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Cherry Christmas Spritz – Easy Festive Amaretto & Prosecco Cocktail

There is just something about a beautiful, ruby-red cocktail during the holidays that makes everything feel a little more festive! And if you love a delicious Christmas cocktail that is fruity, bubbly, and incredibly easy to make, this Cherry Christmas Spritz is going to be one of your new favorites!

Made with sweet, almond-flavored amaretto, tart cherry juice, crisp Prosecco, and a splash of sparkling water, this Christmas spritz is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and refreshing.

I absolutely love how the deep red color of the cherry juice gives this cocktail such a gorgeous Christmas look without needing any artificial coloring or complicated ingredients.

And of course, we have to make it pretty! I love serving this holiday spritz in a large wine glass with fresh rosemary and a few cherries for a festive finishing touch. You could even tie a little red velvet bow around the stem of the glass to make it extra special!

Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve, planning a holiday girls’ night, or just looking for something delicious to sip while decorating the Christmas tree, this easy Cherry Christmas Spritz is one you’ll want to make all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Christmas Spritz

One of my favorite things about holiday entertaining is creating cocktails that look beautiful but don’t require a ton of work. Because let’s be serious, there’s already enough to do during the holidays!

This cherry amaretto spritz checks all the boxes.

• Only four main ingredients: Amaretto, tart cherry juice, Prosecco, and sparkling water.
• Beautiful Christmas color: The gorgeous deep red cherry juice makes this drink naturally festive.
• Sweet and tart flavor: The almond notes from the amaretto complement the tart cherry juice beautifully.
• Perfect for holiday entertaining: It’s elegant enough for Christmas parties but simple enough to make in minutes.
• No cocktail shaker required: Everything comes together right in your glass!

And if you’re anything like me and love a good holiday spritz, you’ll also want to try my Jingle Bell Spritz. It’s another beautiful Christmas cocktail made with blackberry, pomegranate, Aperol, and Prosecco.

What Does a Cherry Christmas Spritz Taste Like?

If you’ve never combined amaretto and tart cherry juice before, you’re in for a treat!

Amaretto has a rich, sweet almond flavor that pairs incredibly well with cherries. It almost reminds me of a cherry almond dessert, but in a much lighter, bubbly cocktail.

The tart cherry juice balances out the sweetness of the amaretto, while the Prosecco adds a crisp, refreshing finish.

A splash of sparkling water makes everything a little lighter and gives this Christmas cocktail those beautiful bubbles that I love in a spritz.

It’s sweet, fruity, slightly nutty, and refreshing all at the same time!

Because this recipe uses 3 ounces of amaretto, it has a fairly pronounced almond sweetness and is a generously sized cocktail. I recommend using a dry Brut Prosecco to balance those flavors.

The Best Ingredients for a Cherry Amaretto Christmas Spritz

Amaretto

Amaretto is what makes this cocktail a little different from your typical holiday spritz. Its sweet, almond-like flavor pairs perfectly with cherries and adds such a delicious richness.

Tart Cherry Juice

I recommend using 100% tart cherry juice rather than a sweetened cherry juice cocktail. The tartness balances the amaretto and creates that gorgeous, deep ruby-red color.

Prosecco

Prosecco adds the refreshing bubbles that make this a true spritz. I prefer a dry or Brut Prosecco because the amaretto already provides plenty of sweetness.

Sparkling Water

Just one ounce of sparkling water adds a little extra fizz and lightens the overall flavor. Plain sparkling water or club soda will both work beautifully.

How to Make Your Cherry Christmas Spritz Extra Festive

You know I love a pretty cocktail, especially around Christmas!

Sometimes it’s those little finishing touches that take a simple drink and turn it into something that looks like it belongs at a beautiful holiday party.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress up this Christmas cherry cocktail:

• Add a few fresh cherries or cocktail cherries for a gorgeous garnish.
• Tuck a fresh rosemary sprig into the glass for a festive pop of green.
• Tie a small red or burgundy velvet bow around the stem of your wine glass.
• Serve in a large, elegant wine glass with plenty of ice.
• Use decorative holiday ice cubes to make the presentation even prettier.

If you love creating beautiful drink presentations, check out my Christmas Bow Ice Cubes and other festive Christmas cocktail ideas. Those little details really make holiday entertaining feel special!

More Christmas Cocktails You’ll Love

If you’re putting together a Christmas cocktail menu, I have so many delicious holiday drink recipes that would pair perfectly with this Cherry Christmas Spritz!

My Mistletoe Spritz is another fruity, bubbly favorite made with limoncello, pomegranate juice, and Prosecco. It’s refreshing, beautiful, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

For another gorgeous Christmas spritz, try my Blackberry Bells & Bows Spritz. It has such a pretty holiday presentation and would look amazing served alongside this cherry version.

And if you’re hosting a larger Christmas party and want something you can prepare for a crowd, my Santa’s Cherry Lime Christmas Punch is another delicious cherry-inspired holiday drink.

If you prefer something creamy for dessert, my White Chocolate RumChata Christmas Cocktail is always a fun option!

Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Spritz

Keep everything cold. I always recommend chilling your Prosecco, tart cherry juice, and sparkling water ahead of time. This helps keep your cocktail crisp and refreshing.

Use a large wine glass. This recipe makes a generously sized spritz, so you’ll want plenty of room for the ingredients, ice, and garnishes.

Don’t overmix. Once you’ve added your Prosecco and sparkling water, give everything one gentle stir. You don’t want to lose those beautiful bubbles!

Add the Prosecco last. I love adding the bubbly ingredients toward the end so the cocktail stays sparkling and fresh.

Garnish right before serving. Fresh rosemary and cherries give this holiday cocktail the prettiest finishing touch.

Can You Make a Cherry Christmas Spritz Ahead of Time?

Yes, with a little preparation!

If you’re hosting Christmas Eve or a holiday cocktail party, you can mix the amaretto and tart cherry juice together ahead of time and store the mixture in the refrigerator.

When your guests arrive, simply pour the chilled mixture into glasses with ice, add the Prosecco and sparkling water, and finish with your favorite festive garnishes.

I wouldn’t recommend adding the Prosecco or sparkling water too far in advance because you’ll lose those delicious bubbles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cherry juice instead of tart cherry juice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that regular sweetened cherry juice will make this cocktail sweeter. I personally prefer tart cherry juice because it balances the amaretto.

What is the best Prosecco for this cocktail?

A dry or Brut Prosecco works beautifully. It keeps the drink refreshing without adding too much extra sweetness.

Can I substitute sparkling water with club soda?

Yes! Club soda works just as well and gives you the same light, bubbly finish.

Can I make this Christmas spritz less sweet?

Definitely! You can reduce the amaretto to 1½–2 ounces and keep the remaining ingredients the same for a lighter almond flavor and less sweetness.

Can I make this recipe for a Christmas party?

Of course! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re serving. Mix the amaretto and cherry juice ahead of time, then add the Prosecco and sparkling water right before serving.

A Festive Cherry Cocktail You’ll Make Every Christmas

This Cherry Christmas Spritz is exactly the kind of cocktail I love serving during the holidays. It’s beautiful, delicious, simple to make, and has such a fun combination of flavors!

Between the sweet almond notes of the amaretto, the tart cherry juice, and the crisp Prosecco bubbles, every sip feels festive.

And that gorgeous red color with a little rosemary garnish? It couldn’t be more perfect for Christmas!

Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting friends, or just enjoying a quiet Christmas evening at home, this easy holiday cocktail is sure to add a little sparkle to the season.

Cheers to a beautiful holiday season!