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A tangy, ruby-red festive beverage that brings a sweet-tart sparkle to your Holiday party table—easy to mix, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sipping by the fireside.
This Christmas Cranberry Cocktail is more than just a pretty red drink. It’s a blend of fresh cranberry juice, bright citrus, and your choice of spirits (or sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail) that captures all the cozy feels of December. I first dreamed it up one chilly evening when I wanted something cheery to welcome guests at my annual cookie swap. Using fresh cranberries and a splash of orange liqueur makes it feel special—yet it’s quick enough for last-minute get-togethers. Whether you’re crafting a Cranberry martini for a dinner party or a Festive spritzer for kiddos and non-drinkers, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven or fuss—just shaking, pouring, and garnishing
- Ready in under 15 minutes—ideal for impromptu Holiday party plans
- Flexible for cocktails, mocktails, martinis, or spritzers
- Uses fresh ingredients for a vibrant, health-minded Cranberry drink
- Bright citrus notes balance the tartness—no cloying sweetness
- Garnish ideas (rosemary, cranberries, sugar rim) elevate presentation
- Make-ahead friendly: mix base up to 24 hours ahead
- Perfect companion to spiced cookies, cheese boards, or gingerbread
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberry juice (try Ocean Spray 100% juice for depth)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges, juiced with a simple handheld juicer)
- 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur (substitute Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 1 cup vodka (Tito’s or Smirnoff—you choose your favorite)
- 1/2 cup simple syrup (see note below for DIY rosemary syrup)
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda (swap with ginger ale for a sweeter spin)
- Ice cubes (freeze a handful of cranberries inside for extra flair)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for garnish
- Optional sugar or coarse sea salt for rimming (lime wedge helps it stick)
Tips on ingredients:
- Use unsweetened cranberry juice to control sugar levels.
- Fresh oranges give better flavor than bottled OJ—honestly, it’s worth the squeeze.
- If you’d like a Festive spritzer, choose prosecco instead of sparkling water.
Directions
- Chill your glasses. Pop six coupe or highball glasses in the fridge at least 10 minutes before you start—cold glass means less dilution.
- Rim the glasses (optional). Run a lime wedge around each rim, then dip in sugar or a mix of sugar and finely crushed pink peppercorns for a gentle kick.
- Mix the base. In a large pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, triple sec, vodka, and simple syrup. Shake or stir gently until well blended.
- Add ice and fizz. Half-fill each chilled glass with ice cubes (consider cranberry-filled cubes for drama) and divide the mixture evenly. Top with sparkling water or club soda, pouring slowly so you keep the bubbles.
- Garnish with flair. Tuck in a rosemary sprig and drop in a few whole cranberries—this makes it look like a snow-dusted ornament.
- Sip & savor. Give each glass a gentle swirl; you’ll smell the citrus-herb aroma before you taste that first sweet-tart sip.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: Serves 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 10 minutes chilling glassware)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Cranberry Martini: Skip the soda, double the vodka, shake hard, and strain into martini glasses.
- Festive Spritzer: Use prosecco instead of club soda and add a splash of elderflower liqueur.
- Refreshing Mocktail: Omit alcohol and swap simple syrup for rosemary-infused syrup; top with ginger ale.
- Tequila Twist: Substitute tequila blanco for vodka and add a pinch of sea salt to the rim.
- Vegan-Friendly: Ensure your simple syrup uses organic sugar processed without bone char.
- Winter Spice: Stir in a dash of cinnamon and clove powder for warm, seasonal aroma.
Storage & Reheating
- Store the mixed base (juice, liqueur, vodka, syrup) in an airtight pitcher or jug in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Don’t add soda until serving time—otherwise it’ll go flat.
- Leftover garnishes (rosemary, cranberries) keep for 3–4 days in a zip-top bag in the fridge.
- No reheating needed; simply remix and refill.
Notes
- I once let the simple syrup steep with rosemary overnight—what a difference! It adds a woodsy note that’s unforgettable.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce syrup to 1/4 cup and let guests add extra.
- For a frosted-sugar look, use superfine sugar in a shallow plate—press rim lightly, then twirl to coat evenly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries in the base?
A: Absolutely—just thaw and strain to remove extra water, or muddle them directly for extra texture.
Q: How long will the pre-mixed base last?
A: Up to 24 hours in the fridge; beyond that the fresh juice can lose bright flavor.
Q: What’s the best garnish for a Christmas drink?
A: Rosemary looks like a mini pine branch, and cranberries float prettily—together they’re magical.
Q: Can I swap triple sec for Cointreau?
A: Yes—Cointreau adds a richer orange aroma, but both work beautifully.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Vodka is usually gluten-free (check your brand), and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: How do I make rosemary simple syrup?
A: Heat 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar + 2 sprigs rosemary until sugar dissolves; cool, strain, and store.
Q: My drink tastes too tart—help!
A: Stir in more simple syrup, or top off with a sweeter soda like ginger ale.
Q: Any tips for a mocktail version?
A: Double the citrus, use rosemary syrup, and top with lemon-lime soda for a kid-friendly sparkler.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Cocktail strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and effervescent—ideal for holiday toasts, cozy evenings, or dress-up dinner parties. Give it a whirl at your next gathering, and let me know how you garnish it (or which twist becomes your new favorite). Cheers to festive sips and joyful moments!
Christmas Cranberry Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- whole cranberries for garnish
- Optional sugar or coarse sea salt for rimming
Instructions
- Pop six coupe or highball glasses in the fridge at least 10 minutes before you start—cold glass means less dilution.
- Run a lime wedge around each rim, then dip in sugar or a mix of sugar and finely crushed pink peppercorns for a gentle kick.
- In a large pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, triple sec, vodka, and simple syrup. Shake or stir gently until well blended.
- Half-fill each chilled glass with ice cubes and divide the mixture evenly. Top with sparkling water or club soda, pouring slowly so you keep the bubbles.
- Tuck in a rosemary sprig and drop in a few whole cranberries—this makes it look like a snow-dusted ornament.
- Give each glass a gentle swirl; you’ll smell the citrus-herb aroma before you taste that first sweet-tart sip.
