There is something undeniably luxurious about a cocktail built around Italian cherry cream liqueur. The Cherry Dream Spritz is a notable aperitivo-style drink made with Crema di Amarena from vomFASS, a velvety liqueur crafted from real Amarena cherries. With just a handful of ingredients and five minutes of preparation, you can create a drink that looks as spectacular as it tastes.
Whether you are hosting a summer garden party, planning a festive Christmas drinks reception, or simply treating yourself on a Friday evening, this spritz delivers. Below you will find everything you need: the full recipe, cocktail-making tips, a non-alcoholic version, batch quantities for entertaining, and food pairing ideas to elevate the entire experience.
What Is Crema di Amarena?
Crema di Amarena is a Italian cherry cream liqueur made by blending real Amarena cherry juice with fresh dairy cream and a spirit base. Amarena cherries are a specific Italian variety, smaller and darker than the Maraschino cherries you might find in a supermarket jar, with an intense, slightly bitter-sweet flavour that has made them a cornerstone of Italian confectionery for centuries.
The vomFASS Crema di Amarena balances that deep cherry character with a smooth, creamy body. At around 15% ABV, it sits in the same family as other cream liqueurs such as Crema di Lampone and Crema di Melon, but the cherry version brings a distinctive richness that works beautifully in cocktails, over ice cream, or simply sipped neat as a digestif.
Unlike mass-produced cherry liqueurs that rely on artificial flavourings, vomFASS sources its ingredients from specialist European producers who use real fruit. That is the difference you taste in every sip, genuine cherry depth rather than synthetic sweetness.
The Italian Aperitivo Tradition
The spritz format has its roots in the Italian aperitivo - the ritual of gathering with friends before dinner over a light, refreshing drink and small bites. Originating in the Veneto region in the nineteenth century (when Austrian soldiers asked Venetian bartenders to spritzen, or spray, their wines with soda water (a tradition dating back to the 1800s)), the spritz has evolved into one of the most popular cocktail categories in the world.
A traditional spritz follows a simple ratio: three parts sparkling wine, two parts a bitter or flavoured liqueur, and one part soda water. Our Cherry Dream Spritz adapts this template beautifully, replacing the usual Aperol or Campari with Crema di Amarena for a fruitier, creamier take that still feels unmistakably Italian.
The aperitivo hour, typically between 6pm and 8pm, is about slowing down, enjoying good company, and whetting the appetite. A Cherry Dream Spritz fits that ethos perfectly. It is light enough not to overwhelm the palate before dinner, yet flavourful enough to feel like an occasion.
Cherry Dream Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 ml vomFASS Crema di Amarena
- 100 ml Prosecco (we recommend Mille Bolle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine)
- 50 ml chilled sparkling mineral water
- Ice cubes
- Amarena cherries for garnish
- A sprig of fresh mint
Equipment
- A large wine glass or copa glass (see glassware guide below)
- A long-handled bar spoon or cocktail stirrer
- A jigger or small measuring cup
Method
- Chill your glass. Place your wine glass in the freezer for five minutes, or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the other ingredients. A cold glass keeps the drink at its best for longer.
- Add ice. Fill the chilled glass generously with ice cubes. The more ice you use, the slower it melts, which means less dilution.
- Pour the Crema di Amarena. Measure 50 ml and pour it over the ice. You will see it settle at the bottom with a gorgeous ruby-pink hue.
- Add the Prosecco. Pour 100 ml of chilled Prosecco slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- Top with sparkling water. Add 50 ml of chilled sparkling mineral water for a lighter, more refreshing finish.
- Stir gently. Use a bar spoon to give it two or three slow stirs, just enough to combine without losing effervescence.
- Garnish and serve. Drop in two or three Amarena cherries and tuck a sprig of fresh mint against the ice. Serve immediately.
Cocktail-Making Tips for the Perfect Spritz
A spritz is deceptively simple, which means small details make a noticeable difference. Here are a few pointers from the vomFASS team:
- Use quality Prosecco. The sparkling wine makes up half the drink, so it matters. Our Mille Bolle has fine, persistent bubbles and a crisp apple-pear character that complements the cherry beautifully.
- Keep everything cold. Chill the Prosecco, the mineral water, and ideally the liqueur too. Warm ingredients melt the ice faster, diluting your drink.
- Do not over-stir. Two to three gentle turns with a bar spoon is all you need. Aggressive stirring drives out the carbonation.
