Growing up, holiday drinks at our house meant one thing: my mom’s super sweet punch made with ginger ale and sherbet. While I loved it as a kid, these days I’m looking for something a bit more grown-up but still alcohol-free.
That’s how this cranberry mocktail came to be. It’s simple enough for everyday sipping but feels special enough for Christmas gatherings. The best part? You only need a few ingredients, and it comes together in just minutes – perfect for those busy holiday afternoons when you want something festive without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Mocktail
- Quick preparation – This festive drink comes together in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for impromptu holiday gatherings or when you need a quick party drink.
- Alcohol-free option – Everyone can enjoy this mocktail, from kids to designated drivers, making it a perfect inclusive choice for family celebrations.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a few basic juices and garnishes that are easy to find at any grocery store during the holiday season.
- Festive presentation – With its sugar-rimmed glass and optional garnishes of fresh cranberries and rosemary, this drink looks just as fancy as any cocktail at your holiday table.
What Kind of Cranberry Juice Should I Use?
For this festive mocktail, you’ll want to use sweetened cranberry juice rather than pure unsweetened cranberry juice, which can be too tart on its own.
Regular cranberry juice cocktail from brands like Ocean Spray works perfectly here, or you can opt for a cranberry juice blend that includes other fruits like apple or grape.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for versions labeled “light” or “reduced sugar” – they’ll still give you that beautiful cranberry flavor without being overly sweet.
Just make sure you’re not picking up cranberry juice concentrate, as it would throw off the balance of the drink and make it too strong.
Options for Substitutions
This festive mocktail is easy to customize with what you have on hand:
- Fresh orange juice: If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice. In a pinch, you could even use 1/2 oz of orange-flavored syrup mixed with 1/2 oz water.
- Sweetened cranberry juice: You can use unsweetened cranberry juice and add 1/2 oz simple syrup, or try pomegranate juice for a different but equally tasty twist.
- Sparkling apple cider: Ginger ale or any clear sparkling water works great here. If using sparkling water, you might want to add an extra splash of juice or a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Sugar rim: Try coconut sugar or even crushed candy canes for a fun holiday touch. You can also skip the rim entirely.
- Garnishes: Fresh cranberries can be swapped with frozen ones, or try red grapes cut in half. Instead of rosemary, use mint or skip the herbs. A slice of orange works well too.
Storage Instructions
Prep Components: You can juice your oranges and keep the fresh juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sugar rim mixture can be prepared and stored in a small, sealed container at room temperature for several weeks.
Keep Cold: For the best taste, keep your cranberry juice and sparkling apple cider chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix your mocktails. Once opened, sparkling apple cider will stay fizzy for about 1-2 days when stored with a tight seal in the fridge.
Mix Fresh: This mocktail is best enjoyed right after mixing – the fizz from the sparkling cider makes it extra special! I don’t recommend making the full drink ahead of time as it will lose its sparkle and the ice will water it down.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 0-1 g
- Fat: 0-1 g
- Carbohydrates: 37-45 g
Ingredients
- Orange wedge and sugar for rimming the glass
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 2 oz chilled sweetened cranberry juice
- 2 oz chilled sparkling apple cider
- A dash of ground cinnamon
- Fresh cranberries, a cinnamon stick, and a rosemary sprig for decoration (optional)
Step 1: Sugar the Rim
Begin by taking a champagne glass and wetting the rim with a slice of orange.
Once the rim is moistened, dip it into a small amount of white sugar.
This adds a sweet touch to each sip.
Step 2: Pour the Juices and Cider
Add the desired amount of orange juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling apple cider to your champagne glass.
The combination of these beverages provides a refreshing and tangy flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Cinnamon and Garnishes
Top your drink with a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of spice.
Garnish as desired with an orange slice, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick for added visual appeal and flavor.
Enjoy your delightful and bubbly creation!