Holiday Aperol Punch Cocktail Recipe

There’s something about making a holiday cocktail that’s both easy and still feels a little special. This Holiday Aperol Punch Cocktail recipe checks all the boxes—simple, refreshing, and made for sharing.

It’s got Aperol’s gentle bitterness, some bright citrus, and just enough sweetness to keep everyone happy. Plus, it’s not too heavy, so you can actually enjoy a second glass.

Whenever friends drop by, I usually just whip up a big batch so nobody’s stuck waiting for a drink. The color is so vibrant, it instantly brightens up the table.

It pairs nicely with most holiday snacks, which is handy. You can toss it in a punch bowl or just use a big pitcher, so it works for both chill nights in and bigger parties.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients, tools, and steps so it’s pretty much foolproof. If you’re curious about the flavor, I’ll give you a sense of that, too—even before you pour your first glass.

Holiday Aperol Punch Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this punch because it’s light, colorful, and honestly, it’s just easy to serve to a group. The combo of Aperol, sparkling wine, and fresh fruit is spot-on for holiday gatherings.

Equipment

I usually grab a few basics to keep things hassle-free.

• Large punch bowl or a roomy glass pitcher
• Long-handled spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and jigger for accuracy
• Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping fruit
• Ice scoop for getting those cubes in
• Champagne flutes or stemless wine glasses for serving

Clear glassware really lets that bright orange color shine. And a sturdy punch bowl? It helps keep everything nice and cold.

Ingredients

I like to keep the list short and sweet so the flavors really pop.

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Aperol
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Prosecco or any dry sparkling wine
• 2 cups club soda or sparkling water
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 1–2 medium oranges, sliced
• 1 medium lemon, sliced
• Ice cubes (enough to fill about half the bowl)

Prosecco’s my go-to for a softer touch, but if I’m feeling fancy, champagne brings a drier edge. That hit of fresh citrus and ginger? So good.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually throw it together.

• Chill all the liquids for at least 2 hours before mixing.
• Add orange and lemon slices, plus ginger, to your punch bowl.
• Pour in Aperol, orange juice, and club soda. Give it a gentle stir.
• Slowly add Prosecco—don’t rush it or you’ll lose the fizz.
• Fill the bowl about halfway with ice. Stir again, but not too much.
• Serve right away, making sure every glass gets a bit of fruit.

I try not to add ice too soon, otherwise it gets watered down.

Notes

In my experience, the punch tastes best if you serve it within the first hour. If I’m prepping ahead, I just keep the fruit and liquids separate in the fridge, then mix them up right before guests arrive.

Want it lighter? Add more sparkling water and cut back on the Prosecco. If someone likes it stronger, they can always top off their glass with extra bubbles.

Leftover punch doesn’t keep its fizz for long, so I stash it in a sealed container and finish it off that same day.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the bright citrusy Aperol jumps out immediately. There’s this light bitterness that somehow manages to balance out the sweet fruit juice.

The bubbly Prosecco brings a crisp, refreshing sparkle—honestly, it keeps things lively without ever feeling heavy.

I pick up hints of orange and those subtle herbal notes from the Aperol. It’s kind of reminiscent of a classic Aperol Spritz recipe, but with a more festive, punchy twist.

The drink goes down smooth and is honestly pretty easy to sip. That sweet-bitter-sparkling combo just works, especially if you’re thinking about serving it at a holiday get-together.

The aroma hits before you even taste it—a mix of citrus and sparkling wine that’s just inviting, almost makes you want to linger for a second.

If you’re already a fan of an Aperol Spritz, you’ll probably appreciate this punch. It keeps the same vibe, just in a bigger, shareable format.