Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer Recipe

I created a Tipsy Spritzer that mixes cranberry, rosemary, and vodka in an unexpected way; read on to learn the simple trick that makes it stand out.

I love serving my Tipsy Spritzer at holiday parties because it always gets people talking. The drink looks mischievous with bright red fresh cranberries bobbing at the top like tiny Rudolph noses, and the little kick of vodka keeps things interesting, not too fancy but not boring either.

I almost never follow rules when I’m mixing drinks so expect a playful, slightly unpredictable sip that makes you want another. It’s the sort of cocktail that sparks stories, laughter and that one dramatic toast, and you might find yourself trying to guess what I sneaked into it.

Try it, see why folks can’t stop smiling.

Ingredients

• Vodka: neutral spirit, adds warmth and alcohol, little taste, zero carbs
• Triple sec or Cointreau: sweet orange liqueur, adds citrus, sugar and extra boozy note
• Cranberry juice: tart, vitamin C, some antioxidants, can be sugary if cocktail blend
• Lime juice: bright sour punch, adds acidity, low calories, fresh zing it’s best
• Prosecco or club soda: bubbly lift, keeps drink light, prosecco adds sweet sparkle
• Rosemary: woody herb, aromatic, adds festive piney note, great as stirrer
• Maraschino cherry: sweet candy like, adds color and nostalgia, sugar heavy but fun

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 oz vodka (regular or citrus, up to you)
• 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau, if you got it
• 3 oz cranberry juice cocktail or 100% cranberry juice (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup or a light touch of sugar syrup
• 2 to 3 oz chilled prosecco or club soda for a lighter spritz
• Ice cubes, plenty
• Handful fresh cranberries for garnish, about 6 or 8
• 1 small rosemary sprig per glass for garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry per glass for Rudolph nose

How to Make this

1. Chill your glass and the prosecco or club soda in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes, it makes the spritz way more refreshing.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker or a jar with plenty of ice.

3. Pour in 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau, 3 oz cranberry juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice and 1/4 oz simple syrup.

4. Put the lid on and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker gets frosty.

5. Fill your serving glass with ice cubes, lots of ice, then strain the shaken mix into the glass.

6. Gently top with 2 to 3 oz chilled prosecco for bubbles or club soda if you want it lighter, pour slowly so you dont lose the fizz.

7. If you like a sugared rim, rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar before pouring, totally optional.

8. Thread 6 to 8 fresh cranberries and the maraschino cherry onto a cocktail pick or slip them onto the tip of a small rosemary sprig to make Rudolphs nose, then perch it on the glass.

9. Tuck a small rosemary sprig into the drink for aroma, give the spritz one gentle stir to marry flavors, and serve right away while it’s cold and fizzy.

10. Quick hacks: use citrus vodka for brighter flavor, frozen cranberries double as chillers, and if you dont have a shaker use a mason jar with a tight lid and shake away.

Equipment Needed

1. Chilled serving glass (wine, Collins or highball)
2. Cocktail shaker or mason jar with tight lid, works fine if you dont have a shaker
3. Jigger or measuring spoons (for 1 1/2 oz, 1/2 oz etc)
4. Citrus juicer or handheld reamer for the lime
5. Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to catch ice and pulp
6. Long bar spoon or regular spoon for a gentle stir
7. Ice scoop or tongs and plenty of ice cubes (frozen cranberries work too)
8. Cocktail picks or toothpicks for cranberries and cherry garnish
9. Small knife and cutting board for lime wedges and sugared rim prep

FAQ

Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Vodka (1 1/2 oz) -> If you’re outta vodka try 1 1/2 oz gin for an herbal lift that actually plays nice with rosemary, or 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila for a brighter, slightly earthy edge.
• Triple sec/Cointreau (1/2 oz) -> Swap with 1/2 oz Grand Marnier for a richer orange + cognac note, or 1/2 oz orange curaçao. No liqueur on hand? Use 1/4 oz fresh orange juice plus 1/4 oz simple syrup.
• Cranberry juice (3 oz) -> Use 3 oz pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice for similar tartness but different fruit tones; both may need a touch more simple syrup cause they’re less sweet. Or blend fresh cranberries with a little water and strain for a bright, fresher base.
• Prosecco/club soda (2 to 3 oz) -> Try 2 to 3 oz sparkling rosé for extra color and fruitiness, or ginger ale/ginger beer for a spicier, sweeter fizz; if you go sweeter, cut back the simple syrup a bit.

Pro Tips

– Chill stuff and use frozen cranberries as ice. Cool glassware and your bubbly ahead of time so you dont water the drink down fast. Toss a few frozen cranberries in the glass instead of extra ice — they look festive and keep it cold without diluting flavor.

– Be gentle with the bubbles. Add the prosecco or soda last and pour slowly over the back of a spoon or along the inside of the glass so you dont lose the fizz. If you shake too long or pour aggressively the spritz will go flat faster.

– Taste and tweak for balance. Cranberry cocktail juices vary a lot, so start a touch under sweet and add simple syrup or extra lime to taste. Swap triple sec for Cointreau or use citrus vodka if you want a brighter, cleaner citrus note.

– Amp up the aroma, not the clutter. Clap or rub the rosemary between your palms first to wake up the oils before tucking it in, and thread the cranberries and cherry on a pick so the garnish sits neat. A lightly sugared rim works best if the sugar is superfine, otherwise it just falls off.