The Santa Spritz Cocktail is a festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering! With bubbly prosecco, bright cranberry juice, and a splash of sparkling water, it’s refreshingly crisp.
This drink looks as merry as it tastes, with a beautiful red color! I love serving it in fancy glasses during holiday get-togethers. It’s easy to make, so let’s raise a glass to good times! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Opt for unsweetened cranberry juice for a balanced flavor. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, you can use cranberry juice cocktail, but do reduce the orange liqueur slightly.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is my favorite for its bright flavor, but Triple Sec or even a splash of orange juice can work too if you’re in a pinch! For a non-alcoholic version, leave it out or use an orange-flavored soda.
Prosecco or Sparkling Wine: Go for a dry prosecco for the best taste. If unavailable, any dry sparkling wine will suffice. For a non-alcoholic version, sparkling grape juice is a delightful alternative!
Fresh Garnishes: While cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary are perfect for decoration, try using mint leaves or even pomegranate seeds for a twist!
How Do I Rim the Glass with Sugar Like a Pro?
Rimming the glass is simple but adds that festive touch! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by preparing your glass: moisten the rim using an orange slice or dip it in water.
- Then dip the moistened rim into a plate of sugar. Gently twist it to coat the rim evenly.
- Make sure there’s no excess sugar hanging off, as it can fall into your drink.
- This step not only looks pretty but also creates a sweet contrast to your cocktail!
Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 oz prosecco or dry sparkling wine
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Sugar (for rimming the glass)
How Much Time Will You Need?
In just about 10 minutes, you can whip up this delightful cocktail! This includes all preparation steps and the time to gather your ingredients. It’s perfect for unexpected guests or holiday parties!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by rimming your glass with sugar. Wet the rim with an orange slice or some water. Then, dip the rim into a plate of sugar to coat it evenly. This adds a charming touch!
2. Fill it Up:
Next, add some ice cubes to your glass. Fill it as full as you’d like to keep your drink cool and refreshing!
3. Mix the Base:
Pour the cranberry juice and the orange liqueur over the ice. This creates the sweet and tangy base for your cocktail!
4. Add Bubbles:
Now, slowly pour in the prosecco. Then, top off your drink with the club soda or sparkling water. This gives your cocktail a lovely fizz!
5. Gentle Stirring:
Use a spoon to stir everything together gently, making sure not to lose the bubbles you’ve just added!
6. Garnish for Flair:
Finally, it’s time to make it beautiful! Garnish with a skewer of fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary. This adds color and a lovely fragrance!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Santa Spritz is ready! Serve right away, and enjoy this refreshing, festive drink with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Fruit Juices?
Absolutely! If you want to switch it up, consider using pomegranate or apple juice for a different flavor profile. Just keep the quantities the same for balance.
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the fizz, you can mix the cranberry juice and orange liqueur ahead of time. Just add the prosecco and club soda right before serving to keep it bubbly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Since this cocktail is best fresh, it’s not ideal to store. However, if you do have leftovers (without the bubbly), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Just remember to mix in the sparkling ingredients when ready to drink!
Can I Make It Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! Replace the prosecco and orange liqueur with sparkling grape juice and a splash of orange juice for a delicious mocktail version that everyone can enjoy!
