Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz
The Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a delightful and festive cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. With its vibrant crimson hue and tantalizing blend of flavors, this drink is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. In this blog post, we’ll explore the nuances of this cocktail, discuss its key ingredients, and provide valuable tips to ensure you craft the perfect Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz every time.
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Here’s what ingredients you’ll need for this drink:
- Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Aperol
- Club soda
- Spritz or wine glass
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Ice
For the syrup:
- Cranberries
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Whole cloves
- Whole star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Swing top bottles
What is an Aperol Spritz?
Originating from Italy, the Aperol Spritz is a popular aperitif known for its refreshing taste and low alcohol content. It typically consists of Aperol, a bitter orange-flavored liqueur, combined with prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and a splash of soda water. The result is a light, bubbly, and slightly bitter cocktail that’s enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
When Are Cranberries in Season?
Cranberries, those tart and tangy little berries, hit their peak season in the fall months, usually from September through November. They are widely associated with Thanksgiving and the holiday season, making them a perfect addition to festive cocktails like the Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz. However, thanks to modern freezing techniques, you can often find cranberries year-round in many grocery stores. You can also use frozen cranberries for this syrup.
Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, or Champagne: Which Should I Use?
While the traditional Aperol Spritz recipe calls for prosecco, you have the flexibility to experiment with other sparkling wines or even Champagne. Prosecco, with its fruity and floral notes, complements the bitterness of Aperol splendidly. However, if you prefer a drier and more complex flavor profile, Champagne could be an excellent choice. Sparkling wine variations can also work well, offering their unique characteristics to the cocktail.
How to Make It a Mocktail or Alcohol-Free Version:
For those opting for a non-alcoholic version, fear not! You can still savor the essence of the Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz by making a few simple substitutions. Swap out the Aperol with a non-alcoholic aperitif like Lyre’s. Additionally, replace the prosecco with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail. Add the homemade spiced cranberry syrup to your chosen base, and voilà—an alcohol-free version of this delightful beverage.
How To Make A Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
How To Make A Spiced Cranberry Syrup
This syrup is perfect for fall and holiday cocktails and mocktails. Try it in other classic cocktails like a margarita or a gin gimlet.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
5 whole cloves
3 whole star anise
3 cinnamon sticks
Bottle for your syrup
Instructions:
Rinse the cranberries under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the syrup thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the saucepan from the heat once the syrup reaches your desired consistency.
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container or bowl, pressing down on the cranberries gently with the back of a spoon to extract the liquid. Discard the solids (cranberry pulp and spices).
Let the spiced cranberry syrup cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 2-3 weeks.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or the intensity of spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade spiced cranberry syrup!
Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce spiced cranberry syrup
- 1 ounce club soda
- Garnish: orange slice cinnamon stick
Spiced Cranberry Syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 whole star anise
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Cranberry Syrup: Prior to assembling the cocktail, ensure you have made the spiced cranberry syrup as per the recipe. Let it cool completely before using it in the cocktail.
- Build the Cocktail in the Spritz Glass: Add ice cubes to your chilled spritz glass, filling it about halfway.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin by pouring 1 ounce of Aperol directly over the ice in the spritz glass. Follow this by adding 1 ounce of the prepared spiced cranberry syrup.
- Top with Prosecco: Slowly pour 3 ounces of prosecco into the spritz glass, allowing it to mingle with the Aperol and cranberry syrup.
- Add Club Soda: Gently pour 1 ounce of club soda into the glass to add a refreshing fizziness to the cocktail.
- Give It a Gentle Stir: Using a long stirring stick or spoon, gently stir the cocktail ingredients together, ensuring they combine while maintaining the drink’s effervescence.
- Garnish and Final Touches: Finish the cocktail by garnishing it with an orange slice placed on the rim of the glass. For an extra aromatic element, add a cinnamon stick into the drink for a delightful scent.
Spiced Cranberry Syrup
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the syrup thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat once the syrup reaches your desired consistency.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container or bowl, pressing down on the cranberries gently with the back of a spoon to extract the liquid. Discard the solids (cranberry pulp and spices).
- Let the spiced cranberry syrup cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 2-3 weeks.
The Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a delightful fusion of seasonal flavors and classic cocktail components. Whether enjoyed as a spirited libation or an alcohol-free alternative, this beverage is bound to elevate your holiday celebrations with its vibrant color and tantalizing taste.
Experiment with different variations, embrace the festive spirit, and savor the joyous moments with each sip of this enchanting concoction. Cheers to creating unforgettable memories and toasting with the Spiced Cranberry Aperol Spritz!
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