• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Gluten-Free Resources
  • Services
    • Portfolio

Olivia's Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring
  • High Protein
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Services
    • Portfolio
search icon
Homepage link
  • Spring
  • High Protein
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Services
    • Portfolio
×
Olivia's Kitchen / Cocktail Recipes / Winter Aperol Spritz

Published: Nov 16, 2023 by Olivia Parsons

Winter Aperol Spritz

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Enjoy a winter version of an aperol spritz with flavours of cranberry, orange, and rosemary. The sweet juice perfectly balances the bitter aperol, topped with prosecco, club soda, and fresh cranberries. Enjoy this delicious simple cocktail during the holidays.

cranberry aperol spritz in a wine glass with cranberries and rosemary.

We all know and love an aperol spritz in the summertime—a refreshing summer drink made of the bitter aperol, sweet prosecco, and club soda. It is bright orange and typically had as an aperitivo, a pre-meal drink designed to open the stomach and stimulate digestion before eating.

This Winter Aperol Spritz is a play on the crowd-favorite cocktail with a seasonal twist! The addition of cranberry and orange fruit juices give a seasonal flavor while adding some sweetness to the drink. It's then topped with the classic prosecco and soda for bubbles. I like to use a flavored sparkling water such as orange, lemon, or lime. A garnish of cranberries, rosemary, and a slice of orange gives a festive look.

This winter aperol spritz is super easy to batch for your next holiday party. It is sure to put you into the holiday spirit during Thanksgiving and Christmas! Made with bar staples and holiday flavors, it is quick and easy to make. This winter cocktail is gluten free and dairy free for all to enjoy during the holidays!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Substitutions
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • What to Serve with a Winter Aperol Spritz
  • Make Ahead
  • Batching
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Drinks
  • Recipe
  • Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A refreshing drink. This holiday aperol spritz would be a delicious Christmas cocktail.
  • Slightly sweeter than a typical spritz due to the cranberry and orange juice. If you normally think a spritz is too bitter, you'll like this!
  • Perfect for the holidays. This drink would be a hit at Thanksgiving or Christmas with its seasonal ingredients and fresh orange taste.
  • Uses common bar ingredients.
  • Made in 3 minutes. Just stir and enjoy!
  • Easy to batch by stirring in a pitcher.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan.

Want more holiday cocktails and treats? Try my sugar cookie martini, chai espresso martini, healthy gingerbread latte, gluten-free ginger molasses cookies, oreo truffles, healthy peppermint mocha.

Ingredient Notes

Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make this cranberry orange aperol spritz:

ingredients to make a winter aperol spritz.
  • Aperol liquor: You could also use Campari, another bitter aperitivo.
  • Cranberry juice: Pure cranberry juice or the more accessible cranberry cocktail will work.
  • Orange juice: If you can find blood orange juice, it's extra delicious.
  • Prosecco: It doesn't have to be fancy, use your favourite or most accessible.
  • Club soda: Lemon or orange flavored sparkling water is my top pick.
  • Garnish: Orange slice, fresh rosemary, fresh or frozen cranberries.

Substitutions

There are several ways to change up this cocktail. Here are some substitution suggestions:

  • Change the spirit. Campari would be the closest thing to aperol. If you really don't like aperol, you could swap it for vodka, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, gin, or your favorite spirit. You'll still have a delicious sparkling bevvy.
  • Adjust sweetness. I don't include any simple syrup in this recipe because it is not typical in a traditional aperol spritz. If you like your drinks sweeter, add some simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey.
top view of a winter aperol spritz with cranberries and rosemary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full recipe.

(1) Add a few ice cubes to a large wine glass. Pour in the aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice.

(2) Pour a few ounces of freshly opened prosecco.

(3) Add a splash of club soda to mostly fill the glass.

3 photo of making a winter aperol spritz by pouring prosecco and sparkling water.

(4) Stir lightly with a long spoon. Adjust the taste to your preference.

(5) Garnish with an orange slice, fresh or frozen cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy responsibly!

spoon mixing a winter aperol spritz with garland and ornaments around.

What to Serve with a Winter Aperol Spritz

This cranberry aperol spritz is the perfect winter aperitivo and festive cocktail. While it can really be had at any time, it is especially designed to be consumed before eating a large meal to prime the stomach. Enjoy during the winter season with all your friends and family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are some of my holiday faves to pair with it:

  • Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies
  • Matcha Shortbread Cookies
  • White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
  • Gluten-Free & Vegan Oreo Truffles
  • Slice-and-Bake Sugar Cookies
  • Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Millionaire Shortbread
  • White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Check out more Christmas recipes!

Make Ahead

Note that this cocktail recipe is best served and consumed fresh after preparing. If you're preparing ahead of time, stir together the aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Then refrigerate. Add the bubbly prosecco and soda just before serving to preserve the bubbles.

Batching

Make a larger quantity of drinks by stirring the ingredients together in a pitcher. Multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of drinks you wish to make. Be sure to include some ice in the glasses for dilution. See note above about preparing ahead of time.

cranberry aperol spritz in a wine glass.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my top tips and tricks for a delicious winter spritz:

  • If you can get your hands on pure cranberry juice and blood orange juice, those are my favorite picks for this spritz. Of course regular versions of both will still be great.
  • Store your alcohol and juices in the fridge for an extra cold drink.
  • You could make a spritz by replacing the aperol with any liquor. Vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey would all be great.
  • Use a flavored soda water instead of club soda for even more subtle flavor. I like to use orange, lemon, or lime sparkling water.
  • Stir the spritz with ice for some dilution.
  • Garnish with what you have. My favorites are an orange wedge, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs. A cinnamon stick would also be delicious.
  • Enjoy before or with a large holiday meal on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aperol gluten-free?

