15 Best Cranberry Cocktail Recipes for Holiday Cheer

Discover refreshing cranberry cocktail recipes like the classic Cosmopolitan, tart Cranberry Mojito, and festive Cranberry Mule for any occasion.

Cranberry cocktails bring festive flair to any gathering. Their vibrant red hue and tart-sweet flavor profile make them perfect for holiday celebrations. From classic Cosmopolitans to innovative winter spritzers, these drinks showcase cranberry juice’s versatility in mixology.

Classic Cranberry Cocktails

These timeless recipes have earned their place as holiday staples through decades of popularity.

1. Cosmopolitan

The iconic 90s cocktail remains a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of sweet and tart. Combine:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz triple sec
• 0.5 oz lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

2. Cape Codder

This simple two-ingredient drink proves less can be more:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice
2. Add 2 oz vodka
3. Top with 4 oz cranberry juice
4. Garnish with lime wedge

Festive Holiday Creations

These seasonal specialties incorporate winter flavors for extra cheer.

3. Holiday Sparkler

A bubbly celebration in a glass:

Ingredient	Amount
Orange vodka	1 oz
Cranberry juice	2 oz
Champagne	2 oz

Build in a flute and garnish with fresh cranberries.

4. Cranberry Margarita

A winter twist on the tequila classic:

• 1.5 oz tequila
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz triple sec
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup

Rim glass with sugar and lemon zest for extra festivity.

Large Batch Cranberry Cocktails

Perfect for entertaining crowds without constant mixing.

5. Cranberry Sangria

Recipe creator Cathy K’s family favorite combines:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange liqueur
• Sliced oranges and cranberries

Let flavors meld for 4 hours before serving.

6. Sparkling Cranberry Punch

This Allrecipes favorite serves 12:

1. Combine 4 cups cranberry juice and 1 cup limeade concentrate
2. Chill mixture thoroughly
3. Add 1 bottle champagne before serving

Equipment Recommendations

Quality tools elevate your cocktail game:

• Use a powerful blender for cranberry purees
• Invest in a commercial-grade blender for large batches
• Chill glasses in advance for optimal serving temperature

Cranberry Cocktail Variations

Adapt these recipes to suit any taste or occasion.

7. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Swap ginger beer for sparkling water in traditional mules.

8. Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

Add cranberry syrup to this whiskey classic with orange bitters.

According to Liquor.com, cranberry’s acidity makes it particularly versatile for balancing sweet and strong flavors in cocktails.