Santa’s Spritz: Festive Christmas Cocktail Recipe

A fizzy, festive and delicious Christmas cocktail made with prosecco, rhubarb & ginger gin and cranberry juice. This easy-to-make spritz is ideal for holiday parties or a relaxed weekend treat — the perfect seasonal drink.

Because it’s never too early for a cocktail…

Someone pouring a Christmas cocktail topped with rosemary

It really is the best time of year to celebrate!

Enjoy indulgent cocktails like an Ultimate Chocolate Martini, share incredible food and have plenty of fun. To add to the seasonal cheer, here’s a sparkling, simple cocktail that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

This Santa’s Spritz uses just two alcoholic ingredients and two juices, so it’s uncomplicated and party-ready.

Ingredients

  • Prosecco
  • Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Tonic Water

The Gin

This rhubarb & ginger gin is sweet with a pronounced rhubarb flavour and a subtle ginger note. A splash in prosecco is all you need, or serve it with tonic water. It’s a versatile gin that works beautifully in bright, refreshing cocktails year-round and is especially lovely in this festive spritz.

I often use Edinburgh Gin for this flavour, but many brands now make rhubarb & ginger gin so it should be easy to find.

How To Make Santa’s Spritz Christmas Cocktail – Step By Step

For a single serve or two, I usually mix ingredients in a measuring jug and then pour into glasses. For larger groups, use a pitcher so it’s easy to serve.

Step by step photos for making a Christmas cocktail

Measure 1 part rhubarb & ginger gin, then add 2 parts prosecco and 1 part cranberry juice. Stir gently, pour into glasses, then top each glass with a splash of tonic water and a rosemary sprig to garnish.

Tips For Making A Santa Spritz Christmas Cocktail

  • Add ice to the measuring jug or pitcher to keep the drink chilled while you mix.
  • If you can’t find rhubarb & ginger gin, substitute another sweet-flavoured gin such as strawberry.
  • Tonic water adds a slight bitter edge and more fizz to balance the sweetness.
  • If you prefer to avoid tonic, use sparkling water or sparkling lemonade instead.

Light snacks pair wonderfully with this spritz. Here are a few crowd-pleasing options to serve alongside your drinks.

Nibbles To Go With Drinks

  • Easy marinated olives
  • Crostini, three ways
  • Roasted fennel, salami and ricotta crostini
  • Mini sausage pizzas with pear and gorgonzola

A Christmas cocktail with rosemary and cranberries

Can I Make this Cocktail in Advance?

Preparing this cocktail too far ahead is tricky because of two factors:

Keep it cool: Serve chilled. If you add ice too early it will melt and dilute the drink. Because this spritz is so quick to mix, prepare it just before guests arrive or as they do.

Don’t let it go flat: Prosecco and tonic provide the bubbles, so mix no more than about 30 minutes ahead. Store the mixed drink in the fridge without ice and finish with tonic and garnish when ready to serve.

More Delicious Cocktails You Might Like

  • Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail
  • The Ultimate Chocolate Martini
  • Sparkling Limoncello Cocktail
  • Classic Campari Spritz
  • Aperol Spritz

If you try this Santa’s Spritz or any recipe from the blog, let me know how it turned out in the comments — I love hearing from readers. You can also follow on social channels to see more recipes and updates.

Step By Step Photos Above

Most of our recipes include step-by-step photos, helpful tips and sometimes video to guide you through.

Santa’s Spritz Christmas Cocktail

5 from 5 votes

By Emily

Prep: 2
Total: 2
Servings: 1 serving
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A fizzy, festive cocktail made with prosecco, rhubarb & ginger gin and cranberry juice. Simple, refreshing and ideal for holiday entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 1 part (1oz/30ml) rhubarb and ginger gin
  • 2 parts (2oz/60ml) prosecco
  • 1 part (1oz/30ml) cranberry juice
  • 1 splash tonic water
  • 1 sprig rosemary (optional), for serving

Instructions

  • For one or two servings, measure and mix in a measuring jug. For larger batches, use a pitcher so it’s easy to serve.
  • Measure 1 part rhubarb & ginger gin, add 2 parts prosecco and 1 part cranberry juice. Stir gently, pour into glasses, then top with a splash of tonic water and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Notes

  • Add ice to the measuring jug or pitcher to keep the drink cool while mixing.
  • If rhubarb & ginger gin isn’t available, use another sweet gin such as strawberry.
  • Tonic water gives a bitter counterpoint and extra fizz; swap for sparkling water or lemonade if preferred.
  • Mix no more than 30 minutes ahead to preserve bubbles; keep chilled in the fridge until serving.

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless stated otherwise.
  • When using canned or jarred tomatoes I prefer trusted brands for best flavour.
  • Vegetable sizes are medium unless specified.
  • All recipes are tested in a fan (convection) oven unless noted.
  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 52mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment below!