Today I’m sharing my Cara Cara Winter Spritz recipe, a fun and festive holiday cocktail. And I’m linking a few more holiday cocktail ideas using Cara Cara oranges. If you can’t find Cara Cara’s in the store, navel oranges, blood oranges – any orange – is just fine.
The holiday season is underway and chances are you’re having people over.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s no better way to welcome guests into your home than placing a glass of bubbles, bubbly cocktail or spritzer, into their hands as soon as they walk through the door.
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Today I’m sharing a favorite winter cocktail, the Cara Cara Winter Spritz. With only three ingredients, it’s quick, easy and delish. Not to mention festive.
When I decorated Snowberry’s library for Christmas, I filled a couple of gold metal compotes with mandarine oranges. And that got me thinking about orange-based cocktails and my very favorite Cara Cara oranges that usually come into season in mid-to-late December.
Cara Cara’s are cousins of the navel and blood orange. They’re sweeter and less acidic than other oranges and have higher levels of vitamins C and A. We can all use a little more vitamin C in the winter.
Cara Cara’s just arrived in our local market, and got an email from The Sisters Market (Ina Garten recommends) that this year’s crop is in and ready to ship.
If you can’t find Cara Cara’s any orange will do, and blood oranges would be particularly beautiful.
While orange-based cocktails can feel a little brunchy, I embrace them for all sorts of winter celebrations including brunch, lunch, cocktail hour and beyond.
Cara Cara Winter Spritz
The cocktail is so easy to make, three ingredients + garnish. Fresh squeezed orange juice (cheat if you like, I won’t tell), Cointreau, and Champagne or other sparkling wine. Add dried orange slices and fresh mint sprigs for pretty garnish. Make sure the juice and sparkling wine are well chilled. I like to chill the glasses too.
When squeezing juice for multiple drinks an electric juicer is helpful. Mine went on the fritz and I replaced it with this one. For just one or two cocktails, I use an old fashioned hand juicer like the while making these in a batch. I have this mini-juicer too.
Ingredients
Method
- Add Cointreau and orange juice to glass.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Add orange slice and mint sprig to garnish.
A few other cocktail ideas using Cara Cara oranges ~
Cara Cara Margarita / The Lush Life
Orange French 75 / Jessica Levinson
The Pure Cara Martini / Aperitif Friday
When all else fails and there’s no time for mixing fussy drinks, I keep Chandon Garden Spritz in our beverage fridge ready to be poured into a chilled glass.
Garnish with orange peel and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprig of rosemary.
I get asked about my French inspired wine glasses all the time. They’re not only pretty, but very affordable.
And there you have it, Cara Cara Winter Spritz and a few other holiday cocktail ideas. I hope it inspires some ideas for your holiday celebrations.
While we’re on the subject of the holiday’s … and oranges … don’t miss my favorite Orange Cranberry Bread. I’ll be baking it all month.
Need more fun drink ideas for holiday gatherings, try my Raspberry Kir Royale Bar and Cranberry Tequila Punch.
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Fabulous! The Cara Cara Winter Spritz has just been added to our Christmas Eve menu. Quick, easy, and minimal ingredients is right up my alley. Thank you for this! And the Chandon? How have I missed this?? Definitely need to give it a whirl. Cheers!!
Pamela! I’m surprised you haven’t heard be babbling about the Chandon … it’s the best and you’ve got to try it! xo
Juliet,
I love a good cocktail, or a signature cocktail! This looks delicious and so easy. I’ve had cara cara oranges but have never heard of the sisters orchard. I will have to check them out.
Love the photo of you and Shelby!
Merry Christmas , I will “see you” on the live today!
The Sisters Market is new to me too … but I trust Ina, she never steers us wrong! xo
DIABLO FOODS HAD THE BEST CARA CARA IN YEARS PAST I BET THEY CAME FROM THREE SISTERS!
SALUTE TO YOU AND YOURS!
XOX
Yes, that’s where I usually buy them … and I’ll ask next time I’m there to see when they expect to receive them and their source. Merry Merry! xo
Thank you for the lovely drink inspiration. Going to add it to our Christmas menu and New Year’s Eve too. Your pictures are outstanding. You make the whole drink making process look like artwork. I so enjoy your blog. BTW….hope you get the Breville Juicer from Santa. I don’t have it, but I’m going to add it to my list. It too looks like a work of art. And sometimes we just deserve something practical yet beautiful at the same time. So few kitchen appliances are as appealing in looks as in their function.
Deanna! You’re right, sometimes we deserve the good stuff. Practical or otherwise. My thing about it is, where to keep it … I think I can overcome that. If you do make the winter spritz, be sure to let me know! Merry Merry! xo
The Cara Cara Winter Spritzer’s are so pretty. The picture of your beautiful niece Shelby and you is so sweet. What a memorable day shared. I bet you have a huge positive influence on her. How many girls can say that they have an Auntie like you that is so “in mesh” with them and they can look up to. Your life is enriched too because of your close relationship.
Sending smiles.
Awe … Katherine, that is so sweet of you. Thank you. Those girls are everything to me and I’m fortunate they’re part of my life. Hope your December is off to a great start. Merry Merry! xo
Juliet, Love the pic of you and Shelby! You are such a fun auntie. Well, I am here for this and anything uniquely Californian! I now have these on my radar and that cute Sisters Farm! Wow persimmons too? I wonder if they have pixies? We have such an amazing produce here we are lucky. This sounds delicious and we will try it with regular oranges until we can get the Caras.
Love the Chandon Spritz too and have some on hand now always thanks to you Juliet!
xo Kim
Oh also love this orange color in the pretty blue library!
I know, we’re so lucky, right? I’m on the look out for pixies!!! xo
I just sent your recipe to the women in my family for happy hour in the Ladies Loft. Thanks!