5 Irresistible Cranberry Rum Cocktails You Must Try

Delight in refreshing cranberry cocktails with rum, combining tart cranberry juice, rum, and a splash of lime for a perfect festive drink.

Cranberry and rum make a dynamic duo in cocktails. The tartness of cranberry balances rum’s sweetness, creating refreshing drinks perfect for any occasion. From holiday parties to summer gatherings, these vibrant cocktails will impress your guests.

1. Spiced Cranberry Rum Old-Fashioned

This winter twist on a classic cocktail combines spiced rum with cranberry and orange flavors. The result is a potent, aromatic drink that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz spiced rum
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Orange peel for garnish

Preparation:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with orange peel and cinnamon stick

For an extra festive touch, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. This cocktail pairs perfectly with holiday desserts like spiced ice cream.

2. Sparkling Cranberry Rum Punch

This fizzy, vibrant cocktail comes together quickly and serves a crowd. The homemade cranberry syrup adds depth of flavor you can’t get from store-bought juice.

Cranberry Syrup:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick

Cocktail Assembly:

1. Make syrup by simmering ingredients until cranberries pop (about 15 minutes)
2. Strain through fine mesh sieve
3. For each drink: mix 1 oz syrup, 1.5 oz rum, and top with 4 oz 7UP or club soda
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedge

The leftover cranberry pulp makes excellent mixer additions for other cocktails or can be used in baking.

3. Cranberry Orange Rum Spritzer

This light, refreshing cocktail brings summer vibes year-round. Premium aged rum elevates the simple ingredients into something special.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz aged rum (like Don Q Gran Añejo)
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 2 oz club soda
• Orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a lowball glass over ice. Stir gently to mix. The aged rum’s vanilla and caramel notes complement the citrus beautifully.

4. Frozen Cranberry Daiquiri

Turn your blender into a tropical bar with this frozen treat. Perfect for hot summer days or when you need a vacation in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 cup ice

Preparation:

1. Add all ingredients to a powerful blender
2. Blend until smooth
3. Pour into chilled glass
4. Garnish with lime wheel and fresh cranberries

5. Cranberry Mojito with Rum

A winter twist on the classic mojito, this cocktail combines fresh mint with cranberry’s tartness.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• Club soda to top

Preparation:

1. Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup and lime juice
2. Add rum and cranberry juice
3. Shake with ice and strain into glass
4. Top with club soda
5. Garnish with mint sprig and cranberries

Cranberry Rum Cocktail Tips

Choosing Your Rum

Different rums create distinct flavor profiles:

Rum Type	Best For	Flavor Notes
White Rum	Light, refreshing cocktails	Clean, slightly sweet
Spiced Rum	Winter/holiday drinks	Warm spices, vanilla
Aged Rum	Sippers and spritzers	Caramel, oak, tobacco

Fresh vs Bottled Juice

Fresh cranberry juice provides brighter flavor but requires more preparation. Bottled works in a pinch – look for 100% juice with no added sugar.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh cranberry skewers
• Cinnamon sticks
• Citrus twists
• Edible flowers
• Fresh herbs (mint, rosemary)

For more cocktail inspiration, check out these creative rum recipes from cocktail experts.