Santa’s Spritz

There is something fun about enjoying a spritz during the holiday season, and Santa’s Spritz brings that playful sparkle right into your winter lineup. I first made this drink during a gift wrapping marathon when I needed something simple but cheerful to sip while working through piles of ribbon and paper. The mix of cranberry juice, prosecco, and vodka gave me just the right lift, and the rosemary sprig added a pretty touch that instantly made the glass look seasonal.

This holiday recipe is perfect if you love Christmas cocktails that are light, bubbly, and easy to build for a crowd. The bright red color from the cranberry juice makes it look festive, and the prosecco adds crisp bubbles that feel refreshing even in the colder months. It is the kind of spritz cocktail that looks elegant without requiring complicated steps, which is always a bonus when holiday plans get hectic.

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Why You’ll Love This

Santa’s Spritz delivers everything people enjoy about spritz cocktails but with a festive holiday spin. It blends sweet cranberry, bright prosecco, and smooth vodka into a drink that feels cheerful without being too strong.

The recipe comes together quickly, which makes it ideal when you want to serve something impressive without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Here are a few reasons this drink stands out:

• Only a few ingredients and minimal prep
• Beautiful color that fits holiday celebrations
• A bubbly and refreshing twist on Christmas cocktails
• Easy to make in single servings or batches
• Light enough to enjoy before or after meals
• Garnished with rosemary for an aromatic finish

These perks make Santa’s Spritz a go to holiday recipe when you want something festive, flavorful, and simple.

Ingredients

Santa’s Spritz uses ingredients that balance freshness with a little winter sweetness. The vodka provides structure without overpowering the other flavors. The prosecco adds bubbles that keep the drink crisp, and the cranberry juice brings the signature holiday color. A splash of club soda lightens the drink, making it refreshing enough for long celebrations.

You will need:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 2 oz prosecco
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• Splash of club soda
• 1 sprig rosemary for garnish

Each element has a purpose. The vodka gives the drink a smooth backbone. The prosecco brings lively bubbles and a touch of fruitiness. Cranberry juice offers tartness and the iconic red hue that feels perfect for holiday gatherings.

Club soda stretches the drink just enough to keep it from feeling too strong. The rosemary garnish adds a fresh, pine like scent that instantly feels seasonal.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing quality bottles can help bring out the best flavor in this spritz, but you do not need anything overly expensive. Look for clean, smooth vodkas and crisp prosecco so the drink stays light and refreshing. If you want to adjust the flavor or use what you already have at home, there are plenty of substitutions that still keep the cocktail festive.

Here are some recommended options:

• Tito’s Vodka for a clean, neutral flavor
• Ketel One Vodka if you want a slightly softer finish
• La Marca Prosecco for reliable bubbles and bright flavor
• Ruffino Prosecco if you prefer something a little drier
• Sparkling rosé as a substitute for prosecco to make the drink sweeter and pinker
• Pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for a deeper tartness

These choices let you customize Santa’s Spritz based on your taste and budget while still keeping the holiday spirit intact.

Equipment and Glassware

This spritz is incredibly easy to make because it requires only a few pieces of equipment. A simple wine glass or spritz glass works best since it allows the bubbles to rise and gives plenty of room for the rosemary garnish. You do not need a cocktail shaker since the drink is built directly in the glass.

Helpful items include:

• Wine glass or spritz glass
• Jigger or measuring tools
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Ice

A taller glass helps preserve the bubbles and makes the drink look even more festive.

How to Make It

Santa’s Spritz is a quick, beginner friendly cocktail that still feels special. The process focuses on layering ingredients in a way that keeps the bubbles fresh while blending the flavors smoothly. Since the drink is mixed directly in the serving glass, cleanup is easy, which is always a plus during busy holiday weeks.

Follow these steps:

1. Fill a serving glass with ice, giving the drink a cold base to build on.
2. Add the vodka and cranberry juice directly to the glass, allowing the liquids to chill as they settle over the ice.
3. Pour in the prosecco, followed by a gentle splash of club soda to lighten the drink.
4. Stir slowly with a bar spoon, blending the flavors without disrupting the bubbles too much.
5. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary, which adds a seasonal aroma and completes the festive look.

