Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Hosting for the holidays? Impress your guests with these cranberry Aperol Spritz cocktails! Pre-make the ice cubes for quick assembly while you’re entertaining.

Pair these cocktails with these Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates or a cheeseboard as appetizers, and Marry Me Chickpeas as your main!

Traditionally, an Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water (similar to our Aperol Spritz popsicles!). But today, we’re putting a wintry spin on the classic by making cranberry Aperol Spritz cocktails.

You can whip them up in no time (thanks to pre-made ice cubes filled with orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and rosemary sprigs). This extra little step means less time fussing over drinks and more time mingling with your guests (win-win)!

You’ll Want To Make A Double Batch

• Easy Assembly: The festive cranberry ice cubes do most of the work for you—just pour, sip, and enjoy!
• Customizable: Want to mix it up? Swap in your favorite fruit or add a splash of your go-to sparkling drink.
• A Host’s Dream: Cranberry Aperol Spritz cocktails are a total crowd-pleaser, so if you’re throwing any holiday parties, make sure this no-fuss cocktail is on the menu!

Here’s What You’ll Need

Great news! You only need a few easy-to-find produce and pantry staples to create this wintry masterpiece. (This is just an overview – jump to the recipe for exact measurements!)

• Ice Cube Flavorings: We’ll use fresh Navel orange slices, cranberries (fresh or frozen), whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs to add a sweet, spicy, tart, citrusy flavor and pop of color.
• Cranberry Juice: Instead of the usual soda water, we’ll substitute cranberry juice for the ice cube liquid. It keeps the drink from becoming diluted (while adding an extra festive vibe!).
• Aperol: You quite literally cannot have an Aperol Spritz without this classic Italian aperitif. With its signature bittersweet, slightly citrusy flavor, Aperol complements cranberry juice and gives the spritz a gorgeous orange hue.
• Prosecco: Prosecco brings the bubbles! For the perfect balance between sweetness and crispness, look for a dry or extra-dry Prosecco.

These Cocktails Are A Breeze To Prep

Once the festive ice cubes are assembled, most of the leg work is done! Jump to the recipe for full printable instructions.

1. Assemble the ice cubes with all the mix-ins at the bottom, then pour cranberry juice into each well.
2. Freeze the assembled cubes until solid.
3. Serve your Aperol cocktails with a cranberry ice cube, topped with equal parts Aperol and Prosecco.

An instant hit

Get ready to wow your guests with this winter Aperol Spritz. (Trust me, it’ll steal the show at any holiday season party!)

• This cocktail is flexible to whatever ingredients you have on hand! Try switching up the ice cube garnishes—pomegranate seeds, thyme, ginger, and mint leaves would all be delish!
• You can make a non-alcoholic version by swapping the Aperol and Prosecco for sparkling water (or sparkling juice) and more cranberry juice (perfect if you’re hosting kiddos as well!).
• It’s impressive but so simple (thanks to the pre-made ice cubes). You’ll be able to impress everyone without any stress!

Pairs Nicely With

For the ultimate holiday spread, serve these cranberry Aperol Spritz cocktails with festive appetizers, mains, and treats.

• Vegetarian Cheese Board: Keep the prep work quick and easy by starting with a meat-free charcuterie board.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: This Christmas and Thanksgiving-approved main features rosemary and cranberries, making it the perfect pairing.

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @liveeatlearn on Facebook or Instagram!