Winter Aperol Spritz Recipe ~ Barley & Sage (2024)

With just a couple extra ingredients, you can turn the classic summery Aperol spritz into a festive winter Aperol spritz!

One of my favorite things about Italy, is having a refreshing Aperol spritz every afternoon! A classic Aperol spritz just needs Aperol, prosecco, and soda, but this holiday version is dressed up with a cranberry and cinnamon simple syrup and then garnished with sugared rosemary! It's the perfect light, refreshing co*cktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, or any holiday party!

What is Aperol?

Aperol is a light, refreshing Italian aperitif [pre-dinner liquor that's often used as a palate cleanser] with a bright orange, rhubarb flavor. Aperol is similar to Campari but slightly less bitter.

A classic Aperol spritz uses a 1:1 ratio of Aperol and prosecco, topped with a splash of soda and garnished with an orange slice. But you can change up the ratio to suit your own taste!

Ingredient Notes

You just need a few simple ingredients to make this winter Aperol spritz!

• Prosecco - Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, similar to Champagne. I recommend using dry (brut) prosecco so that your co*cktail isn't overly sweet.
• Soda - You need a little bit of club soda (or your favorite sparkling water) to help cut through some of the bitterness.
• Orange - An orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz, but you can leave it out for this wintery version if you prefer. But I love the flavor of orange and cranberry together!
• Cranberries - I use fresh cranberries for the simple syrup and as a garnish.
• Cinnamon - A whole cinnamon stick adds the perfect amount of wintery spice.
• Rosemary - I love garnishing these co*cktails with sugared rosemary for some festive flair!
• Simple Syrup- You can add as little or as much simple syrup as you like! I like my Aperol spritz to be more on the bitter side, but if you like it sweeter, definitely add more syrup! See my notes below for making your cranberry simple syrup!

How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup

I always make my own simple syrup for co*cktails because it's so easy! You can also add in different herbs or fruit for a delightfully flavored simple syrup. For this holiday Aperol spritz, I like to flavor the simple syrup with cranberries, cinnamon, and rosemary.

• ½ cupgranulated sugar
• ½ cupwater
• ½ cup cranberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 sprig rosemary

1. Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Let cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
4. Store in the fridge for up to a month!

How to Make a Winter Aperol Spritz

Aperol spritz are incredibly easy to make! You don't need a co*cktail shaker or any other special equipment!

Simply fill a wine glass with ice, then add in the Aperol, prosecco, cranberry simple syrup, and a splash of club soda.

Garnish with an orange slice, cranberries, and sugared rosemary.

Recipe Notes

If you're feeling fancy, rub some an orange slice along the edge of the glass and dip in sugar for a fun sugar rim!

For a less bitter co*cktail: Use less Aperol and more prosecco or simple syrup.

For a less alcoholic co*cktail: Use more club soda and reduce the amount of Aperol and prosecco.

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