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.