Pimms Christmas Spritz Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays roll around, I like my drinks simple but festive. A classic gin and tonic? Feels a bit plain. Bellinis? Too light for winter, honestly.

That’s usually when I reach for something a little different, but still seasonal. The Pimm’s Christmas Spritz cocktail is sparkling, fruity, and has just enough spice to make it perfect for holiday gatherings.

I really enjoy how this drink balances sweetness with a hint of bitterness. It’s kind of like a Campari spritz, but softer—easier for everyone at the table.

You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the ingredients are easy to find. It looks so bright and cheerful in the glass, which makes it great for parties—or even just a quiet night in.

This cocktail has a crisp sparkle that goes nicely with all those rich holiday foods. The bubbles and fruity notes keep things light, while the spice makes it feel like Christmas in a glass.

Pimms Christmas Spritz Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this cocktail because it’s festive but not heavy. The combo of Pimm’s, sparkling wine, and fruit is refreshing, and the ginger ale with citrus gives it a proper holiday twist.

Equipment

• Large wine glass or stemless glass
• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Long spoon or stirrer
• Small knife for slicing fruit
• Cutting board
• Ice cube tray or bag of ice
• Small pitcher (if you want to make a few at once)

Honestly, I just grab a big wine glass and fill it with ice. A long spoon is handy for stirring, and if I’m making a batch, a pitcher makes everything easier.

Ingredients

• 50ml Pimm’s No.1
• 25ml gin (totally optional if you want a stronger kick)
• 75ml prosecco or any sparkling wine
• 25ml Aperol (optional, for a little bitter edge)
• 50ml ginger ale or soda water
• 25ml lemonade or grapefruit juice
• Fresh orange slices
• Cucumber ribbons
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

I think prosecco gives the best fizz, but cava or any bubbly works fine. Orange and cucumber make it look extra fresh. Mint on top? Always a good idea.

Instructions

• Fill your glass with lots of ice cubes.
• Pour in the Pimm’s and gin.
• Add prosecco and Aperol.
• Top up with ginger ale and a splash of lemonade or grapefruit juice.
• Stir gently with a long spoon.
• Garnish with orange slices, cucumber ribbons, and mint leaves.

I usually build it right in the glass so everything mixes smoothly. Stirring gently helps keep the bubbles from dying out too fast. The garnish really makes it feel festive.

Notes

If it’s too sweet, I swap ginger ale for soda water. Want it lighter? Just use more sparkling water and less prosecco. Grapefruit juice instead of lemonade gives it a sharper flavor—sometimes I prefer that.

Garnish-wise, I just use whatever’s on hand. Lime instead of orange? Works. No cucumber? No big deal. But I always try to add fresh mint—it really lifts the flavor.

If you’re making these for a crowd, it’s easy to scale up. I just mix everything in a pitcher and pour over ice in each glass. That way, everyone gets the same fizz and fruit in every sip.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, there’s this light fizz from the sparkling wine that immediately makes the drink feel, I don’t know, extra refreshing. The bubbles really lift the flavors and keep things lively all the way through.

The taste kicks off with the fruity sweetness of Pimm’s—kind of reminds me of berries and maybe a little citrus. I also catch this mild herbal note that stops the sweetness from getting overwhelming.

As the drink settles in, the crispness of the wine starts to blend with the spices from the garnish. Honestly, I love how the orange slice brings a gentle citrus aroma, and the cinnamon stick? It just adds this cozy, holiday vibe.

The finish is smooth, definitely not too sweet. I keep finding myself enjoying the mix of fruit, herbs, and spice in every sip—it never feels too strong or heavy, which is a relief.