Pomegranate Christmas Spritz with Prosecco and Soda

Pomegranate Christmas Spritz

Pomegranate juice gives this spritz its deep ruby color, while dry Prosecco supplies the bubbles and a measured splash of club soda lightens the drink. Fresh rosemary and whole cranberries finish each glass; no Aperol is needed to bring out the pomegranate flavor.

Build the drinks in individual chilled stemmed glasses rather than a pitcher. The juice can be measured ahead, but adding the Prosecco and soda just before serving keeps the spritz lively without relying on ice that could dilute it.

Ingredients for Pomegranate Christmas Spritz

• 12 fl oz (1 1/2 cups) unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled
• 16 fl oz (2 cups) dry Prosecco, chilled
• 4 fl oz (1/2 cup) club soda, chilled
• 12 to 16 fresh or frozen cranberries
• 4 small fresh rosemary sprigs
• Optional: simple syrup, up to 1 teaspoon per glass if needed

Makes 4 drinks. Each glass uses 3 ounces of juice, 4 ounces of Prosecco, and 1 ounce of club soda. This ratio keeps the drink pomegranate-forward, but the sweetness will depend on the juice and wine you use.

How to Make Pomegranate Christmas Spritz

1. Chill: Refrigerate the juice, Prosecco, and club soda until cold. Chill four clear stemmed goblets or wine glasses if time allows.
2. Add the juice: Pour 3 ounces of pomegranate juice into each glass.
3. Add the Prosecco: Gently pour 4 ounces down the side of each glass. Taste the juice-and-wine mixture. If it is too tart, add a little simple syrup, up to 1 teaspoon per glass.
4. Finish and serve: Gently pour 1 ounce of club soda into each glass. Add 3 to 4 cranberries and rest a rosemary sprig across each rim. If needed, stir once very lightly. Serve immediately while fine bubbles are still rising through the drink.

How to Keep the Spritz Bubbly

Keep the Prosecco and club soda chilled until you are ready to pour, and avoid repeated stirring. For a group, measure the pomegranate juice into a pitcher and refrigerate it separately. Pour it into individual glasses, then add the sparkling ingredients and garnishes as guests are served. A fully mixed pitcher will lose its bubbles as it sits.

Chilled ingredients and glasses also reduce the need for ice. If you prefer ice, add it to each glass just before drinking; melting ice will dilute the color and pomegranate flavor.

Pomegranate Spritz Variations

Zero-Proof Pomegranate Spritz

Replace the Prosecco with chilled sparkling water. Keep the rosemary and cranberries, and taste before adding any optional syrup; the balance will differ from the wine-based drink.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Spritz

Replace the straight pomegranate juice with cranberry-pomegranate juice for a more cranberry-forward drink. The blend may also change its sweetness and ruby color.

Serving and Storage

Serve the spritz in clear stemmed glasses alongside salty snacks such as olives, cheese, or crostini. It is best served immediately, not stored as a finished drink. Refrigerate unused pomegranate juice according to its package directions. Freezing the mixed spritz is not recommended because it will lose its sparkling texture.

Nutrition

Approximate per drink, including cranberries: 140 calories, 1g protein, 0g fat, and 15g carbohydrates. Approximate per 100g: 55 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, and 6g carbohydrates. Values vary with the juice and Prosecco used and do not include optional syrup.