This festive Santa Spritz Cocktail is a cheerful mix that’s perfect for holiday gatherings! With a splash of sparkling wine, cranberry juice, and a hint of lime, it’s bubbly and bright.
Not only is it delicious, but it also looks so pretty in a glass! I love serving it with some fresh cranberries on top for that extra holiday cheer. Cheers to merry moments! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sparkling Wine or Prosecco: This is the base of the cocktail and gives it that festive fizz! If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, sparkling grape juice or a sparkling cider works beautifully too.
Cranberry Juice: I recommend using unsweetened cranberry juice for a balanced flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use sweetened cranberry juice or even pomegranate juice for a different twist!
Club Soda or Sparkling Water: This adds a refreshing sparkle. You can use tonic water for a slightly different taste, but keep in mind it has added flavors.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice really brightens up the drink. If you want something more convenient, bottled lime juice is fine, but fresh is always best!
How Do I Get the Right Balance of Flavors?
Getting the flavors just right is key to enjoying this cocktail. Start with the cranberry juice—it’s tart, so adding a bit of lime juice helps balance it out. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin with cranberry juice and lime juice; mix them well in your glass first.
- Pour in the sparkling wine slowly to let the bubbles rise and mix gently.
- Top off with club soda to add fizz without overpowering the drink.
Remember to stir gently to maintain that bubbly texture. Tasting as you go can help you find the perfect balance for your own liking! Enjoy this festive treat! 🎉
Santa Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz sparkling wine or prosecco
- 2 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened)
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1 dried orange slice (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Estimated Time:
This delightful cocktail takes only about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and uncomplicated, making it perfect for those busy holiday gatherings when you want a festive drink ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chill Your Glass:
Start by filling a glass with ice cubes. This helps to keep your drink nice and cold, which is perfect for an invigorating cocktail!
2. Pour in the Juices:
Next, pour in the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. These two ingredients create a fruity and tart base that pairs well with the sparkling wine. Make sure you mix them together in the glass before adding anything else!
3. Add the Sparkling Wine:
Now, gently pour in the sparkling wine or prosecco. Take your time to pour it slowly, allowing the bubbles to rise without spilling over. This will keep your drink nice and fizzy!
4. Top with Fizz:
Add club soda or sparkling water on top. This step gives your cocktail that refreshing fizz and lightens up the drink—it’s all about that bubbly goodness!
5. Combine Gently:
Using a long spoon, stir the mixture gently to combine all the flavors without losing the bubbles. Be careful not to stir too vigorously!
6. Garnish with Fresh Cranberries:
To make your cocktail look extra festive, drop a few fresh cranberries on top. They add a pop of color and a hint of holiday cheer!
7. Final Touch with Orange Slice:
Finish off your drink by garnishing it with a dried orange slice. You can place it on the rim or let it float on the top—either way, it adds a lovely finished look!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Santa Spritz Cocktail immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste with friends and family. This drink is sure to bring smiles and spark joy during your holiday celebrations!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just replace the sparkling wine with sparkling grape juice or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider. This way, you can keep the festive flair without the alcohol!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the drink too tart, you can add a splash of simple syrup or use sweetened cranberry juice instead of unsweetened. Taste as you go until you find your perfect balance!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
It’s best to prepare the individual components in advance rather than mixing them together ahead of time to maintain the fizz. You can have the juices and garnishes ready, then mix them with sparkling wine right before serving!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice in the refrigerator for up to a week. Sparkling wine can be kept in a cool, dark place; just be sure to recork it tightly after opening. Enjoy the juice with other beverages or cocktails throughout the week!
