With just a couple extra ingredients, you can turn the classic summery Aperol spritz into a festive winter Aperol spritz!
One of my favorite things about Italy, is having a refreshing Aperol spritz every afternoon! A classic Aperol spritz just needs Aperol, prosecco, and soda, but this holiday version is dressed up with a cranberry and cinnamon simple syrup and then garnished with sugared rosemary! It's the perfect light, refreshing cocktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, or any holiday party!
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What is Aperol?
Aperol is a light, refreshing Italian aperitif [pre-dinner liquor that's often used as a palate cleanser] with a bright orange, rhubarb flavor. Aperol is similar to Campari but slightly less bitter.
A classic Aperol spritz uses a 1:1 ratio of Aperol and prosecco, topped with a splash of soda and garnished with an orange slice. But you can change up the ratio to suit your own taste!
Ingredient Notes
You just need a few simple ingredients to make this winter Aperol spritz!
Prosecco - Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, similar to Champagne. I recommend using dry (brut) prosecco so that your cocktail isn't overly sweet.
Soda - You need a little bit of club soda (or your favorite sparkling water) to help cut through some of the bitterness.
Orange - An orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz, but you can leave it out for this wintery version if you prefer. But I love the flavor of orange and cranberry together!
Cranberries - I use fresh cranberries for the simple syrup and as a garnish.
Cinnamon - A whole cinnamon stick adds the perfect amount of wintery spice.
Rosemary - I love garnishing these cocktails with sugared rosemary for some festive flair!
Simple Syrup - You can add as little or as much simple syrup as you like! I like my Aperol spritz to be more on the bitter side, but if you like it sweeter, definitely add more syrup! See my notes below for making your cranberry simple syrup!
The complete list of ingredients and amounts is located in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup
I always make my own simple syrup for cocktails because it's so easy! You can also add in different herbs or fruit for a delightfully flavored simple syrup. For this holiday Aperol spritz, I like to flavor the simple syrup with cranberries, cinnamon, and rosemary.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 sprig rosemary
- Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Let cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
- Store in the fridge for up to a month!
How to Make a Winter Aperol Spritz
Aperol spritz are incredibly easy to make! You don't need a cocktail shaker or any other special equipment!
Simply fill a wine glass with ice, then add in the Aperol, prosecco, cranberry simple syrup, and a splash of club soda.
Garnish with an orange slice, cranberries, and sugared rosemary.
Recipe Notes
If you're feeling fancy, rub some an orange slice along the edge of the glass and dip in sugar for a fun sugar rim!
For a less bitter cocktail: Use less Aperol and more prosecco or simple syrup.
For a less alcoholic cocktail: Use more club soda and reduce the amount of Aperol and prosecco.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes! Just note that the flavor of Campari is a bit more intense and bitter than Aperol, so you may want to adjust the ratios of the other ingredients.
Aperol is 11% alcohol by volume, which means it's slightly less alcoholic than most wines.
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Recipe Card
Winter Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 sprig rosemary
Aperol Spritz
- 3 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 1 ounce cranberry simple syrup
- 1 ounce club soda
Garnish
- fresh cranberries
- sugared rosemary
- cinnamon stick
- orange slice
Instructions
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- Add all of the simple syrup ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Let cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
- Store in the fridge for up to a month!
Aperol Spritz
- Simply fill a wine glass with ice, then add in the Aperol, prosecco, cranberry simple syrup, and a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with an orange slice, cranberries, and sugared rosemary.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Cameron says
Looks delicious! Can this be batch made in a pitcher for a party? Would love quantities for ingredients if so. Thanks!
Kyleigh Sage says
To batch just use the same ratios in larger quantities! So instead of 3 ounces you could do 3 cups and instead of 1 ounce it would be 1 cup. So then however much you want to make, you may need to double or triple the simple syrup recipe so that you have enough.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks so so good. My husband will love this .
Dennis Littley says
This spritzer is going on our regular drink list, my wife loved them!
Jerika says
Wow! this looks fabulous!:) I will be trying this on Christmas. Thanks and Happy Holidays!:)
Stephany giraldo says
OMG!!!!!!! 10/10