Sassy Wine Spritzer for the Holidays

There’s something about the holidays that calls for a little sparkle, both in the decorations and in our drinks. I remember one particularly hectic Christmas Eve, scrambling to finish the last-minute wrapping while my family was already gathered, caroling a bit off-key. I needed a drink, and fast! I threw together a quick mix of wine, a fizzy mixer I had on hand, and a few stray maraschino cherries. It was unexpectedly delicious and became an instant hit – a perfect, easy way to bring festive cheer to any occasion.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• ½ cup ice cubes
• 6-8 ounces white wine (your favorite) or 6-8 ounces blush wine (your favorite)
• Maraschino cherries, and juice
• 6-8 ounces carbonated lemon-lime beverage

Equipment Needed

• Blender (if you don’t have crushed ice)
• Pitcher
• Wine glasses or other festive glassware

Instructions

1. If you don’t have crushed ice, start by chopping up the ice in a blender.
2. Pour the ice into a pitcher.
3. Add the wine, carbonated lemon-lime beverage, and 3-4 maraschino cherries, along with 2 teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice, to the pitcher.
4. Gently stir the mixture to combine. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, or you’ll lose the fizz.
5. Pour the spritzer into your favorite wine or beverage glasses. Martini or margarita glasses look particularly festive.
6. Garnish with a wedge of lime or lemon and a maraschino cherry.
7. CHEERS!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Wine Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of wine. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully, as does a light and fruity blush wine. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with white grape juice or sparkling cider.
• Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness of this spritzer can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet drink, use a diet lemon-lime soda or add a splash of club soda. For a sweeter spritzer, use a regular lemon-lime soda or add a little more cherry juice.
• Infusion Fun: Infuse your ice cubes with herbs or fruit for an extra layer of flavor. Try freezing ice cubes with mint leaves, berries, or citrus slices.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the spritzer base (wine, cherry juice, and cherries) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the ice and lemon-lime soda right before serving to keep it fizzy.
• Chill Out: Make sure all of your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing the spritzer. This will help keep the drink cold and refreshing.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Sassy Wine Spritzer immediately after mixing for the best fizz and flavor. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or even a relaxing evening at home.

If you happen to have any leftover spritzer (which is unlikely!), it’s best to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, keep in mind that the carbonation will gradually dissipate. It’s best consumed within a day or two. Re-stir gently before serving, but don’t expect the same level of fizz.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	67.9 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	0 kcal	–
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	7.9 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	6.1 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	4.6 g	–
Protein	0.1 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Sparkling Wine Spritzer: Substitute the white or blush wine with sparkling wine (like Prosecco or Cava) for an extra festive touch. This adds more bubbles and a slightly more sophisticated flavor.
• Cranberry Celebration: For a holiday-themed twist, add a splash of cranberry juice and a few fresh cranberries as a garnish. This creates a beautiful red and white color combination perfect for Christmas.
• Citrus Burst: Experiment with different citrus fruits. Try using orange slices instead of lemon or lime, or add a splash of grapefruit juice for a tangy twist.
• Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more complex flavor profile. Simply muddle the herbs gently before adding them to the pitcher.
• Spiced Spritzer: For a warm and cozy spritzer, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also use spiced rum instead of wine for a more potent flavor.
• Mocktail Option: As mentioned above, for a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with white grape juice or sparkling cider.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this spritzer ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the base (wine, cherry juice, and cherries) ahead of time, but add the ice and lemon-lime soda right before serving to maintain fizz.

Q: What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?
A: You can substitute them with other festive cherries or berries like raspberries or strawberries. Adjust the juice accordingly for sweetness.

Q: Can I use flavored wine in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with fruit-infused wines like peach or berry for an even more interesting flavor profile.

Q: How can I make this spritzer less sweet?
A: Use a diet lemon-lime soda or add a splash of club soda to balance the sweetness. You can also reduce the amount of cherry juice.

Q: Is it better to use crushed ice or regular ice cubes?
A: Crushed ice is preferred as it chills the drink faster and distributes the flavor more evenly, but regular ice cubes will work just fine.

Final Thoughts

This Sassy Wine Spritzer is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of celebration, ease, and the joy of sharing good times with loved ones. It’s the perfect recipe to have up your sleeve when you need a quick and delicious beverage for any holiday gathering. So go ahead, mix up a batch, raise a glass, and enjoy the festive spirit! Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors and make it your own. And, of course, let me know what you think – I’d love to hear about your favorite variations! Cheers to a happy and flavorful holiday season!