Celebrate the holidays with a festive Christmas Spiced Cranberry and Prosecco Fizz. This bright, refreshing cocktail combines spiced cranberry juice, sweet Amarena cherry syrup and chilled Prosecco for a drink that’s tart, aromatic and perfect for parties, brunches or the big day.
It’s the season for indulgence and convivial drinks. This Cranberry and Prosecco cocktail is simple to make and wonderfully festive. The base is spiced cranberry juice infused with cinnamon, star anise and cloves; finished with a splash of Amarena cherry syrup for cherry-sweet depth and topped with Prosecco for lively bubbles.
Because this recipe uses only Prosecco as the alcoholic component, it’s light and easy to sip—similar in style to a Mimosa or a Bellini—making it an ideal first drink to serve at gatherings. Buon Natale!
Ingredients
To make the Christmas Spiced Cranberry and Prosecco cocktail you need cranberry juice, whole Christmas spices (cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves), Amarena cherry syrup, Prosecco and ice. An optional orange zest twist adds aroma and a pretty finish.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Cranberry juice – A pure cranberry juice works best. Some “juice drink” varieties are overly sweet; choose a tart cranberry juice for balance.
- Amarena cherries – If available, use Amarena cherry syrup from a jar of Amarena cherries. The syrup adds depth and sweetness; the cherries themselves can be used in desserts or as a garnish.
- Spices – Use whole spices: a cinnamon stick, a whole star anise and whole cloves. Whole spices infuse cleanly and are easy to remove once cooled.
- Orange zest – A thin twist of orange peel is optional but provides a lovely citrus aroma as a garnish.
Step by step instructions
Combine the cranberry juice and whole spices in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, remove from heat and leave to cool completely so the spices can infuse. The longer it chills, the stronger the spice notes—overnight is ideal but a full cool is sufficient.
To serve, fill a tall tumbler or wine glass with ice. Add about 60ml (4 tablespoons) of the spiced cranberry juice and 2 tablespoons of Amarena cherry syrup. Top up with chilled Prosecco, stir gently to combine and garnish with an orange zest twist if using.
Recipe tips
- Let the juice cool – make sure the infused cranberry juice is completely cold before mixing the cocktail.
- Keep the Prosecco chilled – serve with well-chilled Prosecco for maximum fizz and refreshment.
- Prepare in advance – the spiced cranberry juice can be made a few days ahead; simply refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve immediately – assemble each cocktail just before serving so it stays cold and bubbly.
- Garnish options – an orange zest twist is elegant; fresh cranberries or an Amarena cherry work well too.
Food to serve with your Christmas Cocktail
This festive fizz pairs well with a variety of party nibbles and antipasti. Lighter bites and salty snacks complement the cocktail’s tart-sweet profile. Some favorites to serve alongside:
- Smoked salmon crostini
- Pizza pinwheels with prosciutto and gorgonzola
- Ricotta chicken croquettes
- Gnocco fritto (Italian fried dough)
- Taralli pugliesi
- Easy marinated olives
Antipasti
Burrata with Crispy ‘Nduja & Gremolata
Antipasti
Mozzarella Bocconcini, Pesto and Sun Blushed Tomatoes
Antipasti
Rustici Leccesi (Tomato and Mozzarella Pastries)
Bread & Savory Bakes
Walnut Focaccia
If you try this Christmas Spiced Cranberry and Prosecco cocktail or any other recipe, please rate it and share your experience in the comments — I love hearing from readers.
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Christmas Spiced Cranberry Prosecco Fizz
By Emily
Ingredients
Spiced cranberry juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice, (240ml)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 whole cloves
Other ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Amarena cherry syrup
- Prosecco
- ice
Garnish
- Orange zest twist, (optional)
Instructions
-
Add the cranberry juice and whole spices to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and let cool completely so the spices can infuse. The longer it chills, the stronger the flavour.
-
Fill a glass with ice, pour in 60ml (4 tablespoons) of spiced cranberry juice and 2 tablespoons Amarena cherry syrup.
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Top with Prosecco, stir gently, garnish with orange zest and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serving sizes – 1 cup (240ml) of spiced cranberry juice makes about four cocktails. Increase spices proportionally if you double the juice.
- Stir well – Amarena syrup can settle at the bottom, so stir before serving to combine flavours.
- Make ahead – infuse the cranberry juice up to a few days ahead and refrigerate until needed.
- Serve cold – assemble cocktails right before serving for the best fizz and chill.
- Garnish – orange twists or whole cranberries both make attractive garnishes.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless noted otherwise.
- When using canned or jarred tomatoes, I prefer Cirio or Mutti for consistent flavour.
- Vegetable sizes are medium unless otherwise specified.
- All recipes are tested using a fan (convection) oven unless noted.
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.