Discover delightful festive cranberry cocktail recipes that combine tart cranberries with spirits for a refreshing holiday drink perfect for celebrations.
Cranberry cocktails bring tart sweetness and holiday cheer to any gathering. These ruby-red drinks pair perfectly with Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and New Year’s celebrations. We’ve curated five standout recipes that balance cranberry’s bold flavor with festive ingredients.
1. Cranberry Rosemary Sparkler
This elegant cocktail combines vodka, fresh rosemary, and cranberry juice for a sophisticated sip. The herbal notes cut through the tartness beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (try quality vodka for best results)
- 1 oz rosemary simple syrup
- 2 oz 100% cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Club soda to top
- Rosemary sprig and cranberries for garnish
Preparation
- Make rosemary syrup by simmering 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4 rosemary sprigs for 10 minutes
- Combine vodka, syrup, juices in a shaker with ice
- Strain into ice-filled glass
- Top with club soda
- Garnish with rosemary and cranberries
2. Cranberry Moscow Mule
A festive twist on the classic mule, this version uses homemade cranberry sauce for rich flavor. Ginger beer adds spicy warmth.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bourbon or vodka | 2 oz |
| Homemade cranberry sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Ginger beer | 4 oz |
| Fresh mint | 3 sprigs |
Muddle ingredients except ginger beer, shake with ice, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with citrus slices and fresh cranberries.
3. Cranberry Margarita
This vibrant cocktail brings south-of-the-border flair to holiday parties. The tartness of cranberry complements tequila perfectly.
Key Tips
- Use 100% cranberry juice, not cocktail mix
- Fresh lime juice is essential
- Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for extra festivity
For large batches, mix tequila, triple sec, cranberry and lime juices in a pitcher. Add ice and serve in chilled glasses.
4. Cranberry Prosecco Punch
Sparkling wine makes this cocktail perfect for celebrations. The bubbles lighten cranberry’s intensity.
- Combine 2 cups cranberry juice with 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Add 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur (optional)
- Pour into glasses half-filled with ice
- Top with chilled prosecco
- Garnish with pomegranate arils
5. Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Spritzer
For guests avoiding alcohol, this refreshing option delivers all the festive flavor without spirits.
Mix equal parts cranberry juice and ginger ale over ice. Add a splash of orange juice and garnish with rosemary. According to Foxes Love Lemons, the herbal garnish makes this drink visually stunning.
For extra depth, use homemade cranberry syrup instead of juice. Simmer cranberries with water and sugar, then strain.
Cranberry Cocktail Pro Tips
- Make syrups and juices ahead for easy entertaining
- Freeze cranberries in ice cubes for decorative touch
- Balance tartness with honey or maple syrup
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for richer flavor in mules
