The Santa Spritz Cocktail is a fun and festive drink that brings holiday cheer with every sip! This colorful mix features sparkling wine, pomegranate juice, and a splash of soda for a bubbly delight.
I love how easy it is to make! Just mix the ingredients, add ice, and you’ve got a drink that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for parties or cozy nights at home! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Aperol: This bitter orange aperitif gives the drink its signature flavor. If you can’t find Aperol, you can substitute it with Campari for a more robust flavor or even a non-alcoholic bitter drink if you’re making a mocktail.
Sparkling Wine: Prosecco is light and fruity, making it a great choice. Champagne works too, though it’s often more expensive. For a budget option, any good sparkling wine will do! You can even use sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.
Cranberry or Pomegranate Juice: Both juices add a festive touch and a lovely color. If you’re looking for less sugar, opt for unsweetened juice or even make your own. You could also use grape juice as a substitute.
Garnishes: Fresh cranberries and rosemary make this drink visually appealing. Instead of rosemary, mint works well too, giving a fresh touch. An orange slice is essential, but you could use lemon for a different zesty flavor!
How Can I Make the Perfect Santa Spritz Cocktail?
Making the Santa Spritz Cocktail perfectly is all about layering the flavors and keeping it bubbly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large glass filled with ice to keep your drink nice and cold.
- Pour in the Aperol and juice first; this helps mix the flavors before adding the sparkling wine.
- When adding the sparkling wine, pour it slowly down the side of the glass. This preserves the bubbles, which makes for a lively drink.
- Add soda water gently to finish. Stir lightly to combine; too much stirring can deflate the bubbles.
- Finally, garnish with cranberries, orange, and rosemary. It not only looks great, but the scents will add to the festive experience!
How to Make a Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz Aperol or similar bitter orange aperitif
- 3 oz sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne)
- 1 oz cranberry or pomegranate juice
- 1 oz soda water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cocktail is super quick to prepare! You’ll need about 5 minutes for gathering your ingredients and mixing everything together. It’s perfect for those last-minute party preparations or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Glass:
Start by filling a glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink chilled and refreshing as you mix the ingredients.
2. Adding the Aperol and Juice:
Next, pour the 2 ounces of Aperol into the glass. Follow this by adding 1 ounce of cranberry or pomegranate juice. This mixture gives a lovely color and the first burst of flavor!
3. Gently Pouring the Sparkling Wine:
Now, it’s time to add the sparkling wine! Carefully pour in 3 ounces of Prosecco or Champagne along the side of the glass. This gentle approach helps to keep the bubbles intact!
4. Topping Off with Soda Water:
To finish this delightful drink, add 1 ounce of soda water on top. This adds a refreshing fizz—perfect for a festive cocktail!
5. Mixing the Drink:
Give your cocktail a gentle stir to mix all the flavors, but be careful not to stir too hard to avoid losing the bubbles. You want it nice and fizzy!
6. Adding the Garnishes:
For a festive touch, garnish your drink with a handful of fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a sprig of rosemary. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a wonderful aroma!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Santa Spritz Cocktail is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it right away and celebrate the season with this delightful drink. Cheers!
Can I Substitute Aperol?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Aperol, Campari is a good alternative, offering a slightly bolder flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using a non-alcoholic bitter drink.
Can I Use Any Sparkling Wine?
Yes, feel free to use any sparkling wine you enjoy! Prosecco is a popular choice, but Champagne or any good quality sparkling wine will work beautifully. You can also use sparkling water for a completely non-alcoholic version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover cocktail, it’s best to consume it right away as the bubbles will go flat. If you need to store it, keep the mixture (without soda) in the fridge and add soda water when you’re ready to drink it!
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the fizz, you can prepare the Aperol, juice, and wine mixture in advance and chill it. Just add the soda water right before serving to keep it bubbly!
