When the holiday season rolls around, we all look for something that shimmers with goodness and brings joy to our gatherings. Enter the Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail! From the moment you pour it into a glass, the vibrant red hue catches the eye while the lovely fizz promises a delightful sip. Let’s make this mocktail, shall we? You’ll find it’s not just refreshing; it’s full of warmth and cheer, perfect for toasting to all the special moments with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love It
This Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s sure to become your new favorite:
- Quick, refreshing, and simple to whip up
- Packed with real ingredients and a bright flavor that dances on your tongue
- Ideal for breakfast, a snack break, or a post-workout treat
- A healthy twist on a classic favorite that everyone can enjoy
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to gather these delightful ingredients for your Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail:
- 52 ounces Cranberry Juice (Simply Cranberry Cocktail) – Use the best quality for a rich flavor.
- 4 12-ounce cans Cranberry Sprite (or Sprite or seltzer water) – The fizz adds that holiday sparkle.
- Sugar (for rim of glass) – Because a little sweetness goes a long way!
- Fresh Cranberry Ice Cubes – These beautiful ice cubes will make your drink extra special.
- Fresh Cranberries (for garnish) – Simple, yet festive!
- Fresh Orange Slices (for garnish) – They add a zesty twist to your drink.
- Fresh Rosemary (for garnish) – Perfect for a touch of herbal aroma.
How to Make It
Now, let’s dive into the fun part — creating your mocktail. Let me guide you through the steps with a sprinkle of joy!
Prepare the Holiday Ice Cubes: Start by filling an ice cube tray with water. Drop in a couple of fresh cranberries and a tiny slice of orange before placing it in the freezer. Let those freeze until they’re solid — it takes a few hours, so maybe do this part ahead of time!
Make a Sugar Rim: For that charming touch, moisten the rim of your glass by dipping it about 1/4 inch deep into water or cranberry juice. Next, spread some granulated sugar in a shallow bowl and gently press the wet rim into the sugar. The result? A lovely, sparkling sugar rim!
Create the Mocktail: Fill your prepared glass with those beautiful cranberry orange ice cubes. Pour in your cranberry juice, and then top it off with your preferred sparkling drink (Cranberry Sprite, Sprite, or seltzer). Aim for a 50/50 ratio to keep it refreshing!
Garnish with Delight: Finish it off by adorning your mocktail with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary. For an extra flair, skewer some fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick and rest it on the glass rim with a sprig of rosemary or mint.
Kitchen Tips & Tricks
Here are a few chef-worthy tips to elevate your Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail:
- Shortcut for Ice Cubes: If you’re short on time, use store-bought cranberry juice ice cubes instead!
- Avoid Sugar Overload: Use just enough sugar for the rim to balance the sweetness of your drink.
- Flavor Twist: For a zingier mocktail, add a splash of lime juice or a hint of ginger ale!
Serving Ideas
Picture this: a cozy gathering with your loved ones, laughter filling the air, and everyone toasting with these festive mocktails. Serve chilled while the glass still frosts over, and perhaps offer some spicy nuts or a cheese platter on the side. It’s the perfect complement to those heartwarming moments!
Storing & Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
- Freezer: You can freeze extra juice in ice cube trays for future mocktails, just remember to thaw them in the fridge before use.
- Reuse: How about turning leftover mocktail into smoothie pops? Blend with fresh fruit or yogurt, and freeze them for a refreshing treat.
Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
A refreshing and festive mocktail featuring cranberry juice and sparkling soda, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 52 ounces Cranberry Juice (Simply Cranberry Cocktail)
- 4 12-ounce cans Cranberry Sprite (or Sprite or seltzer water)
- Sugar (for rim of glass)
- Fresh Cranberry Ice Cubes
- Fresh Cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh Orange Slices (for garnish)
- Fresh Rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Fresh Cranberry Ice Cubes by filling an ice cube tray with water and adding fresh cranberries and a slice of orange. Freeze until solid.
- Make a Sugar Rim by moistening the rim of your glass and dipping it into granulated sugar.
- Create the Mocktail by filling the glass with cranberry ice cubes, adding cranberry juice, and topping with your sparkling drink of choice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary.
Notes
For a quicker option, consider using store-bought cranberry juice ice cubes. You can also add lime juice or ginger ale for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mocktail, cranberry, festive drink, holiday beverage, non-alcoholic drink
FAQs
A: Absolutely! Just store it chilled and give it a gentle shake before serving to bring back the fizz!
A: Yes! Feel free to use your favorite fruits or even mix in flavored sparkling water for something unique.
A: When everything looks fresh, bubbly, and smells incredible — that’s your cue to pour!
A: Pour over ice and, if you’re feeling fancy, add an extra slice of fruit for decoration!
Final Thoughts
The Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of flavors and warmth that’s perfect for making memories. Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive brunch with friends, this mocktail adds a special touch to any occasion. So, give it a try, share your own twists, and soak up every delightful sip of the season. Cheers to happy moments with your fabulous Holiday Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail!
More Resources
If you enjoyed this sparkling holiday sip, here are more festive cranberry mocktails to keep your celebrations merry and bright:
From CocktailSmoothieRecipes.com
- The Ultimate Guide to Cranberry Mocktails – discover creative ways to mix cranberry magic for any occasion.
- Easy Cranberry Lemon Mocktail Recipe – a zesty, refreshing twist that’s perfect for brunch or cozy evenings.
- Sparkling Mocktail Cranberry Orange – fizzy, fruity, and glowing with festive flavor.
- Cranberry Moscow Mule Mocktail – a crisp, refreshing favorite for holiday gatherings.
- Cranberry Ginger Beer Mocktail Recipe – sweet, spicy, and bubbling with cheer.
Trusted Sources Around the Web
- Healthline – The Benefits of Cranberry Juice – learn why cranberries are both tasty and good for you.
- BBC Good Food – Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion – expert alcohol-free drink ideas to make every celebration sparkle.