The Santa Spritz Cocktail is a cheerful and festive drink that combines bubbly prosecco with a splash of cranberry juice. It’s bright, refreshing, and perfect for holiday celebrations!
Who doesn’t love a drink that looks as good as it tastes? I like to top mine with some fresh rosemary or a slice of orange—tiny touches that make a big difference!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Prosecco: This sparkling wine adds a bubbly touch. If you can’t find prosecco, you could use any dry sparkling wine like cava or champagne for a similar effect.
Cranberry Juice: I recommend using unsweetened cranberry juice for the best flavor balance, but you can opt for lightly sweetened if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Club Soda or Sparkling Water: This adds fizz to your drink. You can replace it with tonic water for a slightly different taste or skip it if you want a stronger cranberry-prosecco flavor.
Garnishes: Fresh cranberries and rosemary look lovely, but you could use citrus slices like oranges or limes for a different twist. I love how these garnishes enhance the drink’s appearance!
How Can I Ensure My Cocktail is Extra Refreshing?
To keep your Santa Spritz Cocktail cool and refreshing, start with chilled ingredients. Here’s how to achieve the perfect mix:
- Always chill your prosecco before using it. You can pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours or even in the freezer for 15 minutes—just don’t forget it!
- Use ice cubes in your glass, but don’t over-fill. A few cubes are enough to chill the drink without watering it down too quickly.
- Pour the prosecco gently over the cranberry juice. This helps maintain the bubbles, making the cocktail feel light and energetic.
- When mixing, stir gently to preserve the fizz and keep your cocktail lively until the last sip.
How to Make a Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz prosecco (chilled)
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail can be prepared in just 5 minutes! It’s quick, easy, and ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by filling a glass with ice cubes. This will chill the drink nicely. You can use any glass you have, but a stemless wine glass looks particularly lovely!
2. Add the Cranberry Juice:
Pour the cranberry juice over the ice. This juicy base adds a beautiful color and festive flavor to your cocktail.
3. Pour in the Prosecco:
Now, gently add the chilled prosecco. Pour it slowly to keep those lovely bubbles intact. No one likes a flat drink!
4. Top with Fizz:
Next, add the club soda or sparkling water. This gives your Santa Spritz that refreshing fizz we all love! Feel free to adjust the amount based on how bubbly you want it.
5. Stir It Up:
With a gentle hand, stir the mixture to combine everything. Be careful not to stir too hard—you don’t want to lose the bubbles!
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
For an extra festive flair, garnish your cocktail with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. This not only looks pretty but adds a delightful aroma as well.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Santa Spritz Cocktail is ready to be served! Enjoy every sip while celebrating the holidays with this bubbly and fruity delight!
Can I Use Different Types of Sparkling Wine?
Absolutely! While prosecco is the traditional choice for a Santa Spritz, you can substitute it with other sparkling wines like cava or even champagne. Just choose a dry variety for the best flavor balance!
How Can I Make This Cocktail Sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, opt for sweetened cranberry juice or increase the amount of club soda. You can also add a splash of simple syrup or a flavored liqueur, like orange liqueur, for extra sweetness.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Larger Batches?
Yes, definitely! To make a larger batch, just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix the cranberry juice and prosecco in a pitcher, adding club soda to each glass just before serving to keep the fizz!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover prosecco or cranberry juice, store them in your refrigerator. Prosecco is best enjoyed fresh, so try to finish any opened bottles within a few days. Cranberry juice can last in the fridge for up to a week. Shake it well before using, as it may settle.
