This chardonnay & cranberry-apple juice spritzer is our new holiday go-to cocktail

Need a drink that lets you be the holiday hostess with the mostest without being chained to the wet bar serving up cocktails? Our noel spritzer, inspired by James & Everett, is a fuss-free, festive and fun drink that effortlessly serves a crowd.

What exactly is a spritzer? Say the word “spritzer” and you can’t help but imagine a refreshing drink that livens up your senses. That perfectly describes this  recipe. The basic makings of a spritzer are wine, an effervescent sip such as club soda or sparkling water and ice. We’ve enhanced the basics with seasonal flair by adding cranberry-apple juice, cranberries and sliced apples to the mix. The result is a vivacious wine-based drink with a festive presentation. You may find that your guests love the revitalizing properties of this holiday drink and ask for more (prepare yourself and make double or triple batches of this recipe before the party starts).

A word about wine: Start with a chardonnay wine that you enjoy sipping all by itself. Cheap or mediocre wine has no place in your holiday guest-pleasing spritzer. Show your family and friends that you love them by buying a mid-range amazing Chardonnay. Inarguably, the addition of cranberry apple juice will change the nuances of the wine you choose, but a wine with well-balanced flavors will enhance the taste-quality of your spritzer.

We suggest making a few pitchers of our noel spritzer in advance, experimenting with different wines before you entertain a crowd. The hostess with the mostest makes sure her guests will be delighted with her holiday drinks.

MORE: This Dole Whip recipe includes Cabernet wine & it’s a sangria-lover’s dream

Let’s sip and celebrate!

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Combine ingredients

In a large pitcher, combine a half-bottle of chilled chardonnay, cranberry apple juice and sparkling water. This alone is your spritzer. But why stop here when you can make it extra impressive with seasonal elements? Add some fresh or frozen cranberries and apple slices. This simple addition transforms your spritzer into an exciting holiday drink.

Fill glasses

Fill four to six serving glasses with ice and pour the spritzer into the glasses.

Garnish

Place a thin apple slice, three cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint in each glass.

Serve and enjoy

Set your glasses on a serving tray or on the bar and let your guests grab at their leisure.

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