Cranberry Cinnamon Spritz Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always loved mixing drinks that are simple but still manage to stand out. There’s just something about a spritz—it’s light, refreshing, and never too fussy.

When I toss in cranberry and cinnamon, it transforms into this cozy yet crisp cocktail. This Cranberry Cinnamon Spritz Cocktail hits that sweet spot between tart cranberry, warm spice, and those sparkling bubbles that make every sip feel special.

Honestly, I reach for this recipe whenever I want something festive that doesn’t weigh me down. The cranberry brings a punch of brightness, and then the cinnamon sneaks in with a gentle warmth.

It’s so easy to throw together, which is great because I’m not about hunting down rare ingredients or fancy tools.

You’ll notice right away how the flavors bounce off each other—it’s refreshing, sure, but there’s a comfort to it too. I’d serve this at a party or even just make it for myself after a long day. Sometimes you just want something nice without a lot of hassle.

Cranberry Cinnamon Spritz Cocktail Recipe

What I like most is how the tart cranberry plays with the warmth of cinnamon and a hit of citrus. Sparkling bubbles and fresh garnishes keep it bright, but it’s still got that cozy vibe.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix up the juice, vodka, and everything else so it comes together nicely.
• Muddler or spoon – Sometimes I’ll press a cinnamon stick or orange slice to get a little extra flavor going.
• Measuring jigger – Super helpful for pouring the right amount of vodka, Aperol, and juice.
• Tall glass or wine glass – I like a stemmed glass; keeps things colder, I think.
• Bar spoon – Good for stirring in the bubbles without losing them.
• Ice tray – I’ll freeze cranberries into ice cubes if I’m feeling festive.
• Small plate – For holding garnishes like rosemary, orange wedges, or cinnamon sticks.

I just set everything out before I start so I’m not scrambling around mid-cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz Aperol
• 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
• 2 oz prosecco or sparkling wine
• 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3–4 fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 orange slice or wedge
• 1 small sprig of rosemary
• Ice cubes

Unsweetened cranberry juice is my go-to, so the drink doesn’t get too sugary. The honey syrup is just enough to take the edge off the tartness.

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add vodka, Aperol, cranberry juice, and honey syrup.
• Shake for 10–15 seconds, just until it’s chilled.
• Strain into a tall glass packed with ice.
• Top with prosecco and a splash of club soda.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon so you don’t lose those bubbles.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick, cranberries, orange slice, and a rosemary sprig.

Sometimes I’ll freeze cranberries into the ice cubes ahead of time, which looks pretty and keeps things cold without watering it down too fast.

Notes

Prosecco’s my favorite here because it’s light, but if I want to keep it lighter on booze, sparkling water works fine. Using frozen cranberries instead of regular ice cubes is a nice trick for chilling and adding color.

If I’m craving a bit more spice, I’ll let the cinnamon stick hang out in the glass for a few minutes before sipping. And squeezing an orange wedge over the top? It just brightens everything up.

You can totally make this in a big batch. I usually mix the juice, vodka, and Aperol in a pitcher ahead of time, then pour in the prosecco and add the garnishes when it’s time to serve.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip hits with this crisp cranberry kick—honestly, it’s pretty refreshing. The tartness pops, but doesn’t totally take over.

There’s a hint of cinnamon that sneaks in, adding just enough warmth to balance things out. It’s got that cozy vibe, the kind that makes you think of chilly evenings.

Tried it as a mocktail too, and the flavors still come through bright and smooth. The bubbles? They keep everything light, so it never feels like too much.

As a holiday drink, it just works. The mix of spice and fruit really nails that seasonal feeling—I can easily imagine serving it at a little get-together, or just sipping it solo.

The cocktail’s got this festive thing going on, too. The color is so vibrant in the glass, and honestly, the cinnamon aroma gives it a special touch without being overpowering.