If you're like me and have friends who celebrate Christmas, friends who celebrate Hanukkah and ambitious friends who celebrate both, this is the perfect cocktail to serve no matter what holiday is on hand.
Campari is always a fave of mine in the aperitif category — that's the before-dinner drinks. It's bitter and refreshing and paired with some cranberry juice to balance the bitter, a splash of Prosecco — another perfect aperitif — and some fresh mint, it gives you that jolly red and green December color scheme.
Simply served on the rocks and alongside some snacks like Vidalia onion dip or an array of other easy to prepare bite-sized nibbles this 10-Minute Happy Hour will be perfect for sharing with any last minute guests, or savored all by yourself.
So whatever holiday you're celebrating, cheers to it being simple, stress-free and delicious just like this little cocktail.

Campari Mint Spritz
makes 1 drink1 part Campari
1 part cranberry juice*
3 parts Prosecco, or other sparkling wine such as Cava
5 fresh mint leaves
In a glass filled with ice add all of the ingredients, adding the mint last.
Lightly squeeze or twist, a.k.a. bruise, the mint leaves and add to the glass.
Stir one last time and enjoy.
*If you prefer a bitter sip, skip the cranberry and replace it with gin for an equally delicious cocktail.

Maureen C. Petrosky writes what she knows, food, booze and parties. Author of The Wine Club, she appears regularly on The TODAY show to share her vices (and advice) with the world. For more info check out www.maureenpetrosky.com or follow her on Twitter @maureenpetrosky.
Related: Easy Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipe: Pomegranate and Prosecco Spritzer
(Images: Maureen Petrosky)
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Comments (8)
Light, festive, perfect! I will definitely try this.
I want this. In my mouth. Right now.
I often order Campari (with orange juice and/or soda) as an aperitif when I'm out at a restaurant, but somehow I don't have it in my home bar. Must purchase and start making this holiday cocktail - it sounds perfect!
I prefer my Campari with tonic but I think Punt e Mes with lots of orange tastes more Xmassy.
Oh my goodness, I DO want to replace the cranberry with gin. And maybe swap out the Campari for Aperol, simply because I prefer that to Campari.
Wonderful! I just bought a bottle of Aperol that will be perfect for this. And since Aperol tastes similar to Campari but with half the alcohol contents, I might even drink two glasses! ;-)
Most excellent. A good balance of herbal bitterness, cranberry, and champagne. I added more mint and it was even better.
Thanks for the recipe--this was a favorite this holiday break. I used pomegranate juice instead of cranberry; I think anything tart and red would do nicely.