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This cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is a sweet-tart, fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for parties or cozy evenings. Here’s how to make this easy drink with just 4 simple ingredients!
The first time I added cranberry juice to an Aperol Spritz, I wondered: would it overwhelm that signature bitter-orange sweetness? Turns out, the tartness of the cranberry juice actually cuts through the sweetness and makes a balanced drink that I personally like even better than the original!
This one is great for parties because you can pour it up right in the glass: no cocktail shaker required. It’s nice for fall and winter entertaining: I first served it as a Christmas cocktail. But it honestly also works in summer: just add a orange wedge garnish and a mint sprig!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The cranberry Aperol spritz is a spin on the popular Aperol spritz, a classic Italian cocktails from the 1950’s. This spin simply adds cranberry juice, which balances the flavors in what can be a very sweet drink. Here’s what you need to make a cranberry Aperol spritz:
- Aperol: Aperol is an Italian bitter (amaro) with a lightly sweet flavor and notes of herbs and citrus. It was invented in Italy in 1919.
- Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from Italy’s Veneto region, known for its delicate flavor and light bubbles. You can use any type of champagne if desired.
- Cranberry juice: I like using 100% cranberry juice for the brightest color and pure, tart flavor.
Understanding the Spritz Ratio
A spritz is a cocktail that combines three ingredients: liqueur, sparkling wine (usually Prosecco) and soda water. You can make a spritz of any type using these two ingredients and any mixer of your choosing. The basic spritz ratio is 3:2:1, or 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part soda water. This cranberry version swaps in cranberry juice for the soda water.
Other famous spritzes are the Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz, and St Germain Spritz (aka the Hugo cocktail).
Making Multiple Servings
The cranberry Aperol spritz is perfect for parties, and it’s easy to make several servings at once! Here’s what to know:
- If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces! For 4 drinks, use a half bottle 375 ml (12 oz).
- A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks.
- If you’re serving 8, mix up 1 ½ cups Aperol and 1 ½ cups cranberry juice. Into each glass, pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of the mixture and top with 3 ounces Prosecco.
Garnishing Your Cranberry Aperol Spritz
The cranberry Aperol spritz is a great fall cocktail or winter cocktail, but it also works in warm weather as summer cocktail, depending on the garnishes. If you want to take it over the top, try the following:
- Throw in a straw: A gold straw works well here; it also helps to minimize dilution.
- Serve with clear ice: This ice is crystal clear, with none of the cloudiness of normal ice. All you need is 24 hours: see How to Make Clear Ice.
- Add a citrus wedge and frozen cranberries: Lemon or orange works great!
- Add herbs: In winter use a rosemary sprig. If serving in summer, a sprig of thyme or mint work perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components ahead of time. Mix the Aperol and cranberry juice together and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just add ice and top with chilled Prosecco.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but I don’t recommend it! Cranberry juice cocktail contains added sugar and will make the drink too sweet. The beauty of this recipe is how the tart, unsweetened cranberry juice balances Aperol’s sweetness.
Honestly, both! I serve this year-round. The cranberry makes it feel festive for fall and winter holidays, but it’s also refreshing enough for warm weather. Just adjust your garnish: rosemary for winter, mint or citrus for summer.
Yes! Check out my Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail, which I made as the mocktail version of this cocktail.
Any dry or extra-dry Prosecco works beautifully here. You don’t need an expensive bottle: a mid-range Prosecco ($12-15) is perfect for spritzes. You can also use Cava or any dry sparkling wine.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
This cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is a sweet-tart, fruity twist on the classic cocktail that’s perfect for parties or cozy evenings. Here’s how to make this easy drink with just 4 simple ingredients!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces Aperol, chilled
- 1 ½ ounces unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, chilled
- 3 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled (see Notes)*
- Ice (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: Frozen cranberries, orange wedge, rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Add the Aperol to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with the cranberry juice and Prosecco.
- If desired, stir gently, then serve. Add frozen cranberries and an orange wedge as a garnish (and rosemary if desired).
Notes
A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces! For 4 drinks, use a half bottle 375 ml (12 oz).
Serving 8 drinks: Mix up 1 ½ cups Aperol and 1 ½ cups cranberry juice. Into each glass, pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of the mixture and top with 3 ounces Prosecco (from a 750 ml bottle).
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