Cocktails & Drinks Christmas

Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Name: Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 cocktails
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 200 ml Aperol; 100 ml Cranberry Juice; 1 bottle Prosecco (chilled); Splash Soda Water; Orange (sliced); Rosemary (sprigs); Plenty Ice

A festive twist on the classic Italian spritz, combining Aperol's bitter orange notes with tart cranberry juice. Perfect for New Year's Eve celebrations or Christmas gatherings.

By Ricky Robinson • Updated December 31, 2025

The Aperol Spritz has become one of those drinks that instantly makes any occasion feel a bit more special. This festive version takes the classic formula and gives it a seasonal twist with cranberry juice, which adds a beautiful ruby colour and a touch of tartness that balances the Aperol's sweetness beautifully.

Making this in a jug rather than individual glasses is the way to go when you have people over. It looks impressive, keeps the drinks cold, and means you're not stuck playing bartender all evening. The rosemary sprigs aren't just for decoration either. Give them a gentle slap between your palms before adding them to release their oils, and you'll get a subtle herbal aroma that makes each sip feel properly festive.

The key to a good spritz is keeping everything cold. Chill your Prosecco well in advance, and use plenty of ice in the jug.

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The ratio here is fairly forgiving, so don't worry about being too precise. You want that characteristic bittersweet Aperol flavour to come through, with the cranberry adding depth rather than taking over. The Prosecco provides the fizz and lightness, while the splash of soda water stretches things out nicely and adds extra sparkle.

Pour the Aperol and cranberry juice into the jug first and give them a stir to combine before adding the Prosecco. This way you won't knock all the bubbles out of the fizz. Top with the soda water just before serving for maximum effervescence. The orange slices add colour and a hint of citrus, but the real star is that rosemary. Its pine-like fragrance works brilliantly with the bitter orange and cranberry. Serve immediately while everything is still fizzing and cold.