Keep the Cozy Vibes Going with Our Cranberry Aperol Spritz

The holiday lights are down, the decorations are packed away, and the winter chill has truly set in. But just because the “official” festivities are over doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the simple joys of a good drink and a warm meal.

We believe winter is the perfect time to slow down and savor the season. This month, we’re trading the summer patio vibes for cozy fireside sipping with a seasonal twist on a warm-weather favorite. The Cranberry Aperol Spritz.

While the Aperol Spritz usually rules the summer, this version brings deep, wintery flavors to the glass. The tartness of cranberry juice balances the bittersweet citrus of the Aperol, while the cinnamon stick garnish adds a warm, spicy aroma that smells exactly like comfort. It is the perfect bright spot for a dark January evening—and it pairs beautifully with our smoked brisket or a rack of ribs.

Whether you are hosting a small dinner party to kick off the New Year or just treating yourself after a long week, this cocktail is effortless, elegant, and delicious.

The “Dry January” Version: The Cranberry Citrus Fizz 

Participating in Dry January? You don’t have to miss out on the ritual. This mocktail mimics the bitter-sweet profile of the spritz without the alcohol, keeping it festive and fizzy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Cranberry Juice (Unsweetened allows for a more “grown-up” tart flavor)
• 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (mimics the citrus notes of Aperol)
• Top with: Club Soda or Sparkling White Grape Juice
• Optional: A dash of orange bitters (if not strictly avoiding trace alcohol) or a splash of tonic water for that characteristic bitterness.

Instructions:

1. Fill your wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
3. Top with club soda or sparkling juice.
4. Important: Don’t skip the garnish! The Cinnamon Stick and Orange Slice are essential for the aromatics that make this drink feel special.

Cheers to a Year of Celebration

While you are sipping this spritz and enjoying a quiet January evening, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming up your plans for the year ahead.

2026 is going to be full of reasons to gather, from spring graduations and corporate kick-offs to summer weddings and backyard family reunions. The best parties start with great food, and nothing brings people together quite like the smell of wood-fired BBQ.

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering that calls for a signature cocktail like this one, or a massive celebration for hundreds, our catering team is ready to help you build the perfect menu. Lock in your dates early and let us handle the fire, so you can focus on the fun.

Start planning your 2026 events today.

Need more ideas? Check out more of our drink recipes: