As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with laughter, twinkling lights, and, of course, the intoxicating scents of festive treats. One sip of the Sugarplum Spritz, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in the spirit of celebration! I first stumbled upon this enchanting cocktail during a cozy gathering with friends, intrigued by its vibrant colors and effervescent charm. With a harmonious blend of sweet plum wine, zesty lemon, and delightful cherry syrup, it dances on your palate like a gentle winter breeze.
What I love most about the Sugarplum Spritz is that it’s a low ABV cocktail—perfect for sipping throughout the evening without feeling weighed down. The fizzy prosecco adds just the right sparkle, creating a drink that feels special, festive, and utterly refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or winding down after a busy day, this cocktail promises to elevate your celebrations. Join me in crafting this cheerful masterpiece that embodies all the warmth and joy of the season!
Why is the Sugarplum Spritz Perfect for You?
Uniquely Festive: The Sugarplum Spritz blends sweet and tart flavors, evoking holiday cheer in every sip.
Light and Bubbly: With a low ABV, you can indulge without compromise, making it great for long celebrations.
Easy to Make: You’ll find that shaking up this cocktail requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on fun times with friends.
Crowd Favorite: Its vibrant colors and energetic fizz create an inviting atmosphere, ensuring it’s a hit at any gathering.
Versatile Twist: Feel free to explore variations using different sparkling wines or fruit wines, customizing the drink to fit your style!
Sugarplum Spritz Ingredients
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For the Base
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; consider using a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
• Simple Syrup – Enhances sweetness and balances the liquid; can be replaced with agave syrup if desired.
• Plum Wine – Core ingredient providing floral sweetness; substitute with cherry or raspberry wine for a different twist.
• Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Syrup – Adds depth and fruitiness; if unavailable, use grenadine for a similar effect.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Introduces acidity and brightness; fresh is best as bottled lemon juice may alter taste.
• Peychaud’s Bitters – Balances sweetness with complexity; Angostura bitters can be used for a different flavor profile. -
For Assembly
• Ice – Essential for chilling the drink; use ice cubes or crushed ice as preferred.
• Dry Prosecco – Provides the necessary fizz; any dry sparkling wine or champagne makes a good alternative. -
For Garnish
• Plum Slices – Enhances presentation and flavor; substitute with lemon or seasonal fruits for variety.
How to Make Sugarplum Spritz
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Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, mix granulated sugar and simple syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This step ensures the sweetness is well-balanced and evenly distributed.
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Add Flavors: Next, add the plum wine, Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of Peychaud’s bitters to the shaker. The combination of these ingredients will create a delightful burst of flavor.
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Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled. You’ll hear the ice rattling, and seeing condensation on the shaker is a good sign!
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Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through. Top it off with dry prosecco for that desired sparkly finish.
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Garnish: Finish your Sugarplum Spritz with slices of fresh plum for a beautiful presentation and a touch of elegance. This not only looks inviting but also enhances the drink’s flavor.
Optional: For added freshness, consider using mint leaves as a garnish alongside the plum slices.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sugarplum Spritz?
Gathering family and friends around the table is all about delightful conversations and delicious bites that accompany each sip of your festive cocktails.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and sharp cheddar complements the sweet notes of the spritz, making every bite and sip harmonious.
- Mini Quiches: These savory delights, filled with cheese and vegetables, offer a warm touch that balances the chilled spritz beautifully. They are perfect for hearty mingling.
- Fresh Fruit Skewers: Colorful bites of seasonal fruits like strawberries and grapes can add freshness to your table, enhancing the fruity essence of the Sugarplum Spritz.
- Spiced Nuts: A mix of warm spiced nuts provides crunch and savory satisfaction. Their toastiness pairs well with the fruity, bubbly cocktail, creating an engaging flavor contrast.
- Bruschetta: Crisp slices of toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil add a vibrant, refreshing element. They invite a bright, zesty flavor parallel to the spritz.
- Chocolate Truffles: For a sweet finish, rich chocolate truffles create a luxurious end note that echoes the festive sweetness of the cocktail, making it unforgettable.
- Prosecco Sorbet: This light, refreshing dessert can be a lovely way to cool down after sipping. Its bubbly character resonates with the spritz while adding an icy delight.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can be a delightful non-alcoholic pairing, offering soothing flavors to contrast the lightness of the Sugarplum Spritz as the night unfolds.
Make Ahead Options
The Sugarplum Spritz is a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the base of the cocktail—combining the granulated sugar, simple syrup, plum wine, Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and Peychaud’s bitters—up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fill a glass with ice, pour in the prepared base, and top it with chilled prosecco for that perfect sparkle. This way, you’ll have a delightful, festive drink with minimal effort right when you need it!
Sugarplum Spritz Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on the Sugarplum Spritz and explore delightful alternatives!
- Non-Alcoholic: Swap out the wine and prosecco for flavored sparkling water to create a refreshing mocktail, perfect for all ages.
- Fruity Fusion: Use white peach or apricot wine instead of plum for a delightful twist of flavor and a different fruity experience!
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of ginger syrup to give your spritz a pleasantly warm kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Herbal Breeze: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or rosemary into the shaker for an aromatic layer that invigorates every sip.
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with blood orange juice instead of lemon juice for a vibrant color and a unique zesty flair.
- Berry Bliss: Mix in muddled fresh berries before shaking—the berries’ natural juices create a deliciously unexpected texture.
- Elegant Fizz: Substitute the prosecco with a dry champagne for an upscale feel that adds depth and elegance to your holiday gathering.
- Chilled Tweaks: Try cooling your glass by pre-chilling it with ice water for a frosty presentation that enhances the spritz’s refreshing qualities.
How to Store and Freeze Sugarplum Spritz
- Room Temperature: Serve immediately after preparation for the best flavor and fizz; cocktails like Sugarplum Spritz are best enjoyed fresh.
- Fridge: Unmixed base (plum wine, syrups, lemon juice, bitters) can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; remember to shake well before serving.
- Freezer: Avoid freezing the completed cocktail, as the prosecco will lose its effervescence; however, the base can be frozen for up to a month if needed.
- Reheating: Since this is a cocktail best served chilled, there’s no need for reheating; simply remix the ingredients if they’ve been stored.
Expert Tips for Sugarplum Spritz
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Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure that your prosecco and plum wine are well-chilled before mixing. This adds to the refreshing quality and bubbly experience of the Sugarplum Spritz.
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Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your mixture before shaking. Adjust the sweetness by adding more simple syrup if needed; you want it to be perfectly balanced!
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Explore Garnishes: Experiment with unique garnishes like fresh mint or citrus twists. This not only beautifies the drink but adds an aromatic twist to the classic Sugarplum Spritz.
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Avoid Over-Shaking: Be careful not to shake too long; 15-20 seconds is ideal. Over-shaking can dilute the cocktail with too much ice melting, affecting the flavors.
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Prep Ahead for Ease: Mix the base ingredients (wine, syrup, lemon juice, bitters) ahead of time, and just add the prosecco right before serving. This keeps it fresh and bubbly!
Sugarplum Spritz Recipe FAQs
What type of plum wine should I use for the Sugarplum Spritz?
Absolutely, use a good quality plum wine for the best flavor! Look for a fruity and floral variety that has a slight sweetness to complement the other ingredients. If you can’t find plum wine, cherry or raspberry wine work wonderfully as substitutes for a different yet delightful taste.
How should I store the Sugarplum Spritz ingredients?
To ensure freshness, the unmixed base of plum wine, syrups, lemon juice, and bitters can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good shake to mix everything together and add the prosecco right before serving for that sparkling fizz!
Can I freeze the Sugarplum Spritz mixture?
Yes! To freeze the base of the Sugarplum Spritz (plum wine, syrups, lemon juice, and bitters), combine those ingredients in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. However, avoid freezing the finished cocktail, as the prosecco will lose its lovely bubbles!
What if my Sugarplum Spritz is too sweet?
Very common! If your cocktail turns out sweeter than you’d like, simply squeeze a little more fresh lemon juice into the mix. This acidity will help balance the sweetness. You can also add a splash of soda water to lighten it up and add some refreshing fizz. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance!
Can pets have any part of the Sugarplum Spritz ingredients?
It’s best to keep the Sugarplum Spritz away from pets, especially due to the alcohol and sugars in the ingredients. If you’re considering a pet-friendly treat, create a mocktail version using just fresh juice and sparkling water, avoiding any sweeteners or syrups that could be harmful. Always consult your veterinarian if unsure!
Sugarplum Spritz: Your Festive Low ABV Cocktail Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a shaker, mix granulated sugar and simple syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Next, add the plum wine, Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of Peychaud's bitters to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through.
- Top it off with dry prosecco for that desired sparkly finish.
- Finish your Sugarplum Spritz with slices of fresh plum for a beautiful presentation.