When winter nights roll in, a burst of tart cranberry in a cocktail can warm the spirit and spark joy. These 12 recipes not only tantalize your taste buds but also brighten your gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or enjoying a quiet evening, these cranberry cocktails are sure to bring a touch of cheer to your glass. Let’s mix things up!
Cranberry Moscow Mule
A zesty twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries and lime for garnish
Process:
- In a copper mug, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Make it Unique: Try adding a splash of orange liqueur for a citrus kick.
Spiced Cranberry Mimosa
This mimosa takes your morning toast to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 4 oz sparkling wine
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Orange slice for garnish
Process:
- In a glass, mix cranberry juice and ground cinnamon.
- Slowly pour in the sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Make it Unique: Replace sparkling wine with prosecco for a different fizz.
Cranberry Rosemary Gin Fizz
A refreshing and fragrant cocktail for a cozy winter evening.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water
- Rosemary and cranberries for garnish
Process:
- In a shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, and lemon juice with ice.
- Shake well, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with rosemary and cranberries.
Make it Unique: Swap gin for vodka for a smoother taste.
Cranberry Old Fashioned
A seasonal spin on a classic drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz cranberry syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist and cherry for garnish
Process:
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, cranberry syrup, and bitters with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a glass with a large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
Make it Unique: Use rye whiskey for an extra kick.
Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria
Perfect for parties, this sangria bursts with fruity flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- Sliced oranges, lemons, and pomegranate seeds
Process:
- In a large pitcher, combine red wine, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice.
- Add sliced fruits and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Make it Unique: Add a splash of brandy for an extra depth of flavor.
Cranberry Citrus Spritz
A bubbly treat that dances on the palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz soda water
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Lemon and lime slices for garnish
Process:
- In a glass, combine cranberry juice and lemon juice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with lemon and lime slices.
Make it Unique: Use flavored soda water for an extra twist.
Cranberry Mint Julep
A festive version of the traditional julep.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- Fresh mint leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup
Process:
- Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a cup.
- Add bourbon, cranberry juice, and simple syrup over crushed ice.
- Stir gently and garnish with more mint.
Make it Unique: Use rum instead of bourbon for a different vibe.
Cranberry Mule with Thyme
A fragrant twist on the beloved mule.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Process:
- Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a mug.
- Top with ginger beer and stir.
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Make it Unique: Add a splash of cranberry liqueur for a richer flavor.
Warm Cranberry Apple Punch
Perfect for chilly evenings, warm up with this comforting punch.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- Whole cloves for garnish
Process:
- In a pot, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and cinnamon.
- Heat over low until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Serve in mugs, garnished with whole cloves.
Make it Unique: Add a shot of spiced rum for extra warmth.
Cranberry Basil Smash
A refreshing herbal take on cranberry.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz bourbon
- ½ oz honey syrup
- Fresh basil leaves
Process:
- Muddle basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add cranberry juice, bourbon, and honey syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Make it Unique: Substitute bourbon with gin for a lighter flavor.
Cranberry Vodka Lemonade
A tart and tangy refresher for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz lemonade
- Lemon slice for garnish
Process:
- Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lemonade in a glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lemon slice.
Make it Unique: Swap lemonade for limeade for a zesty variation.
Cranberry Ginger Ale Fizz
Simple, bubbly, and oh-so-tasty!
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 4 oz ginger ale
- Fresh cranberries and ginger for garnish
Process:
- Fill a glass with cranberry juice and add ice.
- Top with ginger ale and stir.
- Garnish with cranberries and ginger slices.
Make it Unique: Use sparkling water for a lighter version.
Cranberry Chai Cocktail
A warm, spiced drink to cuddle up with on chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed chai tea
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz honey
- Whipped cream for topping
Process:
- Brew chai tea and combine with cranberry juice and honey.
- Stir until honey dissolves.
- Top with whipped cream.
Make it Unique: Add a splash of whiskey for warmth.
Cranberry Orange Fizz
A bubbly and vibrant way to celebrate winter.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz orange soda
- 1 oz club soda
- Orange slice for garnish
Process:
- In a glass, combine cranberry juice and orange soda.
- Add club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Make it Unique: Use sparkling water for a twist.
Grab a friend or two and try out these delicious cranberry cocktails that capture the spirit of winter. From warming punches to refreshing spritzes, there’s a recipe here for every occasion. Cheers to cozy nights and delightful sips!