With orange liqueur, cranberry simple syrup, Prosecco and sparkling water, this Winter Spritz is a festive drink for Christmas, New Years or winter parties.
3 ouncesorange liqueur *I used Grand Marnier, see Note #1 below
1ouncecranberry simple syrup
3ouncesProsecco
1ouncesparkling water*see Note #2 below
Garnish
orange slices
sugared cranberries*see Note #3 below
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Cranberry Simple Syrup
Wash and stain cranberries. Place into a medium sized saucepan along with sugar and water.
Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. (Bringing to a simmer will take about 10 minutes. Once simmering stir occasionally and watch closely. Lower heat if cranberries start to boil too rapidly.)
Simmer until berries pop and loose most of their juice, about 12-14 minutes.
Remove from heat and stain through a fine mesh strainer.Lightly press on the cranberries to release their juice and then dispose of the cranberries.
Refrigerate syrup until chilled, about 6 or more hours.
Winter Spritz
Fill a large wine glass or glassware of choice with ice cubes 3/4 of the way full.
Add in a thinly sliced orange slice.
Pour Orange Liqueur over ice and then pour in Cranberry Simple Syrup.
Add in Prosecco and top with sparking water.
Garnish with the threaded sugared cranberries.
Notes
Recipe NotesNote #1- Their are many different orange liqueur options that range from bitter to sweeter and that range in more complex flavors. Here is a breakdown of some of the best orange liqueurs. Note #2- For this Winter Spritz I made sparkling water using my Soda Stream. However, club soda, seltzer water or tonic water may all be used. Note #3- How To Make Sugared CranberriesMaking 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.
In a medium sized saucepan combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling lower heat to low and simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
Take off heat.
Meanwhile rinse cranberries and add to the simple syrup. Stir well.
Using a slotted spoon transfer cranberries to a parchment lined cookie sheet and arrange cranberries in a simple layer.
Let cranberries air dry for 1 hour.
Working in batches, roll the cranberries in 1 cup of granulated sugar.