- Pour the Prosecco last (before the water). This layering preserves the bubbles and creates a beautiful gradient effect in the glass.
- Taste and adjust. Prefer it sweeter? Add an extra splash of Crema di Amarena. Prefer it drier? Increase the Prosecco by 25 ml. The beauty of a spritz is its flexibility.
Glassware Guide
Choosing the right glass is not just about aesthetics. It affects how the aromas reach your nose and how the drink stays cold.
- Large wine glass (recommended). The classic spritz glass. The wide bowl allows plenty of ice, and the tapered rim concentrates the cherry and mint aromas. This is what we use at vomFASS tastings.
- Copa glass (gin balloon). An excellent alternative. The fishbowl shape gives you room for generous ice and dramatic garnishes.
- Tumbler or rocks glass. Works for a more casual serve. The drink will be slightly more concentrated and less aromatic, but perfectly enjoyable.
- Champagne flute. Skip it for this recipe. Flutes are too narrow for ice and garnishes, and the spritz format needs breathing room.
Garnish Ideas Beyond the Classic
The standard garnish of Amarena cherries and fresh mint is lovely, but here are some alternatives to impress your guests:
- Orange twist. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink for a citrus oil spray, then drop it in. The orange notes complement the cherry wonderfully.
- Edible flowers. A small pansy or violet floated on top adds a striking visual for Instagram-worthy serves.
- Rosemary sprig. Gives an aromatic, herbal contrast to the sweet cherry. Lightly bruise the sprig between your fingers before adding it.
- Dark chocolate shavings. For a winter or dessert version, a few shavings of 70% dark chocolate on top pair magnificently with the cherry cream.
- Fresh raspberries. Thread three or four onto a cocktail pick for a berry-on-berry garnish that reinforces the fruity character.
Non-Alcoholic Cherry Dream Spritz
Not everyone wants alcohol, and this recipe adapts brilliantly to a virgin version. Replace the Crema di Amarena with 50 ml of Amarena cherry syrup (the syrup from a jar of Italian Amarena cherries works perfectly). Swap the Prosecco for 100 ml of alcohol-free sparkling wine or good-quality sparkling apple juice. Keep the mineral water, ice, and garnishes the same.
The result is a genuinely delicious mocktail - fruity, fizzy, and elegant. It is ideal for designated drivers, pregnant guests, or anyone who simply prefers not to drink. For more alcohol-free options, explore our alcohol alternatives collection.
Seasonal Serving Suggestions
Summer Parties and Garden Entertaining
The Cherry Dream Spritz is a natural fit for warm weather. Serve it at barbecues, garden parties, or outdoor birthday celebrations. The combination of effervescence, fruit, and ice makes it incredibly refreshing in the heat, and the vibrant pink colour looks notable in the sunshine. Pair it with antipasti platters, bruschetta, or our End of Summer Flat Breads for a complete aperitivo spread.
Christmas and Winter Entertaining
Cherry and cream flavours are naturally festive, which makes this spritz equally at home during the Christmas season. Serve it as a welcome drink when guests arrive, or as a lighter alternative to mulled wine. Swap the mint garnish for a rosemary sprig and add a few pomegranate seeds for a seasonal twist. The deep cherry red looks beautiful alongside candlelight and winter table settings.
Valentine's Day and Date Nights
The romantic pink-red colour and indulgent cherry flavour make this an obvious choice for Valentine's Day or anniversary dinners. Prepare two glasses, dim the lights, and serve alongside our Heart Shaped Cheesecake for a truly memorable evening.
Batch Cocktail Version for Larger Groups
When you are entertaining six, eight, or twelve people, mixing individual drinks is impractical. Here is the batch version:
Serves 8
- 400 ml Crema di Amarena
- 800 ml Prosecco (one standard bottle)
- 400 ml chilled sparkling mineral water
- Plenty of ice
- Amarena cherries and mint for garnish
Batch Method
- Combine the Crema di Amarena and sparkling water in a large jug or punch bowl. This can be done up to 30 minutes ahead and kept in the fridge.
- When guests are ready to drink, add the Prosecco and stir gently twice.
- Ladle or pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish individually.
Tip: Never add the Prosecco until the moment of serving. If it sits in the jug, it will lose its fizz. The cherry and water base can be prepared ahead, which makes the final assembly take seconds.
