The Cranberry Aperol Spritz adds cranberry juice to the classic Italian cocktail making it perfect to serve throughout the holiday season!
Welcome to the world of delightful mixology, where we explore the charm of a rising star in the cocktail scene – the Cranberry Aperol Spritz. With its vibrant colors and exquisite taste, this cocktail is becoming a favorite for various occasions. In this guide, we’ll dive into the essence of the Cranberry Aperol Spritz, understanding its key ingredients, and mastering the art of crafting this refreshing beverage.
A Taste of Italy: The Aperol Spritz
Walk around Italy in the summer and you will see plenty of people enjoying an Aperol Spritz. After work, Italians love to partake in the aperitivo, a pre-meal drink that whets your appetite for dinner. All throughout Italy, in just about every town and city, you will find Italians partaking in this favorite tradition. If you visit this beautiful peninsula you too will happily join in the fun while taking in some breathtaking sunsets.
Aperitivo cocktails tend to be light on alcohol and bitter, thus they pair perfectly with salty snacks, cheeses and cured meats. The idea is to enjoy a beverage that goes well with with appetizers and small plates.
The Aperol Spritz was created in 1919 by bartender Raimando Ricci. It has a bitter, citrusy taste and is known for its bright orange color. It’s one of Italy’s favorite aperitivo cocktails. As Prosecco became more popular in the 1990’s so too did the Aperol Spritz and it has become well-known world wide. Quickly mix it up by adding 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda with a slice of orange. Prosecco adds fresh bubbles, Aperol and intense orange color, soda to boost the bubbles and an orange slice to add a touch more sweetness and more vibrant orange color.
A Festive Spin on the Classic: The Cranberry Aperol Spritz
With the rise in popularity of the classic Aperol Spritz, many variations have been created. The Cranberry Aperol Spritz adds 3 ounces of cranberry juice to the original to get a refreshing drink that is perfect for all your fall and winter holidays. The addition of fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig gives this bright, vibrant, red drink a festive appeal and show stopping appearance. Serve one up for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s too! However, this refreshing drink can be enjoyed all throughout the year!
What ingredients are in the Cranberry Aperol Spritz?
- Aperol: The heart of the cocktail, contributing a perfect balance of bitterness.
- Cranberry Juice: Infusing a tart and fruity flavor that harmonizes with Aperol.
- Prosecco: Adding effervescence and a touch of sweetness.
- Club soda: Enhancing the lightness and bubbles.
- Fresh cranberries, an orange slice and a rosemary sprig (for garnish): Elevating the visual appeal with a festive touch.
Understanding the Combination of Flavors
The magic of the Cranberry Aperol Spritz lies in the synergy of its flavors. Aperol’s bitterness dances with the tartness of cranberry juice, while the Prosecco’s effervescence lifts the entire experience. Take a moment to appreciate how these elements come together, creating a cocktail that is both sophisticated and approachable.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz-Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz club soda
- orange slice, fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
- Add Aperol, cranberry juice, Prosecco and club soda.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice, fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Cheers!
Presentation and Garnish
The visual appeal of your Cranberry Aperol Spritz is as important as the taste. Consider serving it in a stemmed or stemless, wide, balloon glass to showcase the vibrant color. Add a citrus twist or let cranberries float atop and add a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch. The choice of glassware and presentation can elevate the overall drinking experience.
Mix up a Cranberry Aperol Spritz for the upcoming holidays!
You are now ready to gather the ingredients, pop the cork and mix up a Cranberry Aperol Spritz. Let your creativity shine by experimenting with variations. Try adding a sprig of rosemary for an herbal twist or opt for flavored sparkling water to enhance the depth of flavors. Share your experiences and unique twists in the comments below – the world of mixology is vast, and your journey has just begun.
The Cranberry Aperol Spritz is more than a cocktail; it’s a symphony of flavors dancing with bubbles that deserves a place in your repertoire. Toast to the art of mixology and the joy of crafting your own delightful beverages. Cheers! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other festive cocktails try:
White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Equipment
- large wine glass
- jigger
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz club soda
- orange slice, fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
- Add Aperol, cranberry juice, Prosecco and club soda.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice, fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Cheers!
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