TIPSY RUDOLPH SPRITZER ULTIMATE RECIPE

Imagine the delightful fizz of cranberry and orange dancing on your tongue, mingling with the gentle warmth of vodka and the playful sparkle of Prosecco. This isn’t just another holiday drink; it’s a Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer, a festive concoction guaranteed to bring cheer to any gathering. Get ready to mix up a batch of holiday magic that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

For the Spritzer:

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka (I prefer a smooth, unflavored one)
• 3 ounces cranberry juice (100% juice for best flavor!)
• 2 ounces orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
• 4 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine (chilled, of course!)
• 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water (for extra fizz)
• Ice cubes

For the Garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange slices
• Rosemary sprigs (optional, but adds a lovely aroma)
• Sugar for rimming the glass (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glasses (Optional):

1. If you want to rim your glasses with sugar, spread some sugar on a small plate.
2. Moisten the rim of each glass with an orange slice or a bit of water.
3. Dip the rim into the sugar, rotating until evenly coated.

2. Combine the Ingredients:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur.
2. Add a handful of ice.
3. Shake well until the shaker is chilled, about 15-20 seconds. Don’t skimp on the shaking – it makes a difference!

3. Assemble the Spritzer:

1. Fill your prepared glasses with ice.
2. Strain the vodka mixture into the glasses, dividing evenly.
3. Top each glass with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
4. Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for extra fizz.

4. Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish each spritzer with fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a rosemary sprig (if using).
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer

Choosing the Right Vodka:

The vodka you choose can significantly impact the overall flavor of your Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer. I recommend using a smooth, unflavored vodka. This allows the other flavors – cranberry, orange, and Prosecco – to shine through without being overpowered by a harsh vodka taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, a citrus-flavored vodka could also work well, but be mindful of the balance of flavors.

The Cranberry Juice Conundrum:

Not all cranberry juice is created equal! For the best flavor and a less sugary drink, opt for 100% cranberry juice. Cranberry juice cocktail often contains added sugars and artificial flavors that can make your spritzer overly sweet. If you find 100% cranberry juice too tart, you can add a touch of simple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten it to your liking.

Prosecco vs. Sparkling Wine:

While Prosecco is my go-to for this recipe, any dry sparkling wine will work beautifully. Champagne, Cava, or even a crisp California sparkling wine are all excellent options. Just make sure it’s well-chilled to maintain the fizziness and refreshing character of the spritzer.

Scaling Up for a Crowd:

Hosting a holiday party? This Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer is perfect for a crowd! You can easily scale up the recipe by multiplying the ingredient quantities. However, I recommend waiting to add the Prosecco and club soda until just before serving to maintain their fizz. You can mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur in a large pitcher ahead of time and keep it chilled until ready to assemble the spritzers.

Non-Alcoholic Variation:

Want to make a non-alcoholic version for your guests who prefer to abstain? Simply replace the vodka with cranberry-flavored sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative. You can also substitute the Prosecco with more sparkling water or club soda. It will still be festive and delicious!

Creative Garnishes to Elevate Your Spritzer

Cranberry Skewers:

Thread fresh cranberries onto small skewers for an elegant and easy garnish. You can alternate the cranberries with small cubes of cheese or even sugared cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness.

Orange Zest Twist:

Use a vegetable peeler to create a long, thin strip of orange zest. Twist it into a decorative spiral and perch it on the rim of the glass. This adds a burst of citrus aroma and visual appeal.

Rosemary Infused Ice Cubes:

Add a sprig of rosemary to your ice cube tray before freezing for a subtle herbal flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Your Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer

Appetizers:

The Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer pairs wonderfully with a variety of appetizers. Think creamy brie with cranberry sauce, smoked salmon canapés, or even spicy shrimp skewers. The sweet and tart flavors of the spritzer complement rich and savory bites perfectly.

Desserts:

For dessert, consider pairing your spritzer with light and fruity options like a cranberry tart, a lemon mousse, or even a simple plate of fresh berries. Avoid overly rich or chocolatey desserts, as they may clash with the flavors of the cocktail.

Other Festive Cocktail Ideas

If you’re looking for more holiday cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out my recipe for Non Alcoholic Christmas Punch for a family-friendly option. For a more sophisticated sip, try the Autumn Gin Sour. If you’re an apple cider fan, you’ll adore the Apple Cider Margarita or the Spiced Christmas Margarita. And for something truly unique, don’t miss the Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria or the Pumpkin White Russian!

Make Ahead Tips

Want to get ahead for your party? You can prep some of the ingredients in advance. The cranberry juice, vodka, and orange liqueur can be combined and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add the Prosecco and club soda right before serving to maintain the fizz. You can also pre-cut your garnishes and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Enjoy Responsibly!

Remember to enjoy your Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer responsibly and always drink in moderation. Happy Holidays, and happy mixing!

Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer

This festive Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer combines the delightful flavors of cranberry, orange, and Prosecco with a touch of vodka. It’s a guaranteed holiday hit, perfect for bringing cheer to any gathering. Prepare to mix up a batch of holiday magic that will have everyone asking for more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 2 ounces orange liqueur Cointreau or Grand Marnier
• 4 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
• 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish
• Orange slices, for garnish
• Rosemary sprigs, for garnish optional
• Sugar, for rimming the glass optional

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Ice bucket
• Cocktail glasses
• Small plate (optional, for sugar rim)
• Orange slice (for sugar rim, optional)
• Vegetable peeler (optional, for orange zest)
• Skewers (optional, for cranberry skewers)

Method

 

1. If desired, prepare your glasses by rimming them with sugar. Spread sugar on a small plate. Moisten the rim of each glass with an orange slice or a bit of water. Dip the rim into the sugar, rotating until evenly coated.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur.
3. Add a handful of ice.
4. Shake well until the shaker is chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
5. Fill your prepared glasses with ice.
6. Strain the vodka mixture into the glasses, dividing evenly.
7. Top each glass with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
8. Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for extra fizz.
9. Garnish each spritzer with fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a rosemary sprig (if using).
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For the best flavor, use 100% cranberry juice. Any dry sparkling wine can be substituted for Prosecco, such as Champagne or Cava. To scale up for a crowd, mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur in a pitcher ahead of time, but add the Prosecco and club soda just before serving to maintain the fizz. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with cranberry-flavored sparkling water and the Prosecco with more sparkling water or club soda. The cranberry juice, vodka, and orange liqueur can be combined and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Pre-cut garnishes can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.