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This Christmas Aperol Spritz brings a delightful and festive twist to the classic Italian cocktail. It is perfect for holiday gatherings when you want a drink that is both refreshing and celebratory. Bright and lightly bitter with bubbles and a hint of citrus aroma, this cocktail instantly adds holiday cheer to any occasion.
I discovered this recipe during a holiday party in Paris, and it instantly became a crowd-pleaser. Now every December, I find myself reaching for the Aperol and prosecco to recreate that magical evening.
Ingredients
- Aperol: Three ounces of Aperol a bright orange bitter liqueur essential for the signature spritz flavor choose a fresh bottle for best aroma
- Prosecco: Two ounces of prosecco an Italian sparkling wine that balances the bitterness of Aperol with its fruity sweetness look for dry or extra dry varieties to keep the drink light
- Soda water: One ounce of soda water adds a refreshing fizz and dilutes the drink just enough to make it perfectly easy-going
- Orange slices: Orange slices provide citrus notes and make the drink visually appealing select organic oranges for the best flavor and less wax
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Fresh rosemary sprigs for aroma and festive decoration pick firm and fragrant sprigs for garnish
- Fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries optional but add a nice tartness and holiday color if you can find fresh ones they brighten up the glass greatly
Instructions
- Savour the Chill:
- Fill a large wine or cocktail glass with plenty of ice cubes to keep the drink well chilled without diluting it too quickly
- Measure and Pour Aperol:
- Slowly pour three ounces of Aperol over the ice this is the cocktail’s backbone so measure carefully for balanced flavor
- Add the Prosecco:
- Gently pour two ounces of prosecco into the glass allowing it to marry with the Aperol without stirring too soon to keep the bubbles intact
- Splash in Soda Water:
- Add one ounce of soda water to introduce a light fizz and soften the flavors give the glass a gentle stir to blend everything without losing carbonation
- Garnish and Serve:
- Decorate with a slice of fresh orange a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries if you wish these garnishes bring an aromatic and festive character to the drink gently stir again just before serving for the best blend of flavors and freshness
Aperol’s bittersweet flavor is my favorite part of this drink. It reminds me of a winter evening I spent with friends around a warm fireplace in Lyon where this spritz felt like the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. The fresh rosemary adds a subtle pine aroma that makes it feel like Christmas in a glass.
Storage Tips
Prepare the cocktail fresh for the best fizz and flavor but you can keep Aperol and prosecco chilled in your fridge for several weeks once opened if sealed well. Do not store the mixed spritz as it will lose carbonation quickly just mix per serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find prosecco try a dry sparkling white wine or even a dry cider for a different but still festive twist. Swap soda water for sparkling mineral water with a mild flavor for more complexity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spritz alongside light tapas salty cheeses and olives to balance the cocktail’s bittersweet notes. It also pairs wonderfully with seafood appetizers or charcuterie boards for a chic holiday gathering.
Enjoy this festive Aperol Spritz freshly made to preserve its sparkle and aroma. It’s a simple yet elegant drink that brings holiday cheer to any gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients composent ce cocktail ?
Il est préparé avec Aperol, prosecco, eau gazeuse, tranches d'orange, romarin frais et canneberges en garniture.
- → Comment équilibrer l'amertume et la douceur ?
Le prosecco apporte douceur et bulles qui équilibrent l'amertume caractéristique de l'Aperol.
- → Peut-on modifier les garnitures ?
Oui, les tranches d'orange et le romarin peuvent être remplacés par d'autres agrumes ou herbes selon vos goûts.
- → Quelle est la meilleure façon de servir ce mélange ?
Servez-le bien frais dans un grand verre rempli de glaçons pour une dégustation optimale.
- → Est-ce une boisson adaptée aux végétariens ?
Oui, tous les ingrédients sont compatibles avec un régime végétarien.