I can’t wait to share my Rudolph Spritzer, a festive cocktail with a surprising secret ingredient that always gets guests asking for the recipe.

Jump to Recipe

I stumbled on a holiday drink that makes me grin every time. It goes by Tipsy Spritzer and people always want to know more, even when I give nothing away.

I mention vodka and the bright pop of fresh cranberries because those little details spark curiosity, and guessing is half the fun. There is a cheeky sparkle to it, more like red lights and carols turned up loud.

I promise you it becomes the one everyone remembers, the recipe whispered for weeks after the party, and thats a good kind of trouble.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Vodka: clean neutral spirit; adds warmth and calories, no fiber.
Orange liqueur: sweet, citrusy, gives orange flavor and sugar, contributes carbs and calories.
Cranberry juice: tart, antioxidant rich; pick 100% for less sugar, adds vitamin C.
Lime juice: bright sour kick, adds vitamin C, balances sweetness and lifts flavors.
Simple syrup: just sugar dissolved in water, makes drink sweet, adds carbs and calories.
Prosecco: sparkling wine that brings bubbles and brightness, usually lighter in sugar.
Fresh cranberries: tart, low calorie, some fiber and vitamin C, pretty garnish and pop.
Rosemary: herbaceous aroma, adds festive scent; minimal nutrients, aromatic.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz vodka, chilled

1 oz orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)

2 oz cranberry juice (100% or cranberry cocktail)

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust if you like it sweeter)

3 oz prosecco or other sparkling wine, to top

a handful fresh cranberries for garnish

1 small sprig fresh rosemary for garnish

1 thin orange slice or twist of orange zest

superfine sugar for rimming (optional)

ice cubes

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Put the vodka in the freezer for at least 10 minutes so its really cold, and if you want chill your serving glass in the fridge while you prep.

2. If you like a sugared rim, rub the orange slice around the glass rim then press the rim into some superfine sugar, set glass aside.

3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 2 oz chilled vodka, 1 oz orange liqueur, 2 oz cranberry juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice and 1/2 oz simple syrup.

4. Give it a hard shake for about 10 seconds until the shaker is frosty, this chills and dilutes it just right.

5. Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice cubes, if you rimmed the glass be careful to not knock off the sugar.

6. Top gently with about 3 oz prosecco or other sparkling wine, pour slowly so it stays fizzy and you dont lose the bubbles.

7. Clap the rosemary between your hands once to wake up the oils then tuck the small sprig into the drink, add a handful of fresh cranberries and a thin orange slice or a twist of orange zest.

8. Give the spritzer one soft stir with a bar spoon, taste and if you want it sweeter add a touch more simple syrup, serve right away while its bubbly.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker (Boston or cobbler style)
2. Jigger or measuring spoons for 2 oz, 1 oz and 1/2 oz
3. Strainer plus a fine mesh strainer if you want it extra smooth
4. Bar spoon for gentle stirring
5. Tall serving glass like a highball or Collins
6. Sharp paring knife and small cutting board
7. Citrus reamer or handheld juicer for fresh lime
8. Ice tongs or scoop and a small plate or bowl for superfine sugar (for rimming)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can mix the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry, lime and simple syrup up to 48 hours ahead and keep it in an airtight bottle in the fridge. Do not add the prosecco or garnishes until serving, the bubbles wont last.

Q: What if I dont have prosecco? A: Use a good quality chilled sparkling wine, or for a lighter booze option use chilled club soda or sparkling water and add a splash of extra orange juice for sweetness.

Q: How do I rim the glass without making a mess? A: Rub an orange slice around the rim to moisten it then dip into superfine sugar on a small plate. Tap off excess sugar and chill for a minute so it sets.

Q: Can I make a non alcoholic version? A: Yes, replace the vodka and orange liqueur with 3 oz extra cranberry juice plus 1 oz orange juice, and keep the lime and simple syrup to taste. Top with sparkling water or non alcoholic sparkling wine.

Q: Any good garnish swaps? A: If you dont have rosemary try a mint sprig or a cinnamon stick for a warmer note. A few pomegranate seeds also look festive.

Q: How strong is this cocktail? A: It’s a light to medium strength spritzer because of the prosecco and mixers. If you want it weaker just use less vodka or add more sparkling water.

Tipsy Rudolph Spritzer Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vodka: swap for gin, white rum or tequila blanco. Gin makes it more herbal, rum adds a touch of sweetness, tequila gives a grassy kick and changes the vibe a bit.
Orange liqueur: use Grand Marnier, orange curaçao or 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice plus a splash of simple syrup if you dont have liqueur.
Cranberry juice: try pomegranate juice, tart cherry juice or mix unsweetened cranberry with a little sparkling water to lighten it, then sweeten if needed.
Prosecco: substitute Champagne or Cava, or for a non alcoholic version top with club soda or ginger ale and add a tiny splash of elderflower syrup.

Pro Tips

1) Chill everything you can, not just the vodka. A cold glass and very cold prosecco keep the drink fizzy longer, so do your shaking with cold ingredients and pour straight away, dont let it sit around.

2) For a cleaner sugared rim, rub the orange slice around the edge then press the rim into superfine sugar, but only rim half the glass if you want to sip without getting sugar every sip, and use tweezers or a spoon to place garnishes so you dont knock the sugar off.

3) Shake hard and fast to get the right chill and dilution, then strain over fresh ice. When you add the sparkling wine, pour slowly down a bar spoon or the inside of the glass so you keep the bubbles instead of flattening them.

4) Small touches make a big difference: clap the rosemary once to wake the oils, freeze a few cranberries for a cold pretty garnish, and give the orange peel a quick squeeze over the drink to spray citrus oils on top, it brightens the whole thing.