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Nothing says "welcome" like greeting your guests as they arrive with a fun, fizzy cocktail. This cooler is both refreshing and elegant with its beautiful deep red color and the fresh flavors of lemon and cranberry.
They can be made with or without sparkling wine, so it can also double as a great afternoon pick-me-up for the kiddos.
Recipe adapted from Explore Martha Stewart
I started researching spritzer recipes recently for my son, Jonah.
Sometimes, on Friday nights we like to skip a big dinner and just do cocktails (for mom and dad) and an appetizer or two for everyone to share. It's a great way to end a busy week. We can just sit and relax with a fun cocktail, listen to music and enjoy some no- stress finger food.
The last time we did this, Jonah protested. He asked, "Why do you and dad always get a fun cocktail, but I never do?" He felt left out. Man, I hate a guilt trip. So, this put me on a mission – to find a fun, fizzy cocktail that could be made with or without alcohol and that wasn't sickly sweet. A spritzer was the perfect solution. After tweaking it slightly, we came up with a perfect "mocktail" that was a definite winner. It was noted as a "keeper" from Jonah as well as for mom and dad. Way to go, mom!
You'll want to start by making the simple syrup. I do this in the microwave by bringing equal parts of sugar and water to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Place the sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl and give it a stir. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir and reheat if needed until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool on the counter for an hour. Refrigerate until ready to use. This is enough to make one pitcher (4 servings). If you are serving a larger group, you can adjust the amount accordingly.
Next, you will want to make the green tea. I used 2 green tea bags and 12 ounces of boiling water. Allow the tea bags to steep in the boiling water for 3 minutes. Discard the tea bags. Allow to cool slightly before placing the tea in the fridge for several hours before serving.
When ready to assemble, pour 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice into the pitcher with the chilled tea. Next, add the simple syrup and mix well. Cut 1 lemon into slices, and add them to the pitcher. Distribute the spitzer among 4 serving glasses filled with ice. Top with prosecco (for adults) or club soda (for the wee ones). Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.
Cheers to all my fully grown and tiny friends.
This recipe makes 4 cocktails.
Let's get cooking!
Ingredients
Simple syrup:
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
Spritzers:
2 green tea bags
12 ounces of boiling water
1 cup chilled unsweetened cranberry juice
Ice
Chilled seltzer (kids)
Chilled prosecco (adults)
1 lemon, cut into slices, plus more for garnishing
Fresh mint (optional)
How to make
Be sure to visit Explore Martha Stewart for the complete recipe and instructions.
Simple syrup:
Place the sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl and give it a stir.
Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir and reheat if needed until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Allow to cool on the counter for an hour.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Spritzers:
Bring 12 ounces of water to a boil.
Place 2 tea bags into the boiling water and steep for 3 mins.
Discard the tea bags.
Allow to cool slightly before placing the tea in the fridge for several hours before serving.
When ready to assemble:
Pour 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice into the pitcher with the chilled tea.
Add the simple syrup and mix well.
Cut 1 lemon into slices, and add them to the pitcher.
Distribute the spitzer among 4 serving glasses filled with ice.
Top with prosecco or club soda
Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, if desired
Enjoy!
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Green Tea Cranberry Spritzers are shown pictured with my Sweet Chicken Bacon Bites and Dairy-Free Herb Ranch Dressing.