Paul Kushner
Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritz is a cheerful and colorful cocktail that perfectly captures the fun of the holiday season. It mixes vodka with the bright flavors of orange juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of lemon for a lively citrus kick. The addition of ginger ale and maraschino cherry juice gives it a bubbly sweetness and a beautiful red hue that feels festive and inviting. Garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, it looks as good as it tastes. This refreshing spritz is easy to make, light to sip, and perfect for Christmas parties or cozy winter celebrations.
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Tasting Notes
Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritz is a lively, fruit-forward cocktail that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors. Vodka gives it a clean, crisp foundation, while cranberry and orange juices add a festive mix of tangy and bright notes. A splash of maraschino cherry juice lends gentle sweetness and a rosy hue, while ginger ale adds effervescence and subtle spice. The hint of lemon juice rounds everything out with refreshing acidity. Each sip is light, cheerful, and refreshing, evoking the flavors of the holiday season. The garnish of cranberries and rosemary completes this merry cocktail with color and aroma.
Equipment and Glassware
To make Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritz, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending and chilling the ingredients evenly. A jigger ensures accurate measurement of the spirits and juices for balanced flavor. Use a strainer when pouring to remove any ice shards and achieve a clean finish. A wine glass or large stemmed goblet is ideal for serving, as it allows room for ice, bubbles, and garnish. A small bar spoon helps stir gently if you choose to top with extra ginger ale. Optional bar picks can be used to skewer cranberries or secure the rosemary garnish neatly.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounces cranberry juice
- 1.5 ounces ginger ale
- Splash of maraschino cherry juice
- Splash of lemon juice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the orange juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, vodka, maraschino cherry juice, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a wine glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a handful of cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday flavors!
Pro Tips
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra fizz, top with a bit more ginger ale after shaking.
- Use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice for a brighter taste.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maraschino cherry juice.
- Add a sugared rim for an eye-catching presentation.
- Use large ice cubes to prevent dilution while keeping the drink cold.
- Garnish right before serving to maintain the rosemary’s aroma.
- Serve in a clear glass to highlight the cocktail’s rosy hue.
When to Serve
Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritz is a perfect choice for holiday parties, festive brunches, or Christmas dinners. Its bright, fruity profile and sparkling finish make it ideal for celebrating with friends and family. Serve it as a welcome cocktail during gatherings or as a cheerful accompaniment to appetizers and desserts. The blend of citrus and berry flavors pairs beautifully with savory holiday dishes and sweet treats alike. Light, colorful, and easy to enjoy, this cocktail captures the joy and warmth of the season in every bubbly sip.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Choose Tito’s, Ketel One, or Absolut for a clean, smooth flavor.
- Orange Juice: Use fresh-squeezed or Simply Orange for natural sweetness.
- Cranberry Juice: Ocean Spray or Lakewood Organic give vibrant color and tartness.
- Ginger Ale: Fever-Tree, Canada Dry, or Reed’s for balanced fizz and spice.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: Luxardo or Collins brand for rich, authentic flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.
Similar Cocktails
- Cranberry Orange Fizz
- Amaretto Sunset
- Campari Orange Vodka Sour
- Cranberry Vodka Sour
- Red-Nosed Refresher
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounces cranberry juice
- 1.5 ounces ginger ale
- Splash of maraschino cherry juice
- Splash of lemon juice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the orange juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, vodka, maraschino cherry juice, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a wine glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a handful of cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday flavors!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For added sweetness, use a bit of grenadine instead of maraschino cherry juice.
- Chill the ginger ale before mixing to keep the drink extra refreshing.
- Muddle a few cranberries in the shaker for an extra burst of cranberry flavor.
