Winter Spritz

With orange liqueur, cranberry simple syrup, Prosecco and sparkling water, this Winter Spritz is a festive drink for Christmas, New Years or winter parties. 

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What is a Spritz

An Spritz is an aperitivo, or in other words a pre-meal drink meant to stimulate the appetite. Spritz cocktails are very common in Italy and the basic structure is composed of a bitter liqueur, Prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. 

Since the conception of the basic Spritz there have been many varieties created such as the sweeter Limoncello Spritz or this highly festive Winter Spritz. In a nutshell, for a cocktail to be called a spritz is basically needs to be boozy and bubbly.

Ingredients

• Orange Liqueur– There all so many different varieties of Orange Liqueurs that can be used for this cocktail from bitter to sweeter varieties and ones that have simple to more complex flavors. For this cocktail I used Grand Marnier which is a blend of cognac and orange liqueur. However, here is breakdown of some of the best orange liqueur options that would be delicious in this cocktail. 
• Cranberry Syrup– This is a simple syrup made of cranberries, sugar and water. See recipe below for instructions. 
• Prosecco– A sparkling wine that is similar to champagne but much more affordable. Here is a helpful guide to pick the best type of Prosecco for you. 
• Sparkling Water– For this Winter Spritz I made sparkling water using my Soda Stream. However, club soda, seltzer water or tonic water may all be used. 

How to Make

Cranberry Simple Syrup

This simple syrup is what brings the sweetness to this drink. It is important to note that some may prefer a sweeter cocktail. If that is the case, double the recipe to ensure that there is enough simple syrup to go around. 

1. Place the rinsed cranberries, sugar and water in a medium sized saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, about 10 minutes. 
3. Once simmering stir occasionally and watch closely. Lower heat if cranberries start to boil too rapidly.
4. Simmer until berries pop and loose most of their juice, about 12-14 minutes. 
5. Remove from heat and stain through a fine mesh strainer. 
6. Lightly press on the cranberries to release their juice and then dispose of the cranberries. 
7. Refrigerate until chilled, about 6 or more hours.

Sugared Cranberries

Making sugared cranberries is completely optional as they are only a garnish. In other words, I recommend not be eating them because they taste horrible. Although, they add a beautiful sparkle to this Spritz. 

1. In a medium sized saucepan combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. 
3. Once boiling lower heat to low and simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Take off heat.
5. Meanwhile rinse cranberries and add to the simple syrup. Stir well. 
6. Using a slotted spoon transfer cranberries to a parchment lined cookie sheet and arrange cranberries in a single layer. 
7. Let cranberries air dry for 1 hour.
8. Working in batches, roll the cranberries in 1 cup of granulated sugar. 
9. Thread onto a 6 inch toothpick and set aside.

Winter Spritz

1. Fill a large wine glass or glassware of choice with ice cubes 3/4 of the way full. 
2. Add in a thinly sliced orange slice.
3. Pour Orange Liqueur over ice and then pour in Cranberry Simple Syrup.
4. Add in Prosecco and top with sparking water.
5. Garnish with the threaded sugared cranberries. 

Lightened Up Winter Spritz

I am someone who does not handle Prosecco very well. Another way to put it, Prosecco hits me like a ton of bricks. So for me, I do best with the lightened up version of this Winter Spritz.

To make a lightened up version simply replace the Prosecco with additional sparkling water. The flavor will still be amazing but the alcohol content will be much less. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Aperol be substituted for Grand Mariner?

Aperol can absolutely be substituted for the Grand Mariner. Both are a bitter liqueur so the proportion of ingredients will remain the same. 

When is the best time to serve this cocktail?

The minute that cranberries become available is a perfect time to start enjoying this Winter Spritz. It definitely is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 

Is storing the orange Liqueur in the freezer a good idea?

I personally love storing my hard alcohol in the freezer. Alcohol does not freeze but rather becomes icy cold, helping to keep cold drinks chilled. 

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