The vomFASS Liqueur Range
Crema di Amarena is just one of over 40 liqueurs in the vomFASS range. If you enjoy this recipe, there is a world of cocktail possibilities waiting in our liqueur collection:
- Crema di Lampone - Raspberry cream liqueur. Try it in place of the Amarena for a Raspberry Dream Spritz.
- Crema di Melon - Melon cream liqueur. Perfect for a tropical-leaning spritz variation.
- Passionfruit Cream Liqueur - Exotic and vibrant. Brilliant with Prosecco.
- Salted Caramel Cream Liqueur - A richer, dessert-style option for autumn and winter.
- Spritz Sour Liqueur - Purpose-built for spritz cocktails with a tangy, citrus edge.
All vomFASS liqueurs are made by specialist European producers using real fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients, never artificial flavourings. Browse the full cream liqueurs collection or explore all our spirits and liqueurs.
Food Pairings for the Cherry Dream Spritz
The right food pairing transforms a good cocktail into a complete experience. Here are our top recommendations:
- Antipasti. Cured meats (prosciutto, salami), marinated olives, and aged Parmesan. The salty, savoury elements contrast beautifully with the sweet cherry.
- Bruschetta. Classic tomato and basil, or try our Grilled Bruschetta Chicken for something more substantial.
- Soft cheese. Burrata, brie, or goat's cheese. The creaminess of the cheese echoes the cream liqueur's texture.
- Dark chocolate. A few squares of 70%+ dark chocolate alongside the spritz is divine. The bitter cocoa and sweet cherry are a classic combination.
- Fresh berries. A simple bowl of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Light, colourful, and perfectly in keeping with the fruity theme. For a berry-forward accompaniment, try our Raspberry Fizzy as a second cocktail option.
- Stone fruit desserts. Cherry clafoutis, peach tart, or poached plums. The stone fruit family harmonises naturally with the Amarena cherry.
Why vomFASS Liqueurs Make Better Cocktails
You might wonder why we recommend vomFASS liqueurs specifically, rather than any cherry liqueur from the supermarket shelf. The answer is ingredients. Mass-market liqueurs typically use artificial cherry flavouring, high-fructose corn syrup, and colourings to simulate cherry character. The result tastes one-dimensional and cloying.
vomFASS works directly with artisan distillers and producers across Europe, Germany, Italy, Austria, and France, who use traditional methods and real ingredients. When you taste our Crema di Amarena, you are tasting actual Amarena cherries, real dairy cream, and careful craftsmanship. That depth of flavour is what makes the Cherry Dream Spritz genuinely special rather than just another pink drink.
For cocktail enthusiasts who want to explore further, our Classic Manhattan recipe showcases how quality spirits transform a familiar drink. And if you are curious about lighter options, our Mango Smoothie (Virgin or Not) demonstrates that great drinks do not always need alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?
Yes. Any dry or extra-dry sparkling wine works well. Cava, Crémant, or English sparkling wine are all excellent substitutes. Avoid very sweet (demi-sec) sparkling wines, as the Crema di Amarena already provides plenty of sweetness. The key is to use something with fine bubbles and a crisp, clean finish.
How long does Crema di Amarena last once opened?
Because it contains dairy cream, Crema di Amarena should be stored in the fridge after opening and consumed within three to four months for the best flavour. Always check the label for the producer's specific guidance. The liqueur will not spoil quickly, but the fresh cream character is at its peak within that window.
Is the Cherry Dream Spritz very sweet?
It has a pleasant sweetness from the cherry cream liqueur, but the dry Prosecco and sparkling water balance it beautifully. Most people who dislike overly sweet cocktails find the spritz format refreshing rather than cloying. If you prefer even less sweetness, increase the Prosecco by 25 ml and reduce the Crema di Amarena to 40 ml.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the Crema di Amarena and sparkling water in a jug up to 30 minutes ahead and refrigerate. Add the Prosecco and ice only at the moment of serving to preserve the carbonation. Never batch with Prosecco included. It will go flat.
What other cocktails can I make with Crema di Amarena?
Crema di Amarena is wonderfully versatile. Try it over vanilla ice cream as an affogato-style dessert, blend it into a milkshake, mix it with cold brew coffee for a cherry mocha, or stir it into hot chocolate for a winter warmer. It also works beautifully in a cherry sour (shake 50 ml with 25 ml lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup, and an egg white).
