Winter Aperol Spritz

There’s something special about sipping a holiday cocktail that feels both refreshing and seasonal, and that’s exactly why this Winter Aperol Spritz has become one of my favorite Christmas recipes to make. The classic summer spritz gets a cold-weather twist with cranberry juice, lemon, and festive garnishes that look right at home next to twinkling lights. It’s crisp, colorful, and incredibly easy to put together, which makes it perfect for last-minute gatherings or long, relaxed evenings at home.

I first made this version during a small holiday party when I wanted something lighter than the usual winter drinks but still cheerful enough for the season. One sip and I knew this would stick around on my December drink rotation. The combination of Aperol’s bittersweet flavor with tart cranberry juice brings out a lovely balance that feels refreshing but still cozy. Plus, the rosemary and cranberries on top add a pretty touch that always gets people talking.

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Why You’ll Love This

A Winter Aperol Spritz brings together bright citrus, subtle bitterness, and crisp bubbles, making it one of the easiest holiday cocktail options for busy nights.

It tastes light enough to enjoy before dinner but still has enough seasonal flavor to fit Christmas parties. I often mix a few of these when guests arrive because they help set a relaxed tone without feeling heavy.

Here are a few reasons it’s such a hit:

• Quick and simple to mix, even for beginners.
• Uses easy-to-find ingredients that work well together.
• Looks festive with rosemary and fresh cranberries.
• Not overly sweet, making it nice for sipping.
• Works well for both small gatherings and large batches.
• Light enough to enjoy with food without overpowering anything.

These perks make it a dependable drink when you want something fun that still feels right for the season. It’s the type of recipe you can keep in your back pocket for any winter event.

Ingredients

This drink uses a short list of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in balancing the final flavor. The cranberry juice adds a gentle tartness, the Aperol brings its signature bittersweet note, and the Prosecco ties everything together with crisp bubbles. The rosemary and cranberries finish it off with a clean winter aroma that feels perfect for the holidays.

• 2 ounces Aperol
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• Prosecco to top
• rosemary sprig fresh, for garnish
• fresh cranberries for garnish

Aperol works well here because its orange flavor blends smoothly with cranberry juice. The lemon juice keeps the drink from tasting flat by adding brightness.

Prosecco is the best sparkling wine for spritzes since it’s light and approachable. The garnishes make the drink look polished and give off a subtle aroma when you bring the glass to your mouth.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right spirits and mixers can help your Winter Aperol Spritz taste even better. You don’t need anything expensive, but certain brands are known for being reliable and consistent, which helps when you’re serving guests. This is also a flexible recipe, so you can swap things in depending on what you already have at home.

Here are some suggestions:

• Aperol: The classic choice for spritzes; it’s easy to find and always consistent.
• Prosecco (La Marca or Mionetto): These are crisp and balanced, making them great for topping spritzes.
• Cranberry juice (Ocean Spray 100% Juice): Pure cranberry juice adds better tartness than sweetened blends.
• Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed works best, but bottled will do if that’s what you have.
• Sparkling wine substitutes: If you run out of Prosecco, you can use cava or a dry sparkling rosé.

If you want a slightly sweeter drink, you can use cranberry cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice. For something more tart, add an extra splash of lemon juice.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need any bar tools beyond the basics for this recipe, which makes it great for last-minute entertaining. A large wine glass or spritz glass works best because it gives the drink room to breathe and hold ice.

Helpful items include:

• Jigger
• Wine Glass
• Bar Spoon

The key is using a glass big enough to allow the bubbles to rise without overflowing. This also leaves space for the rosemary and cranberries to sit nicely on top.

How to Make It

Mixing a Winter Aperol Spritz takes only a minute, but the layering of ingredients makes it look thoughtful and well-presented. You’ll build the drink right in the glass, which also cuts down on dishes. Take your time pouring in the Prosecco so you keep the bubbles intact.

1. Fill a large wine glass or spritz glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol, cranberry juice, and lemon juice.
3. Top with Prosecco to fill the glass, leaving a little room at the top.
4. Gently stir to blend the ingredients without losing the fizz.
5. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a handful of cranberries.

Most people follow this method exactly, but you can adjust the ratio easily. If you want a bigger spritz, add more Prosecco. For a stronger bittersweet taste, increase the Aperol slightly.

Pro Tips

A little technique goes a long way with spritzes, especially when bubbles are involved. These tips help you get the best flavor and look every time.

• Chill your glass beforehand for a colder drink.
• Use large ice cubes so your drink chills without watering down too fast.
• Add Prosecco last to keep the bubbles lively.
• Taste before garnishing and adjust lemon or cranberry juice as needed.
• Roll the rosemary between your fingers to release its aroma.
• Use pure cranberry juice if you prefer a sharper taste.
• Add a splash of soda water if you want a lighter version.

Feel free to experiment with your ratios until you find the version you like best. Spritzes are forgiving and easy to tailor to your taste.

Variations

One of the best parts about a spritz recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the sweetness, the strength, or even the color depending on what you feel like drinking. Here are a few fun takes to try:

• Ginger Spritz: Add a splash of ginger beer for extra warmth.
• Pomegranate Spritz: Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice.
• Non-alcoholic version: Use non-alcoholic Aperol-style bitters and sparkling water.
• Stronger version: Add a half ounce of vodka for extra kick.
• Citrus twist: Use citrus-flavored sparkling wine instead of Prosecco.

These small changes can keep the drink interesting all winter long.

When to Serve and Pairings

This holiday cocktail fits right into any winter celebration, whether you’re hosting a large Christmas gathering or a quiet weekend at home. It works well as a pre-dinner drink because it’s refreshing and light, helping ease everyone into the evening.

Try pairing it with:

• Soft cheeses like brie or camembert
• Light appetizers such as crostini or shrimp
• Salads with citrus or pomegranate
• Roasted nuts
• Other spritz-inspired drinks on the site

The cranberry and citrus notes make it easy to serve with most holiday spreads.

Storage and Serving Notes

Spritzes are best made fresh, but you can prepare certain parts ahead if you’re hosting. Mix the Aperol, cranberry juice, and lemon juice in a pitcher and keep it chilled. Add ice and Prosecco only when serving so you don’t lose the bubbles.

If you’re batching, keep the ratio consistent and top each glass with Prosecco individually. This keeps everything tasting bright and freshly made.

FAQs

Before mixing your first glass, you might have a few questions. Here are some answers that help make the process even smoother.

Can I make this without Prosecco?
Yes, cava or sparkling rosé work well and keep the drink lively.

Is it very bitter?
Aperol has a mild bitterness, but the cranberry and lemon balance it nicely.

Can I prepare it ahead?
You can mix the non-sparkling ingredients ahead, but add Prosecco right before serving.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries look great and help chill the drink.

Does this work as a pitcher cocktail?
It does, as long as you add the sparkling wine fresh to each glass.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy spritz-style drinks or holiday-friendly cocktails, here are a few more recipes you might like. Each one has a refreshing feel and works well for winter gatherings.

• Cranberry Limoncello Spritz
• Winter Tequila Sunset
• The Grinch Spritz
• Christmas Rum Cocktail
• Cranberry Orange Fizz

These options help round out any gathering with something bright and easy to mix.