Hey there, cocktail lovers!
The holiday season is just around the corner, and I have the perfect festive drink to spice things up.
Today, I’m sharing a Christmas cranberry mojito recipe that’s both refreshing and delicious.
Filled with the bright flavors of tart cranberries and fresh mint, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Let’s get this holiday party started with a splash! 🍹
Ingredient Substitutions
White rum can be replaced with vodka or gin for a different flavor profile, or non-alcoholic spirits for a mocktail version. Use the same amount as the original recipe. For those avoiding alcohol entirely, coconut water or white grape juice can provide a similar base, though the flavor will be notably different.
Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen cranberries without any adjustment. If neither is available, unsweetened cranberry juice can be used in place of the cranberry syrup, reducing the added sugar accordingly. For a different flavor, pomegranate arils or tart cherries can work well, maintaining a festive red color and tart flavor.
Granulated sugar can be replaced with honey, as suggested in the recipe, or with agave nectar or maple syrup for different sweetness profiles. Use about 3/4 cup of these liquid sweeteners in place of 1 cup of sugar, adjusting to taste. For a lower-calorie option, stevia or monk fruit sweetener can be used, following package instructions for equivalent sweetness.
Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 2-4 g
- Fat: 0-2 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey as an option)
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 5 slices fresh, peeled ginger
- 5 whole peppercorns
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 portions cranberry syrup
- 2 portions white rum
- 1 portion fresh lime juice
- Club soda, frozen cranberries, lime slices, and mint leaves for serving
Step 1: Create the Cranberry Syrup
In a medium-sized pot, combine cranberries, water, sugar, mint, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer gently for 10 minutes.
This allows the flavors to meld together.
After simmering, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
Let the syrup cool completely before using it in your mojito.
Step 2: Make a Single Serving Mojito
Fill a glass with ice and add 2 ounces of the cooled cranberry syrup, 2 ounces of white rum, and 1 ounce of lime juice.
Stir the mixture to combine.
Top off the glass with soda water for a refreshing effervescence.
Garnish with a handful of frozen cranberries, lime slices, and a sprig of mint for an inviting presentation.
Step 3: Prepare a Pitcher of Mojitos
For a larger gathering, use a pitcher.
Add 2 cups of cranberry syrup, 2 cups of white rum, and 1 cup of lime juice to the pitcher filled with ice.
Pour in 1 cup of soda water to lighten the mix.
For garnish and added flavor, include frozen cranberries, lime slices, and some fresh mint leaves into the pitcher.
Stir well before serving in individual glasses.