Aside from being one of my all-time favorite rock bands, cranberries are a fantastic addition to cocktails. The bright and tart berry not only gives a lovely fruity flavor to libations but a striking hue as well. So, this holiday season, why not make your party the talk of the town with these lip-smacking cranberry cocktails? From margaritas and mojitos to mimosas and sangrias, this list has all your favorite boozy concoctions.
1. Cranberry Mojitos
It’s time to get the party started with these festive and vibrant cranberry mojitos! With a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and minty, this is all the refreshing drink you’ll need. If you think this cocktail requires mad bartending skills, think again. This recipe is actually surprisingly easy to pull off. With a simple combination of cranberry syrup, lime juice, white rum, and fresh mint, your tasty tipple is complete.
2. Cranberry Margarita
Next up is a cranberry margarita that’ll definitely spread some holiday cheer. This was the official cocktail at our New Year’s Eve party last year, and it was a HUGE hit! Don’t get me wrong, I also do love the classic lime-flavored margarita, but this version is just pure bliss. It’s berry tasty, to say the least. It’s delicious, and the sprig of rosemary and fresh cranberries also give it that festive, Christmas-y feel.
3. Sea Breeze Cocktail
The sea breeze is a light and refreshing drink perfect for the summer. It was popularized in the 1980s and remains beloved to this day. I completely understand why. Vodka meets cranberry juice and grapefruit juice in this refreshing summer booze. Are you missing the beach a little too much? Well, one sip of this drink is will instantly take you there.
4. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Take the classic Moscow Mule to a whole new level with a little cranberry lovin’. A traditional Moscow Mule is a blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice with a lime wedge garnish. It’s malt-flavored with a bit of citrus from the lime and warming spice from the ginger. Adding a bit of cranberry juice transforms not just the color but the flavor of the cocktail as well. It still has all those delicious flavors, but with an added fruity twist.
5. Cranberry Mimosa
This cranberry mimosa tastes as good as it looks, and it’s a snap to make, too. So, if you’re looking for something quick and easy yet festive, this is the recipe for you. It’s just a simple, 3-ingredient cocktail that only takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. Less time in the kitchen, more time for entertaining and partying!
6. The Blizzard Cocktail
If you’re a bourbon fan, you’ll definitely have to give this mix a try. Cranberry juice is combined with bourbon, lemon juice, and a simple syrup to create this ridiculously delicious cocktail. You know those cocktails that are too strong, they almost taste like medicine? With this one, though, expect nothing but greatness. With just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, this drink is so refreshing, you’ll barely notice the booze.
7. Vodka Cranberry Cocktail
This next cocktail is so much more than just vodka mixed with cranberry juice. Besides those two main ingredients, orange and lime juices are also blended into the mix to get the ultimate combination of berry and citrus. It’s sour, but not too sharp that it’s unpleasant. Instead, it has a nice balance between sweet and tart. It’s bright, refreshing, and absolutely delightful.
8. Bay Breeze Cocktail
Similar to but not the same as the sea breeze, the bay breeze is another outrageously refreshing cocktail made of cranberry juice and vodka. The difference is that instead of grapefruit juice, it uses pineapple juice. What you’ll get is a sweeter, yet still, a bit tart blend that will leave your tastebuds wanting more.
9. Madras Cocktail
The madras is a fun take on the classic Cape Codder, which is a cranberry and lime juice mix spiked with vodka. With a madras, though, orange takes the place of the lime juice. This is why this cocktail has a lovely, orange-peach flavor that just makes me want to drink more. Sadly, this cocktail is no longer as popular as it was during the ‘80s. I say it deserves a comeback!
10. Cranberry Zombie Cocktail
I remember trying to stay as far away as I can from the zombie cocktails when I was much younger. Gladly, I realized over time that as long as you drink in moderation, the zombie is actually enjoyable! The cranberry zombie is a lovely blend of cranberry juice, lime juice, sugar, and three types of rum. So yes, it’s a very strong cocktail, but again, as long as you drink responsibly, you’ll have a wonderful time drinking it.
11. Cranberry Gin and Tonic
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that taste the best. This gin and tonic is a blend of gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and tonic water. It looks ordinary, but, the flavor is extraordinary, for sure. The combination of cranberry and lime creates such a beautiful contrast of sweet and tart. It’s a cocktail masterpiece. It can look a little dull, though, so to add a pop of color, drop a few fresh cranberries in there.
12. Cranberry Rosemary Champagne Cocktail
If you’re not a fan of overly sweet cocktails, this one is a must-try. The flavor is a perfect harmony between sweet champagne, zesty citrus, tart berries, and warming cinnamon. Yum. Also, how beautiful is this fizzy drink’s ombre red hue? The color alone is already enticing. The added cranberries and rosemary sprigs complete its festive Christmas look. Happy holidays, indeed!
13. Washington Apple
Apples and cranberries are a match made in heaven? This Washington Apple cocktail is proof. Whiskey plus apple liqueur and cranberry juice equal the perfect fall cocktail. Its sweet and tangy flavors marry together and produce one heck of a tasty autumn drink.
14. Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail
Have a ton of cranberry sauce left from Thanksgiving? This recipe is the perfect way to repurpose yesterday’s leftovers! It’s cranberry sauce and bourbon at the bottom and ginger beer on top. I love how the sweetness of the sauce and the warmth from the ginger beer go wonderfully well with the bourbon. You can eat the chunks of cranberries with a spoon, but if you don’t like the texture, just puree the ingredients with ice to get a tasty cocktail slushie.
15. Cranberry Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a cocktail made with whiskey, simple syrup, lemon juice, and ice. It’s a refreshing drink with a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy. For this version, a splash of cranberry juice is added to create a fruity, Thanksgiving-themed twist. Enjoy it either neat or on the rocks.
16. Cranberry Apple Sangria
Usher in the fall with this cranberry apple sangria. With apples, cranberries, oranges, cloves, and cinnamon, it has all your favorite autumnal flavors, and then some. Adding oomph to this sweet and wonderfully spiced combination is some pinot grigio, although you can also make a kid-friendly version by using club soda instead.
17. Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail
With this cranberry orange bourbon cocktail, there really is reason to be jolly this holiday season. The perfect mix of bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary add to its festive feel.
18. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
Warm your body, heart, and soul with a shot of spiced cranberry hot toddy. The classic hot toddy is made with bourbon, hot water, and honey. As wonderfully warming as it is, it could do with a bit of flavor addition. What better way is there to chase away winter chill than with a cranberry-flavored toddy? Its sweet and tart flavors make the cozy drink even cozier.
19. Cranberry Vodka Punch
Whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, or even the 4th of July, this cranberry vodka punch is perfect for every occasion. All you’ll need are four ingredients and one giant bowl to be one step closer to this phenomenal punch. With a blend of vodka, ginger ale, cranberry juice, and lemonade, this punch is definitely for the win.
20. Poinsettia
I’m not talking about the gorgeous scarlet flower, but a delicious champagne cocktail. This light concoction is a mix of champagne, cranberry juice, and Cointreau – an orange-flavored liqueur. Besides its enticing color, its mild sweetness will make your tastebuds shout for joy. Click on a star to rate it!
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