Aperol Spritz With Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed mixing up simple cocktails that still feel a bit special. An Aperol Spritz with cranberry juice? It’s honestly one of my go-to’s—bright, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to throw together.

You only need a handful of ingredients to get that perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and tart in every sip. The cranberry juice brings a fruity twist to the classic spritz, plus it gives the drink this gorgeous deeper color and a bit more tang.

It works really well for a lazy afternoon or if you’ve got a couple friends coming over. I’ll show you exactly how I make it, from the ingredients and tools to the quick steps that pull it all together.

You’ll get a feel for what it tastes like too, in case you’re debating if it’s right for your next hangout.

Aperol Spritz With Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe

I like how the tartness from the cranberry juice cuts through the bittersweet Aperol. Prosecco adds that light fizz, and tossing in some fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary just makes it look extra inviting.

This cocktail works for a casual get-together, but honestly, I’ll make it for myself on a quiet evening too.

Equipment

• Wine glass or any large stemmed glass
• Measuring jigger for getting the pours right
• Bar spoon for a gentle stir
• Cutting board for prepping garnishes
• Sharp knife for slicing oranges or herbs
• Small plate to set garnishes aside
• Ice scoop or just a big spoon for the ice
• Towel (because spills happen)

A wide glass really helps the aromas pop. I always reach for a jigger so I don’t accidentally go overboard with the Aperol or cranberry juice.

Ingredients

• 3 oz prosecco (make sure it’s chilled)
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz cranberry juice (I like unsweetened, but go with what you prefer)
• 1 oz orange juice (optional if you want more citrus)
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (totally optional, just add if you want it sweeter)
• 1 oz club soda (chilled)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Orange slice for garnish
• Sprig of rosemary for garnish

Unsweetened cranberry juice keeps things crisp, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, a drizzle of simple syrup does the trick.

Instructions

• Fill your glass about halfway with ice.
• Pour in the Aperol.
• Add the cranberry juice and orange juice if you’re using it.
• Give everything a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Top with prosecco, then add the club soda.
• One more light stir—just enough to mix, but don’t kill the bubbles.
• Drop in a few fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a rosemary sprig for garnish.
• Serve right away while it’s nice and cold.

I always pour the prosecco before the club soda—keeps things bubbly. And if you stir too much, it just goes flat. Nobody wants that.

Notes

Using chilled prosecco and club soda? That keeps everything crisp without watering down the drink too fast. Too much cranberry juice can really take over, so I go easy on it.

Sometimes I squeeze a little fresh orange over the top for a bigger citrus punch. Smells amazing, too.

If you’re making a batch for a group, mix the Aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice first. Pour it into glasses, then top with prosecco and club soda right before serving. That way, you don’t lose the fizz.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the bright citrus from the Aperol jumps out at me. There’s a gentle tartness from the cranberry juice that balances out the light bitterness.

The drink feels crisp and clean—honestly, it’s hard to imagine anything more refreshing on a warm afternoon. I also think it works surprisingly well as a holiday cocktail since the cranberry gives it such a festive color and flavor.

The bubbles from the sparkling wine keep every sip lively. I like how the slight sweetness softens the tart cranberry and bitter Aperol, but it never tips into being too sweet.

The aroma is fresh and fruity. Before I even taste it, I catch orange peel and a hint of berry.

The color is this deep orange-red that looks so inviting in a clear glass. I usually toss in an orange slice or a few fresh cranberries—simple, but it really pops.