A Sugarplum Spritz is the signature cocktail your holiday party needs. Fun, gorgeous, sweet, and bubbly, this drink is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
If the holidays had an official cocktail, it would definitely be this Sugarplum Spritz. It’s sparkly, it’s fruity, and it’s festive enough to make you feel like you just stepped into a scene from The Nutcracker. Think subtle plum flavors, a little lemony brightness, fizzy prosecco bubbles, and that rosemary sprig giving all the cozy, wintery vibes. Oh, and let’s not forget the sugar-rimmed glass – because yes, we’re feeling extra.
Perfect for your next cocktail party, a festive gathering, or just a Friday night when you’re feeling a little fancy.
In This Post
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s so easy. Like, shockingly easy. We’re just mixing, pouring, and sipping.
- It’s a total showstopper. Sugar-rimmed glasses, a garnish situation that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie, and sparkling prosecco? Holiday magic in a glass.
- Plum wine is a game-changer. If you haven’t ventured into plum wine cocktails yet, this is your sign. Sweet, fruity, and just perfect.
Key Ingredients
- Plum wine. A little fruity, a little sweet, and totally perfect for this holiday vibe.
- Simple syrup. Just enough to sweeten things up without taking over.
- Lemon Juice. Bright, zippy, and keeps the drink from being too sweet.
- Prosecco. Fizzy bubbles to make everything feel extra celebratory.
- Vodka. For a subtle, smooth kick.
- Bitters. Just a tiny splash to make everything pop.
- Sparkling water. Light, fresh, and balances all those flavors. I used a citrus-flavored sparkling water but you can definitely use plain, or even club soda.
How to Make a Sugarplum Spritz
- Mix it up. In a pitcher, combine 1 oz simple syrup, 2 oz plum wine, 1 oz lemon juice, a dash of bitters, 8 oz prosecco, 6 oz vodka, and 4 oz club soda. Stir it all together like a pro.
- Get that sugar rim. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, dip it into sugar (hello, sparkly edges), and set aside.
- Add the garnish. Slice a plum, notch the slices, and perch one on the rim of the glass. Toss in a sprig of rosemary for that holiday feel.
- Pour and serve. Fill your glass with ice, pour in the spritz, and sip your way into holiday bliss.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it a mocktail. Swap the vodka and plum wine for white grape juice, and use sparkling water in place of prosecco.
- Switch up the wine. Don’t have plum wine? Try a fruity rosé or even a splash of cranberry juice for a twist.
- Change the bitters. Orange bitters instead of Peychaud’s? Yes, please.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Mix everything except the prosecco and soda water in a large pitcher and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, add the fizzy stuff to keep the spritz bubbly and fresh.
The sugar rim and rosemary sprig are non-negotiable in my opinion. They’re doing 90% of the holiday heavy lifting. If you want to try an alternative to the garnish though there are plenty of options.
Try a cinnamon stick for a cozy touch, sugared cranberries for extra holiday sparkle, or a twist of lemon peel for added citrusy aroma.
This is a sweet drink, but if that's not quite your thing you can cut the sweetness by reducing the simple syrup to ½ oz or skip it altogether. You can also opt for an extra dash of bitters or add a splash more lemon juice to brighten it up. I played around with the ratios a lot to get them to fit my tastebuds so feel free to experiment with the ingredients here to get it just right for you.
Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a plate of sugar. For an extra festive touch, try mixing in a pinch of brown sugar or edible glitter.
Definitely! A vanilla or citrus-flavored vodka would complement the plum and lemon flavors beautifully, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
Peychaud’s bitters are great for their slight anise and cherry notes, but orange bitters also work well if you want a citrus-forward profile.
Simply increase the amount of soda water or prosecco. You can even serve the drink over less ice to keep the bubbles from getting too diluted.
Holiday-ready, totally gorgeous, and beyond delicious. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday party or just hanging out in your PJs watching holiday rom-coms, this Sugarplum Spritz is about to become your go-to. Fancy without being fussy – we love to see it.
If you try this Sugarplum Spritz cocktail, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram!
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
- Thanksgiving Sangria
- Apple Cider Margarita
- Classic Negroni Cocktail
- Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sours
- Cranberry, Orange And Rosemary Shrub Mocktail
Recipe
Spiced Sugarplum Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients
For the Drink
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz plum wine
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash bitters
- 8 oz dry prosecco
- 6 oz vodka
- 4 oz soda water or sparkling water
- ice
For the Garnish
- 2 tablespoon sugar for the rim
- 2 slices plum
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the drink. In a large pitcher, combine the simple syrup, plum wine, lemon juice, bitters, prosecco, vodka, and soda water. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients.
- Garnish the glasses. To sugar the rim, run a lemon wedge around the edge of each glass, then dip the rim into sugar. Slice a plum and cut a small notch into each slice. Place a slice on the rim of each glass. Add a sprig of rosemary to each glass for a festive touch.
- Serve. Fill each prepared glass with ice, then pour in the spritz. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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