Christmas Spritzer Recipe

Posted on November 25, 2025

Published By:

✓

I’ve refined our editorial process over time and now focus exclusively on recipes developed through real cooking, testing, and hands-on experience. You can check our Editorial process .

The Christmas Spritzer is a surprising little drink that defies the usual holiday cocktails.

This is the drink I make when I want something festive but still refreshing. Christmas spritzers feel light and bright, especially during a season that’s usually full of heavier food and richer drinks.

I love the way it can be both a festive opener and a palate cleanser between bites.

Plus, it’s so easy to adapt, depending on what fruits and herbs you have lying around.

Behind the Recipe

This spritzer is built on balance. Lemon and lime provide brightness, cranberry juice adds gentle tartness, and honey or simple syrup softens everything just enough. Sparkling water keeps the drink light rather than sugary.

The rosemary isn’t meant to dominate, it’s there for aroma and visual appeal, adding a subtle festive note.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Spritzer?

Its vibrant, fresh flavors remind me of holiday mornings and lively gatherings.

It’s flexible enough to suit every mood bright and zesty or subtly herbal.

Plus, I love how it makes even the simplest party feel a little more special without much fuss.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Spritzers originated as a way to lighten strong drinks with sparkling water. Over time, non-alcoholic versions became popular as refreshing, crowd-friendly options for celebrations.

Holiday spritzers often rely on citrus, cranberry, and herbs because they’re seasonal, visually appealing, and easy to prepare in larger batches.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Chill all ingredients before assembling.
Taste before adding all the sweetener.
Add sparkling water just before serving.
Lightly bruise rosemary for more aroma.

Use fresh citrus for best flavor.

Tools & Equipment for a Sparkling Good Time

Large pitcher
Juicer or citrus reamer
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Glass stirrer or spoon

Ingredients in This Recipe

1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
1 Cup Cranberry Juice (100% Juice)
¼ Cup Honey or Simple Syrup
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
3 Cups Sparkling Water or Club Soda

Assorted Fruits for Garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

Honey: Use simple syrup or agave.
Cranberry juice: Cranberry-pomegranate juice.
Sparkling water: Club soda.
Rosemary: Thyme sprigs for a different herbal note.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberry Juice:
Adds tartness and color without overpowering the citrus base.

Fresh Rosemary:
Brings a subtle holiday aroma that makes the drink feel seasonal.

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and tools before starting. This keeps the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: In a large pitcher, combine citrus juices, a splash of cranberry, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Step 3: Gently stir in sparkling water or club soda just before serving to keep the fizz lively.

Step 4: Pour over ice in glasses, garnish with fresh fruit slices and a sprig of rosemary for that festive touch.

Christmas Spritzer

The Christmas Spritzer is a refreshing, effervescent beverage blending fresh citrus juices, cranberry flavor, and aromatic herbs, topped with sparkling water for a lively finish. Its vibrant colors and lively bubbles make it a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings. The drink combines bright, zesty, and herbal notes with a smooth sweetness, creating a visually appealing and palate-pleasing refreshment.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Holiday

Servings 4

Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

Large pitcher
Juicer or citrus reamer
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Glass stirrer or spoon

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
1 cup fresh lime juice about 4 limes
1 cup cranberry juice preferably 100% juice
1/4 cup honey or simple syrup adjust to taste

1 bunch fresh rosemary a few sprigs
3 cups sparkling water or club soda chilled just before serving
assorted for garnish fruits like citrus slices, berries, pomegranate seeds for visual appeal

Instructions

Gather all fresh citrus, herbs, and tools, ensuring everything is ready for quick assembly.

Using a juicer or citrus reamer, extract the juice from lemons and limes into a measuring cup, until you have about one cup of each.
Pour the citrus juices and cranberry juice into a large pitcher.
Add the honey or simple syrup to the pitcher and stir gently until the sweetener dissolves completely, creating a fragrant, citrusy aroma.

Gently bruise or lightly chop the sprigs of rosemary, then add them to the pitcher for aromatic herbal notes.
Once everything is combined and fragrant, set the mixture aside to rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Just before serving, pour the chilled sparkling water into the pitcher and gently stir to combine, preserving the bubbles.

Fill glasses with ice, then pour the spritzer over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
Garnish each glass with slices of citrus, berries, pomegranate seeds, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive look.
Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant colors, lively bubbles, and refreshing herbal aroma.

Notes

For extra holiday flair, try adding a splash of pomegranate molasses or a few drops of aromatic bitters. Adjust sweetness and citrus content to taste, and serve chilled for maximum refreshment.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories	85
Carbs	20g
Sugar	16g
Fat	0g
Sodium	10mg

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Fresh citrus keeps flavors sharp and clean.

Honey rounds out acidity without heaviness.
Sparkling water adds lift and freshness.
Herbs add aroma rather than flavor weight.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Strain citrus juice if you prefer no pulp.
Add sparkling water slowly to preserve bubbles.

Adjust sweetness gradually.
Serve immediately after sparkling water is added.

What to Avoid

Don’t add sparkling water too early.

Avoid bottled lemon or lime juice.
Don’t over sweeten, tartness is key.
Avoid warm ingredients.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Juice base can be made 24 hours ahead.
Store covered in the refrigerator.
Add sparkling water just before serving.

Garnishes should be added fresh.

What to Serve With It

Creative Leftover Transformations

Freeze into ice cubes
Use as a mocktail base
Mix with iced tea
Add to fruit punches
Serve as a brunch drink

Additional Tips

Taste before serving and adjust.
Garnish generously for presentation.
Chill glasses for extra refreshment.
Works well for large batches.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve the spritzer in a clear pitcher filled with citrus slices, berries, and rosemary sprigs. The colors alone make it feel festive without any extra effort.

Variations to Try

Orange-Citrus Spritzer
Extra Tart Version (Less Sweetener)
Berry-Heavy Holiday Spritzer
Herb-Forward Rosemary Version
Ginger Sparkle Twist

FAQs

Is this drink alcoholic?
No, it’s non-alcoholic.
Can I make it sweeter?
Yes, add more honey or syrup.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, minus the sparkling water.

What juice works best?
Fresh citrus only.
Can kids drink this?
Absolutely.
Does rosemary overpower the drink?
No, it’s subtle.
Can I serve it warm?
Best served cold.

How long does it stay fizzy?
About 30–45 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Easily.
What’s the best garnish?
Citrus slices and rosemary.