You can adjust the cranberry juice or prosecco amounts depending on whether you want the drink sweeter, lighter, or more bubbly.

Pro Tips

Even simple spritz cocktails benefit from a few thoughtful touches. These tips help enhance the flavor, keep the drink balanced, and make the presentation even more beautiful. They are especially helpful if you plan to serve this drink at a holiday gathering or want each glass to look its best.

Try these helpful ideas:

• Use chilled prosecco and vodka for maximum freshness
• Choose clear ice if you want a more polished presentation
• Pour the prosecco slowly along the side of the glass to protect the bubbles
• Wrap the rosemary sprig lightly between your fingers to release more aroma
• Add extra cranberry juice for a deeper red color
• Try flavored club soda like cranberry or lime for a fun twist
• Use a taller wine glass to help preserve carbonation
• Taste before serving so you can adjust sweetness or tartness

You can experiment by adding small flavor changes until you find the version that fits your holiday mood.

Variations

Santa’s Spritz is easy to personalize, and different versions can be fun for gatherings where guests enjoy choosing their own style of drink. These variations keep the festive spirit but introduce fun new flavors and colors. You can even make a non alcoholic version so everyone can join in on the celebration.

Try these variations:

• Replace vodka with gin for a botanical twist
• Use sparkling cranberry juice instead of prosecco for a kid friendly version
• Add a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness
• Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice for deeper color
• Use orange bitters for a more aromatic finish

Each variation puts a new spin on this holiday spritz while keeping the drink cheerful and easy to make.

When to Serve and Pairings

Santa’s Spritz fits beautifully into almost any holiday occasion thanks to its light, bubbly nature. It is great for Christmas brunch because it is not too strong, and it also works for evening parties as a refreshing break between richer cocktails. Whether you are hosting a family dinner or relaxing at home, this spritz feels like a festive treat.

Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Cheese boards with brie or goat cheese
• Cranberry glazed meatballs
• Holiday sugar cookies
• Fruit tarts or citrus desserts
• Rosemary crackers or savory snacks

If you want to explore more spritz cocktails or winter drinks, try pairing Santa’s Spritz with recipes like the Cranberry Aperol Spritz, Holiday Mimosa Punch, or a Winter Prosecco Sangria.

Storage and Serving Notes

Santa’s Spritz is best served fresh, since the drink depends on lively bubbles from the prosecco and club soda. If you want to prepare part of it ahead of time, you can chill the vodka and cranberry juice in advance so the drink stays cold once assembled. For large parties, you can set up a spritz station where guests add prosecco to their own glasses to keep carbonation strong.

Avoid pre mixing the prosecco with other ingredients, because it will lose its fizz quickly. Assemble each glass right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

If you are making spritz cocktails at home for the first time or want the best results, here are some common questions that might help you perfect Santa’s Spritz.

Can I make a batch of this in a pitcher?
You can pre mix the vodka and cranberry juice, but add the prosecco and club soda to individual glasses so the drink stays bubbly.

What kind of cranberry juice should I use?
Use 100 percent cranberry juice for a tart flavor or cranberry cocktail juice if you want a sweeter version.

Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes, cranberry vodka or citrus vodka both work well and add extra depth.

Can this be made non alcoholic?
Absolutely. Use sparkling cranberry juice or non alcoholic prosecco, and skip the vodka.

Does prosecco make a big difference?
Yes, prosecco keeps the drink crisp and lively, but you can use cava or champagne if that is what you have on hand.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy holiday spritz cocktails and bubbly Christmas drinks, here are more festive recipes you might love. Each one brings bright flavors and a cheerful presentation that fits perfectly into winter gatherings.

• Cranberry Limoncello Spritz: A tart and colorful spritz with citrus and herbal notes.
• Fireball Thanksgiving Punch: A fruity, sparkling punch ideal for festive parties.
• Pomegranate Prosecco Winter Punch: A refreshing blend of wine, winter fruit, and bubbles.
• Sparkling Pomegranate Paloma: A bright and sweet drink with deep red color.
• Cranberry-Vodka Fizz: A light and fizzy option with a clean cranberry finish.