✔ Updated · classic 3-2-1 ratio, real measurements, pitcher version + an alcohol-free spritz
My Christmas Aperol spritz is the classic Prosecco and Aperol spritz dressed for winter with cranberry juice, orange and rosemary. It takes 5 minutes, contains alcohol for adults of legal drinking age, and has an alcohol-free version below. For more Prosecco cocktails, see our drinks with Prosecco and vodka.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Chill the Prosecco, Aperol, cranberry juice and glass before you start. Cold ingredients keep the ice from melting fast, so the spritz stays bright and bubbly to the last sip.
Why You'll Love This Winter Spritz
- Ready in 5 minutes, built right in the glass with no shaker.
- Festive color and flavor: cranberry and rosemary turn a summer classic into a holiday drink.
- Easy to scale into a pitcher for a Christmas party.
- Alcohol-free option: a sparkling cranberry-orange spritz for anyone skipping alcohol.
What You Need for a Christmas Aperol Spritz
Just a handful of ingredients, which is why I love it. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Prosecco: a dry (Brut or Extra Dry) Italian sparkling wine, well chilled.
- Aperol: the bright orange, bittersweet Italian aperitif that gives a spritz its color and flavor.
- Cranberry juice: adds a tart, festive red note. Juice cocktail is sweeter, 100% juice is drier.
- Club soda: a short splash lightens the drink and adds extra fizz.
- Garnish: an orange slice, fresh or frozen cranberries and a rosemary sprig, which looks like a little pine branch in the glass.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Stick to the 3-2-1 ratio. Three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda is the classic balance, and I stick to it. Here the cranberry juice joins the soda, so the drink stays bittersweet rather than sugary.
- Prosecco goes in first. Pouring the heavier Aperol on top lets it sink and mix on its own, so one gentle stir is enough.
- Use a dry Prosecco. Look for Brut or Extra Dry. A sweeter sparkling wine plus cranberry juice can make the drink cloying.
- Use large ice cubes. They melt more slowly, so the spritz doesn't turn watery while you sip.
- Pick your cranberry. Cranberry juice cocktail is sweeter; 100% cranberry juice is tart and drier. Start with 1 ounce of either and adjust to taste.
Christmas Aperol Spritz (Winter Cranberry Spritz)
1
drink5
minutes185
kcal5
minutesA festive winter take on the Aperol spritz: chilled Prosecco and Aperol in the classic 3-2-1 ratio with a splash of cranberry juice and club soda, served over ice with an orange slice, fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig. Contains alcohol; for adults of legal drinking age only.
Ingredients
1 cup ice cubes, large if possible
3 oz Prosecco, well chilled
2 oz Aperol, chilled
1 oz cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
1 oz club soda, chilled
1 orange slice (half-moon)
5 to 6 fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
1 fresh rosemary sprig
Directions
- Fill a large wine glass about three-quarters full with ice. Tuck the orange slice and a few cranberries down the side of the glass.
- Pour in the chilled Prosecco, tilting the glass slightly and pouring down the side so it keeps its bubbles.
- Add the Aperol, then the cranberry juice. They are heavier than the Prosecco and sink, giving the drink its red-orange color.
- Top with the club soda and give the drink one slow stir from the bottom with a bar spoon, just enough to combine without knocking out the fizz.
- Clap the rosemary sprig between your palms to release its aroma, tuck it into the glass with the remaining cranberries and serve right away. This drink contains alcohol and is for adults of legal drinking age only.
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How to Make a Pitcher for a Party
To serve 8, stir 2 cups (16 oz) of Aperol and 1 cup (8 oz) of cranberry juice in a large pitcher with a sliced orange and a handful of cranberries, then chill for up to 4 hours. Just before guests arrive, add one 750 ml bottle of chilled Prosecco and 1 cup of chilled club soda, stir gently once and pour into ice-filled glasses.
Keep the ice in the glasses rather than in the pitcher, so the batch doesn't water down while it sits out.
Festive Garnish Ideas
- Sugared cranberries: roll damp cranberries in granulated sugar and let them dry for 30 minutes for a frosted look.
- Warm spice: a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod in the glass adds a gentle holiday aroma.
- Blood orange: swap the orange slice for a blood orange wheel when they are in season.
- Sugar rim: run an orange wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar for a sparkly edge.
Alcohol-Free Cranberry Orange Spritz
Everyone can have a festive glass with this mocktail version. Make it the same way with these swaps:
- Replace the Prosecco with 3 ounces of chilled non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling white grape juice.
- Replace the Aperol with 2 ounces of a non-alcoholic bitter orange aperitif, or 1 1/2 ounces of fresh orange juice plus a dash of non-alcoholic bitters.
- Keep the cranberry juice, soda, orange slice, cranberries and rosemary exactly the same.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Christmas Aperol spritz?
This Christmas Aperol spritz uses 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of Aperol, 1 ounce of cranberry juice and a splash of club soda over ice, garnished with an orange slice, cranberries and rosemary. It contains alcohol and is for adults of legal drinking age only.
What is the ratio for an Aperol spritz?
The classic ratio is 3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water. In this winter version, the cranberry juice takes some of the soda's place, so the drink keeps the same strength with a festive red color and a tart edge.
Can I make a winter Aperol spritz for a crowd?
Yes. Stir the Aperol and cranberry juice together in a pitcher ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just before serving, add chilled Prosecco and soda, stir gently once and pour over ice. Adding the bubbles last keeps the drink fizzy.
What can I use instead of Prosecco?
Any dry sparkling wine works, such as cava or a Brut sparkling white. Champagne works too but is pricier. For a lower-alcohol drink, use more soda water and less sparkling wine, or try the alcohol-free version with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
How strong is an Aperol spritz?
Aperol is a low-alcohol aperitif at about 11% alcohol by volume, and Prosecco is usually around 11%. With soda and ice, a spritz is lighter than most cocktails, but it still contains alcohol, so enjoy it responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking age.
☕ Cozy season? Warm up with our festive holiday drinks.
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