Yes, most distilled alcohols are in fact gluten-free and safe for celiacs due to the distillation process. Aperol is made from orange peel, herbs, and other ingredients that are generally considered gluten free.

I don't like aperol, what can I use?

Campari would be the closest thing to aperol. If you don't like aperol, you could swap it for vodka, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, gin, or your favorite spirit. You'll still have a delicious sparkling beverage.

cranberry winter aperol spritz in a wine glass.

This winter cranberry aperol spritz is the perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Put a festive spin on a classic summery aperol spritz and enjoy with the flavors of cranberry, orange, and rosemary this holiday season. This festive drink is the perfect aperitif with a winter twist for the time of year.

More Drinks

  • aperol coconut margarita with limes and red chilis around and aperol bottle in the background.
    Aperol Coconut Margarita
  • apple cider aperol spritz with apple slices and star anise and cinnamon stick.
    Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
  • peach basil sour in a coupe glass with a dehydrated lime and peaches in the background.
    Peach Basil Sour Cocktail
  • two blended aperol spritz cocktails in coupe glasses with half orange slices.
    Blended Aperol Spritz Cocktail
See more Cocktail Recipes →

Have you made this winter aperol spritz? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!

Recipe

winter aperol spritz in a wine glass with cranberries and rosemary.

Winter Aperol Spritz

Enjoy a winter version of an aperol spritz with flavours of cranberry, orange, and rosemary. The sweet juice perfectly balances the bitter aperol, topped with prosecco, club soda, and fresh cranberries. Enjoy this delicious simple cocktail during the holidays.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 232kcal
Author: Olivia Parsons

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz aperol
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz orange juice If you can find blood orange juice, it's extra delicious
  • 3 oz prosecco
  • 1½ oz club soda lemon or orange flavored sparkling water is great
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • Fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

  • Add a few ice cubes to a large wine glass. Pour in the aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
  • Pour a few ounces of freshly opened prosecco. Add a splash of club soda to mostly fill the glass. Stir lightly with a long spoon. Adjust the taste to your preference.
  • Garnish with an orange slice, fresh or frozen cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy responsibly!

Notes

  • Is this drink gluten free? Most distilled alcohols are considered gluten free. 
  • Flavor: Instead of club soda, I like to use a flavored sparkling water, such as orange, lemon, or lime.
  • Make ahead: This cocktail recipe is best served and consumed fresh after preparing. If you're preparing ahead of time, stir together the aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Then refrigerate. Add the prosecco and soda just before serving to preserve the bubbles.
  • Batching: Make a larger quantity of drinks by stirring the ingredients together in a pitcher. Multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of drinks you wish to make. Be sure to include some ice in the glasses for dilution. See note above about preparing ahead of time.
 
Nutrition facts are an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.4g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 26.5g | Vitamin A: 20.8IU | Vitamin C: 16.8mg | Calcium: 11.5mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see!Mention @fromoliviaskitchen or tag #oliviaskitchen!
« Marinated Goat Cheese Spread with Olives & Herbs
Gluten Free Vegan Dinner Rolls »

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

liv surrounded by gluten-free baked goods and charcuterie board

Hey! I'm Olivia, and welcome to my kitchen. I love to eat good food but don't want it to be complicated. I value a balance of healthy, nutritious meals paired with simple, indulgent desserts to satisfy my sweet tooth. I'm all about eating your cravings in a balanced way. Get to know me here!

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

SPRING RECIPES 🌷

  • two mimosa mocktails on a wooden board.
    Non-Alcoholic Mimosa Mocktail
  • mini egg cookies with mini eggs around.
    Bakery Style Gluten Free Mini Egg Cookies
  • close up of ricotta cookies with amarena cherries.
    Ricotta Cookies with Amarena Cherries
  • close up of chocolate mini egg protein ice cream.
    Chocolate Mini Egg Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
  • mini egg rice krispie squares.
    Easter Mini Egg Rice Krispie Treats
  • gluten free lemon cookies with a few lemon slices and one with a bite missing.
    Gluten Free Italian Lemon Cookies

HIGH PROTEIN 💪🏼

  • top view of pint of biscoff protein ice cream made in the ninja creami.
    Biscoff Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
  • close up of golden oreos on top of protein ice cream in a ninja creami pint.
    Golden Oreo Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
  • top view of high protein elote pasta salad.
    Mexican Elote Pasta Salad (High Protein)
  • two jars of cottage cheese chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
    Cottage Cheese Chocolate Pudding

READER FAVES ⭐️

  • close up of gluten free cheez its
    Gluten-Free Cheez Its Copycat
  • square salmon sushi bake with toppings surrounding on a wooden board.
    Salmon Sushi Bake
  • close up of square pepperoni pizza
    Gluten-Free Detroit Style Pizza
  • gluten free focaccia bread pieces on a wood board
    Easy Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread

NEW POSTS ✨

  • authnetic italian no cook pizza sauce with a spoon.
    Authentic Italian Pizza Sauce Recipe (No Cook)
  • golf ball cheese ball with crackers around.
    Golf Ball Cheese Ball
  • close up of peanut butter chocolate protein ice cream topped with peanut butter and reese cups.
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
  • marinated olives in a white bowl with a spoon.
    Italian Marinated Olives

Work With Me

I love to align Olivia's Kitchen with brands that share the same value of healthy & delicious recipes in support of living a balanced life. I would be thrilled to work together and create deliciousness in some of the following ways:

  • Recipe Development
  • Food Photography
  • Sponsored Content
  • Short Form Video
  • Brand Ambassadorship
  • any other way I can help your brand create awesome food content!

Learn more about my services →

Footer

↑ back to top

Legal

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Terms & Conditions

Accessibility Policy

About

About Olivia

Contact

Work with Me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Olivia's Kitchen

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.