The Santa Spritz Cocktail is a festive drink that mixes sparkling wine with cranberry juice and a splash of orange liqueur. It’s bright, bubbly, and oh-so-refreshing!
This drink really brings the holiday cheer! I love serving it at parties, and trust me, everyone asks for the recipe. It’s like liquid Christmas in a glass! 🎄🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Prosecco or Sparkling Wine: Prosecco adds a lovely crispness. If you can’t find it, any dry sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne will work, too. For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Cranberry Juice: I recommend using unsweetened cranberry juice for a nice tart balance. If it’s too tangy for you, mix it with some apple or pomegranate juice for a sweeter twist.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is fantastic, but you can swap it for Triple Sec or even an orange-flavored syrup if you want to skip the alcohol.
Fresh Cranberries: These are great for garnish, but if they’re not available, you can use frozen cranberries, which also look pretty. They keep the drink cold, too!
Fresh Rosemary: Adds a lovely aromatic touch. If you don’t have it, you could use mint leaves for a different flavor experience.
How Can I Make Sure My Cocktail Stays Bubbly?
The key to keeping your Santa Spritz Cocktail bubbly is how you layer the ingredients. Start by filling your glass with ice and pouring in the cranberry juice and orange liqueur first. This allows the bubbles from the sparkling wine to rise gently when you add it last. Here’s how to do it:
- Use an ice-filled glass to keep your drink chilled.
- Pour the juices slowly, letting them settle at the bottom.
- Top off with Prosecco slowly to maintain the fizz.
- Stir gently, so you don’t lose those nice bubbles!
Garnishing is important too, as it looks beautiful and adds aroma when you sip. Cheers to a festive celebration! 🥂
Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 2 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or light)
- 1 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- Fresh cranberries (a small handful)
- 1-2 slices of dried or fresh orange
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy drink to whip up for holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy by yourself during the season. Pour, mix, garnish, and you’re ready to celebrate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chill Your Glass:
Start by filling your glass with ice cubes. This will ensure your Santa Spritz is nice and cold as you mix everything together.
2. Add the Juices:
Pour the cranberry juice into the glass first, followed by the orange liqueur. This will create a lovely base for your cocktail.
3. Top It Off:
Now, slowly add the Prosecco or sparkling wine to the glass. Pouring it gently will help maintain the bubbles and keep your drink fizzy!
4. Mix It Up:
Using a long spoon or straw, stir the drink gently to combine the flavors without losing the fizz.
5. Garnish for Festivity:
It’s time to make your drink look beautiful! Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, a slice of dried or fresh orange, and a handful of fresh cranberries on top. Not only do they look great, but they also add a lovely aroma as you sip.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Santa Spritz Cocktail is ready to shine at your holiday gathering! Serve it immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!
Can I Substitute the Prosecco?
Absolutely! If Prosecco isn’t available, any dry sparkling wine like Champagne or Cava will work perfectly. You can even use sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.
How Can I Make This Cocktail Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, opt for unsweetened cranberry juice and limit the amount of orange liqueur. You can also add a splash of soda water to dilute the sweetness.
Can I Prepare This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to serve the Santa Spritz fresh to maintain its bubbles, you can mix the juices and orange liqueur ahead of time. Just add the Prosecco and garnish right before serving to keep it fizzy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice and orange liqueur in the fridge, tightly sealed. The sparkling wine should remain unopened until you’re ready to use it, as once opened, it’s best consumed within a few days for optimal freshness.
