Want a drink that’s light, refreshing, and packed with seasonal flavor? A cranberry wine spritzer brings together crisp wine and tart cranberries for a drink that’s both festive and easy to make. I’ll show you how to create this crowd-pleaser with just a few ingredients, perfect for parties or a relaxing evening.
Equipment
You will need a large pitcher, a citrus juicer or hand juicer, measuring cups, and a stirrer.
A fine strainer will be helpful for lime juice. To serve, use tall glasses or fluted glasses if you prefer.
Ingredients
- Wine: Choose a light, sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne.
- Cranberry juice: Opt for a 100% pure cranberry juice for a tart flavor.
- Lime: Fresh limes for juice and slices.
- Pear cardamom soda: For added spice.
- Cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks: These spices add warmth.
- Garnish: Fresh cranberries and optional rosemary sprigs.
Instructions
- Add wine, cranberry juice, pear cardamom soda, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher.
- Squeeze the juice from the limes using a citrus juicer. Strain to remove pulp.
- Gently stir all ingredients together.
- Pour the mixture into glasses filled a quarter of the way with ice.
- Garnish with lime slices, cranberries, and rosemary if desired.
Tasting Notes
The Cranberry Wine Spritzer balances sweet and tart flavors.
Cranberry juice brings tartness, while the spices add warmth.
The sparkling wine adds effervescence, making it a lively and refreshing drink.
Similar Cocktails
Consider trying a Cranberry Vodka Spritzer, where vodka replaces wine.
A Spiced Apple Wine Spritzer also offers a similar experience but with apple juice and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
History
Cranberry-based cocktails have been popular since the mid-20th century.
The Cranberry Wine Spritzer is a modern twist that adds sparkling wine and warming spices to the classic cranberry cocktail.
Quick Pro Tips
- Use chilled ingredients to maintain the drink’s refreshing quality.
- Prepare garnishes ahead of time for quick assembly.
- Experiment with different wines and cranberry juice blends.
When To Serve
Serve the Cranberry Wine Spritzer at holiday gatherings, summer parties, or any time you want a festive, refreshing drink.
It’s versatile and suits many events.
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