberry and orange (and a festive sprig of rosemary!), I’ve made this drink just the cocktail you need for winter.

And so, I present to you my Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz!

What is in this cocktail?

A traditional aperol spritz is made with Aperol liquor, Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water. It’s served over ice and with a slice of orange. It’s dry, yet refreshing and oh so delicious.

Aperol has a citrus flavor, similar to grapefruit, with a hint of orange. For this version of the aperol spritz, I added in cranberry juice cocktail because cranberry and orange pair so perfectly. I also used a sprig of rosemary and fresh cranberries for garnish to make it even more festive. 

How is it made?

This cocktail is incredibly easy to make – it takes mere minutes to put it together. First, you mix equal parts cranberry juice and Aperol liquor. Then, you top with 3 ounces of Prosecco, a squeeze of an orange wedge, and a splash of sparkling water. That’s it, folks!

I like to serve this drink in a large wine glass but you can use any 16-ounce glass.

Tips & Tricks

1. You cannot make the entire drink ahead of time because the fizz in the Prosecco and sparkling water will lessen over time. However, you can mix the juices with the aperol and simply top with champagne and sparkling water when it’s time to serve.
2. Cranberry juice cocktail is not 100% cranberry juice. It is sweetened to balance out the tart flavor of the cranberry. Make sure you use cranberry juice cocktail in this drink to ensure the drink is the right amount of sweet.

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