Cozy Winter Aperol Spritz Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Mixing a refreshing winter aperol spritz brings unexpected warmth to chilly evenings.

Crisp citrus notes dance with aromatic spirits, creating a vibrant cocktail experience.

Sparkling prosecco adds elegant bubbles that lighten the mood instantly.

Deep orange hues reflect cozy winter vibes while delivering a sophisticated drink.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this delightful Italian-inspired libation.

Festive gatherings become more memorable with each delicate sip you pour.

Let this cocktail transport you to sunny Italian landscapes and joyful moments.

Winter Aperol Spritz Questions Answered

• What is Aperol, and why is it used in this cocktail?

Aperol is an Italian orange-red aperitif with a bittersweet flavor profile, originating from Padua, Italy. It adds a unique tangy and slightly bitter taste that complements the cranberry and Prosecco.

• Can I substitute Prosecco with another sparkling wine?

Yes, you can use other sparkling wines like Cava or Champagne, but Prosecco is traditional and provides the most authentic flavor for an Aperol Spritz.

• Is this cocktail strong in alcohol content?

The Winter Aperol Spritz is relatively light, with moderate alcohol from Aperol and Prosecco, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings.

Why Winter Aperol Spritz Feels Just Right

• Craft a Festive Cocktail: Transform a classic Aperol Spritz into a seasonal delight with winter-inspired ingredients like cranberry juice and rosemary.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Mix this refreshing drink in just a few steps, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or holiday parties.
• Customize Your Garnish: Elevate the presentation with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig, adding a beautiful and aromatic touch to your cocktail.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Drink: Impress guests with a sophisticated yet easy-to-make beverage that captures the essence of winter celebrations.

What Goes Into Winter Aperol Spritz

• Aperol: A vibrant orange-red Italian aperitif with a bittersweet flavor profile that adds complexity to the cocktail.
• Prosecco: A sparkling Italian white wine that provides effervescence and lightness to the drink.

• Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice: These juices add tartness and brightness, balancing the sweet and bitter notes of the cocktail.

• Ice: Chills the drink and helps blend the flavors.
• Rosemary Sprig, Fresh Cranberries: Provide an elegant visual appeal and a hint of herbal and fruity aroma to enhance the winter theme.

How To Mix Up Winter Aperol Spritz

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Select a spacious wine or spritz glass and load it generously with ice cubes to create a frosty foundation for your winter cocktail.

Step 2: Pour Aperol and Cranberry

Splash Aperol and cranberry juice directly over the ice, allowing the vibrant liquid to cascade and mingle with the frozen surface.

Step 3: Add Citrus Brightness

Introduce fresh lemon juice to the glass, creating a zesty layer that will elevate the drink’s overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Crown with Bubbles

Delicately pour Prosecco over the mixture, letting the sparkling wine create a beautiful layered effect and add elegant effervescence.

Step 5: Blend and Beautify

• Fresh rosemary sprig
• Whole cranberries

These decorative touches not only enhance visual appeal but also provide a delightful aromatic and flavor complement to your winter Aperol Spritz.

Top Tips For Winter Aperol Spritz Success

• Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice to add a deeper, richer winter flavor profile.
• Chill your glasses beforehand to keep the cocktail extra cold and refreshing throughout serving.
• Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste compared to bottled varieties.
• Opt for high-quality Prosecco to elevate the overall drink's sophistication and complexity.
• Prepare rosemary-infused simple syrup in advance to intensify the herbal notes and create a more nuanced winter cocktail experience.

Creative Takes On Winter Aperol Spritz

• Pomegranate Winter Spritz: Swap cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a deeper, richer flavor profile and vibrant red color that complements the holiday season.
• Spiced Aperol Spritz: Add a dash of cinnamon or star anise to the mix, creating a warming winter cocktail with subtle holiday spice notes.
• Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail: Replace Prosecco and Aperol with sparkling water and cranberry juice for a non-alcoholic version that's festive and refreshing.
• Herbal Berry Spritz: Muddle fresh thyme or sage with cranberries before adding other ingredients, infusing the drink with an aromatic herbal undertone.

Best Matches For Winter Aperol Spritz

• Pair with Zesty Appetizers: Complement the bright, citrusy Aperol Spritz with crispy bruschetta topped with goat cheese and cranberry compote, perfectly balancing the cocktail's tangy profile.
• Cheese Board Companion: Select creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, and mild manchego to harmonize with the drink's complex flavor notes, creating a delightful winter entertaining experience.
• Sweet and Savory Nibbles: Serve prosciutto-wrapped dates or roasted almonds with a hint of rosemary, mirroring the cocktail's herbal and fruity undertones for a sophisticated flavor combination.
• Temperature-Matched Plate: Prepare warm goat cheese crostini or mini quiche to contrast the chilled spritz, offering guests a cozy winter appetizer that complements the cocktail's refreshing nature.

How To Store Winter Aperol Spritz Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Aperol Spritz mixture (without Prosecco) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh Prosecco when ready to serve.
• Freeze Cranberries: Place extra fresh cranberries in a freezer bag, removing air, and store for up to 3 months. Use directly in future cocktails or as garnish.
• Rosemary Preservation: Keep fresh rosemary sprigs wrapped in damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. Rinse before using.
• Ice Prep: Make extra ice cubes in advance, storing in a sealed freezer bag to always have chilled cocktail-ready cubes on hand for spontaneous winter spritz moments.

Winter Aperol Spritz Recipe

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• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Warm winter nights come alive with this Winter Aperol Spritz, blending Italian cocktail charm and seasonal comfort. Sparkling prosecco and rich aperol create a festive drink perfect for cold evenings when celebrations call for something special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Spirits and Liqueurs:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) Aperol
• 3–5 ounces (90–150 milliliters) Prosecco

Juices:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) cranberry juice cocktail
• 0.5 ounces (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Garnish:

• Rosemary
• Fresh cranberries

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Instructions

1. Chill a large wine glass by filling it completely with ice cubes to create a frosty base for the cocktail.
2. Measure and pour Aperol into the iced glass, allowing the vibrant orange liqueur to settle against the ice.
3. Introduce cranberry juice, creating a rich crimson layer that will blend with the Aperol’s amber tone.
4. Add fresh lemon juice to provide a tangy brightness and balance the drink’s sweetness.
5. Delicately cascade Prosecco over the mixture, allowing it to naturally integrate and create a effervescent top layer.
6. Use a long bar spoon to gently swirl the ingredients, ensuring a harmonious blend without disrupting the drink’s delicate bubbles.
7. Enhance the presentation by artfully placing a fragrant rosemary sprig and a handful of plump, fresh cranberries as a festive winter garnish.

Notes

• Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice to enhance the winter flavor profile and add more antioxidants.
• Use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones to keep the drink chilled without diluting the cocktail.
• Adjust Prosecco quantity based on personal preference for a stronger or lighter drink, maintaining the balanced taste.
• Create a non-alcoholic version by replacing Aperol and Prosecco with sparkling water and a splash of orange bitters.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg