Santa Spritz Mocktail
Introduction
This Santa Spritz Mocktail is bright, fizzy, and full of holiday color. It blends sparkling wine with Lyre’s aperitif and a splash of cranberry juice. The result is light, slightly bitter, and gently sweet. You can make it for a party or a small gathering. If you like spritz drinks, try the Amalfi Spritz Mocktail for a citrus twist that uses similar ideas.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is quick. It uses few ingredients. You do not need any special tools. It feels festive and looks pretty in a glass. It pairs well with small bites and appetizers. It is easy to scale up for a crowd. The flavors are simple and familiar. Even a beginner can make it without stress.
How to prepare Santa Spritz Mocktail
Start by chilling your bottles and glasses. Cold ingredients keep the drink lively. Pick a clear glass so the color and garnishes show. Use fresh cranberries or an orange slice for a festive look. Measure in equal parts so the drink stays balanced. Stir gently to keep the bubbles. Serve right away so it stays fizzy.
Ingredients:
- sparkling wine
- Lyre’s aperitif
- cranberry juice
- festive garnishes (like rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or orange slices)
Steps:
- In a glass, combine equal parts sparkling wine and Lyre’s aperitif.
- Add a splash of cranberry juice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with festive garnishes of your choice, such as rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or orange slices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with Christmas appetizers!
How to serve Santa Spritz Mocktail
Serve this drink in a tall glass or a wine glass. Keep the glass chilled if you can. Add ice only if you want it extra cold, but ice can dilute the bubbles. Place a rosemary sprig and a few cranberries on top for a pretty look. Serve it right after you make it so it stays fizzy. Offer small plates of appetizers. Think of salty snacks, cheeses, and little bites. The drink is light, so pair it with foods that have clear flavors.
How to store sparkling wine, Lyre’s aperitif, cranberry juice, festive garnishes (like rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or orange slices)
Store sparkling wine in a cool, dark place until you open it. After opening, keep it in the fridge and use a proper stopper to hold some bubbles. Lyre’s aperitif keeps in the cupboard or fridge as the bottle label says. Once opened, it is best in the fridge. Cranberry juice stays fresh in the fridge after opening. Check the date on the bottle. For garnishes, keep rosemary sprigs wrapped in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the fridge. Store cranberries in their original bag in the fridge. Keep orange slices on a small plate covered with plastic wrap for a day or two. Use fresh garnishes quickly for best color and smell.
Tips to make sparkling wine, Lyre’s aperitif, cranberry juice, festive garnishes (like rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or orange slices) perfectly
Chill everything before you mix. Cold ingredients help keep the bubbles lively. Pour the sparkling wine slowly down the side of the glass. This keeps the fizz from fading fast. Use good-quality cranberry juice for true flavor. Taste the cranberry juice first. If it is very tart, add a tiny bit less. If you want sweeter, add a touch more.
Pick fresh rosemary that smells strong. Rub the sprig between your fingers to wake up the oils before you add it to the glass. Use whole cranberries for color and a light pop when people bite them. Thin orange slices give a bright aroma but do not overpower the drink. Stir gently. Do not stir too hard or you will lose the bubbles. Prepare garnishes just before serving so they look fresh.
If you want to make a non-alcoholic version for everyone, choose a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. Lyre’s aperitif already gives a similar bitter profile without alcohol. Adjust the cranberry splash for balance. Always taste once before serving to make any small changes.
Variations (if possible)
You can shift the flavor in a few easy ways. Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine to keep it fully alcohol-free. Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice for a deeper color and a slightly different tartness. Add a thin slice of fresh ginger for a warm note. Try a sugared rim on the glass for a sweeter touch. For a citrus twist, add a small splash of fresh orange juice. For herb lovers, use thyme instead of rosemary. Each change stays close to the original idea but gives a new taste.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this drink ahead of time?
A: No. Mix it just before serving. The fizz fades if you mix it early. Keep everything cold and ready, then combine at the last minute.
Q: What if I want no alcohol at all?
A: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or soda water in place of sparkling wine. Lyre’s aperitif is a non-alcoholic option already, so this swap makes it alcohol-free.
Q: How much cranberry juice should I add?
A: Just a splash. Start small and taste. You want a hint of color and tartness, not a full cranberry drink.
Q: Can I make a pitcher for a party?
A: Yes, but hold off on adding the sparkling wine until just before you serve. Mix Lyre’s and cranberry in the pitcher, chill well, then pour and top each glass with sparkling wine.
Q: What glass works best?
A: A wine glass or a tall spritz glass looks best. Use a clear glass to show the color and garnishes.
Q: How do I keep the rosemary fresh-looking?
A: Store rosemary in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel. Use within a few days for best color and scent.
Santa Spritz Mocktail
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 bottle sparkling wine Chilled
- 1 bottle Lyre’s aperitif Chilled
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice Use high-quality juice
Garnishes
- 3 sprigs rosemary For garnish
- 10 pieces cranberries For garnish
- 1 slice orange For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Chill your bottles of sparkling wine and Lyre’s aperitif, along with the glasses.
- In a clear glass, combine equal parts sparkling wine and Lyre’s aperitif.
- Add a splash of cranberry juice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or orange slices.
- Serve immediately to maintain fizz.
