Big Batch Cranberry Aperol Spritz

A festive cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a spiced cranberry syrup and Aperol.

By @broccyourbody

Original recipe source

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 0 zest from 1 orange (amount not specified)
• 0 cinnamon stick or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (amount not specified)
• 0 3-4 slices of fresh ginger (amount not specified)
• 1.5 cups spiced cranberry syrup
• 1.5 cups Aperol
• 0.75 cup orange juice
• 0 ice (amount not specified)
• 750 ml Prosecco
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 0 orange slices (amount not specified)
• 0 fresh cranberries (amount not specified)
• 0 rosemary sprigs (amount not specified)

Instructions

1. Add the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and ginger to a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes so the flavors can continue to infuse.
4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or jar, gently pressing on the cranberries to extract the syrup.
5. Set the softened cranberries aside to make cranberry sauce. Discard the cinnamon stick and ginger slices.
6. Allow the syrup to cool completely before making the cocktails.
7. Transfer the cooled syrup to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
8. In a large pitcher, combine the spiced cranberry syrup, Aperol, and orange juice. Stir until well combined.
9. Fill 8 glasses with ice and divide the cranberry/Aperol mixture evenly among them. Top with about 3 oz of prosecco and 1 oz sparkling water.
10. Garnish each glass with an orange slice, a few fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary.