If you’re looking to brighten up your gatherings with a refreshing, bubbly treat that feels both elegant and effortlessly fun, the Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant cocktail combines the crisp freshness of cucumber with the sweet tang of cherry juice, perfectly balanced by the bittersweet charm of Aperol and topped off with lively prosecco bubbles. The result is a delightfully light drink that dances on your palate and adds a splash of color wherever it’s served—making it the ideal companion for warm afternoons or celebratory evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe feels like putting together a little box of magic ingredients. Each element is simple but essential, contributing its own unique flair—whether it’s the bright cucumber for freshness, the bold cherry juice for sweetness, or the sparkling prosecco for that irresistible fizz.
- 2 inch piece of cucumber (chopped): Adds a crisp, cool freshness that lightens the cocktail.
- 1 oz Aperol: Brings a subtle bittersweet orange flavor and a beautiful amber hue.
- 1 oz cherry juice (no sugar added): Provides natural sweetness and a lively red color without overpowering the drink.
- Ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail to the perfect refreshing temperature.
- 1 Riondo Prosecco (chilled): The sparkling star that adds effervescence and crisp dryness.
- Optional – Fresh cherries (for garnish): A pretty and tasty finishing touch that enhances the cherry notes.
- Optional – Cucumber ribbons (for garnish): Adds elegance and a subtle aroma while catching the eye.
How to Make Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Muddle the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the chopped cucumber, Aperol, and cherry juice into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, press down firmly to release the fresh cucumber juices and blend the flavors together. This step creates a vibrant base where the natural freshness and fruity sweetness marry beautifully.
Step 2: Shake with Ice
Add a handful of ice cubes to your shaker, then cover and shake vigorously. This chills the mixture and ensures it’s perfectly blended while giving it just enough dilution to soften the assertive notes without losing character.
Step 3: Strain into a Glass Over Ice
Strain the shaken mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Straining here removes the chunks of cucumber and any pulp, giving your cocktail a smooth texture that’s easy to sip and delightful in every drop.
Step 4: Add the Prosecco
Gently top your glass with chilled Riondo Prosecco. Pour slowly to preserve the bubbles—the sparkle and effervescence are what make this spritz truly stand out. Watch as the colors swirl together and the bubbles race to the surface.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish with fresh cherries and cucumber ribbons if you like. Not only do they add a visual pop, but they also hint at the flavors you’re about to enjoy. Now sit back, take a sip, and revel in the cool sophistication of your homemade Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe.
How to Serve Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes bring that extra sparkle to your Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe. Fresh cherries threaded on a pick add a burst of color and a hint of sweet, juicy goodness to nibble on. Delicate cucumber ribbons add an elegant swirl and a touch of botanical freshness that complements the cucumber muddled inside the drink perfectly.
Side Dishes
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as prosciutto-wrapped melon, a crisp arugula salad, or an antipasto platter featuring olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. The cocktail’s balance of sweet and bittersweet flavors elevates these small plates and encourages leisurely, joyful conversation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly memorable presentation, serve the Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe in a large wine glass or a vintage coupe glass to highlight its inviting color and bubbles. Add edible flowers on top or rim the glass with a sugar and crushed dried cherry mix for a fun twist. Serve multiple spritzes on a wooden tray with fresh herbs as table décor to create an inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this spritz relies on fresh bubbles and muddled ingredients, it’s best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, storing the mixture (without prosecco) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours preserves the flavors. Add the prosecco and ice just before serving to maintain sparkle.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe because sparkling wine loses its fizz and fresh ingredients separate once thawed. You want that lively sparkle and fresh taste every time!
Reheating
This spritz is a cold cocktail meant to be served chilled, so reheating does not apply here. For the freshest experience, always prepare it right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other sparkling wines instead of Prosecco?
Absolutely! While Prosecco pairs perfectly with this recipe due to its light, fruity notes and crisp bubbles, you can also use other sparkling wines like Cava or Champagne if you prefer. Just remember that the acidity and sweetness levels might slightly change the overall flavor profile.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe?
Yes! Replace the Prosecco with a sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and swap Aperol for a non-alcoholic bitters or a splash of fresh orange juice with a hint of bitters (alcohol-free). This keeps the vibrant, refreshing character intact without the alcohol.
Can I prepare this spritz for a large group?
You can! Multiply the ingredients accordingly and mix the cucumber muddle and cherry juice base in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled, and then pour into glasses with ice and top each with Prosecco just before serving to maintain the bubbles.
What’s the best type of cucumber to use?
English or Japanese cucumbers work wonderfully because they are less seedy and have a delicate, crisp flavor. Regular cucumbers are fine too but consider peeling them if their skins are thick or bitter.
How important is it to use cherry juice without added sugar?
Using unsweetened cherry juice offers better control over the sweetness and prevents the drink from becoming too syrupy. It allows the natural flavors to shine and balances perfectly with the bitterness of Aperol and the dryness of Prosecco.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite that I love sharing with friends because it’s fresh, festive, and just so easy to make. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a little celebration, this spritz offers a perfect, uplifting burst of flavor. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to cocktail for brightening up any occasion.
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Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
This Cherry Cucumber Prosecco Spritz is a refreshing and elegant cocktail perfect for a quick, vibrant drink. The crispness of cucumber and the sweet-tart cherry juice blend beautifully with Aperol and sparkling Prosecco for a light and bubbly experience. Ideal for warm days or celebrations, it offers a sophisticated twist on the classic spritz.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 inch piece of cucumber, chopped
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz cherry juice (no sugar added)
- Ice, as needed
- 1 bottle Riondo Prosecco, chilled (approximately 5 oz for one serving)
- Optional: Fresh cherries (for garnish)
- Optional: Cucumber ribbons (for garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle Ingredients: Place the chopped cucumber, Aperol, and cherry juice into a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or spoon to gently crush and combine the ingredients, releasing the cucumber’s fresh flavors.
- Shake with Ice: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and mix the cocktail thoroughly.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice to ensure a smooth drink without pulp or cucumber chunks.
- Top with Prosecco: Slowly pour chilled Riondo Prosecco over the strained cocktail to fill the glass and create a sparkling, bubbly finish.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add fresh cherries and cucumber ribbons to garnish the spritz for an attractive presentation before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, no sugar added cherry juice for the best natural sweetness and tartness.
- For a less sweet cocktail, adjust the amount of Aperol or cherry juice as preferred.
- Chilling the Prosecco beforehand is essential to maintain the drink’s refreshing effervescence.
- Optional garnishes add visual appeal but can be omitted without altering the core taste.
- Use a sturdy glass like a large wine glass or spritz glass to fully appreciate the bubbles and garnish.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
