Cranberry cocktails are a favorite for their bold red color and tart-sweet flavor. Cranberry juice took the spotlight in the ’90s with the Cosmopolitan (thanks to Sex and the City!), and it’s still a popular order at the bar.
For most recipes that call for cranberry juice, sweetened and ready-to-drink options such as Ocean Spray, which blends well with spirits and has just the right amount of sweetness, are fairly popular and easy to get. For those who like a sharper cranberry taste, try using pure, unsweetened juice and adjust the sweetness yourself. It’s bold and perfect if you’re after that true cranberry punch. Alternatively, you can add cranberry simple syrup for an extra boost of flavor and sweetness—ideal for a smoother cranberry experience in your cocktails.
Cranberry’s versatility is the best part. Whether you mix it with vodka, rum, gin, or tequila – it’s working! To keep things interesting, it also goes very well with a lot of other fruits and spices so you have plenty of room to experiment when preparing your holiday cocktails.
As an inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of 19 easy cranberry cocktail recipes to add a bit of holiday cheer to your Christmas season. Each recipe is tried and tested by our production team. Click on the cocktail you like to get the recipe along with an instructional video, and enjoy!
19 Cocktail / Recipes:
Bay Breeze
The Bay Breeze is a tropical twist on the vodka-cranberry classic. By simply adding pineapple juice to the mix, this cocktail gains a touch of island sweetness that balances beautifully with the tart cranberry. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
Cape Codder
The Cape Codder, also known as the vodka-cranberry, is a straightforward classic that lets the cranberry juice shine. Just vodka, cranberry, and a squeeze of lime give this cocktail its signature taste. It’s simple, refreshing, and endlessly reliable for any occasion. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries, and you got yourself the perfect, easiest cranberry drink you could dream of.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is an iconic cranberry cocktail that’s stylish and sophisticated. It’s fruity yet balanced with vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and fresh lime, making it a favorite from bars to home parties. That pink hue and crisp, tart taste make it a standout for any occasion.
Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze offers a tangy twist to the vodka-cranberry base by adding a splash of grapefruit juice. This combination brings a sharp, refreshing taste with a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Nantucket Cocktail
The Nantucket Cocktail is like a breezy day on the New England coast. With a simple mix of light rum, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice, this drink keeps it light and fresh but full of cranberry goodness. It’s effortlessly charming, ideal for an easy, coastal-inspired sip.
Poinsettia
The Poinsettia brings sparkle to any holiday gathering. This drink is bubbly and elegant with champagne, cranberry juice, and a hint of orange liqueur. It’s the kind of cocktail that lifts your spirits just by looking at it—a red, festive delight made for clinking glasses and holiday toasts.
Christmas Martini
The Christmas Martini is all about festive flavor and holiday cheer. Cranberry juice, vodka, lemon juice and orange liqueur combine to create a sleek, vibrant red drink that feels tailor-made for the season. It’s a little bit merry, a little bit bright, and totally ready to make your holiday gathering extra special.
Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is that drink you bring to the party when you want to keep things fun and carefree. This blend of vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice and peach schnapps is sweet, fruity, and always the life of the gathering. It’s a tropical escape in a glass.
Cranberry Margarita
The Cranberry Margarita is the winter version of your favorite summer cocktail. With cranberry juice adding a seasonal twist to the classic lime-and-tequila combo, this drink brings the best of both worlds: the tart punch of a margarita and the cozy touch of cranberry.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a cozy sip for colder days. The rich, smooth bourbon mixes with tart cranberry juice for a warm, slightly sweet drink full of fall flavors. Picture yourself with this drink by the fire—it’s made for those cozy nights in.
Cranberry Apple Mimosa
This Cranberry Apple Mimosa takes the classic mimosa up a notch with a festive twist. Cranberry and apple juices join bubbly champagne for a crisp, light, and fun drink that’s perfect for toasting at any holiday brunch or gathering.
Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch
The Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch is your go-to party drink. Cranberry juice, vodka, lime juice and sparkling wine create a bubbly, refreshing mix perfect for sharing. Add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, and it’s ready for the holiday table!
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle cocktail is a refreshing blend of tart and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness. Tequila reposado pairs with pink grapefruit, cranberry, lime, and lemon juices for a bright, zesty mix that’s balanced with a touch of simple syrup. With a salted rim and a bold, fruity profile, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy a lively and layered cocktail.
Marquee Cocktail
The Marquee cocktail combines bourbon with the rich berry notes of Chambord and cranberry juice for a sweet yet refined flavor. Lemon juice and sugar syrup add a balanced tang, creating a smooth, well-rounded drink. This cocktail’s bold fruitiness and warm bourbon make it perfect for sipping at celebrations or casual gatherings alike.
Jungle Juice
Jungle Juice is the ultimate party starter! It’s a playful mix of cranberry, tropical fruit juices, and a splash (or two) of vodka, light rum and triple sec. It’s the kind of cocktail that screams good times and keeps the night going strong.
Scarlett O’Hara
Inspired by the Southern Belle herself, the Scarlett O’Hara cocktail is both sweet and a little daring. With the smooth warmth of Southern Comfort and the tart twist of cranberry, it’s like sipping Southern charm with a wink.
Purple Haze
This eye-catching blend of vodka, cranberry, and a splash of black raspberry liqueur creates a striking shade of purple that’s impossible to ignore.
Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
The Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is ideal for those moments when you want something easygoing but still a bit fancy. This blend of cranberry juice, vodka, and sparkling water is light, refreshing, and perfect for casual gatherings. Add a lime or cranberry garnish for an extra pop of color, and enjoy.
Vodka Cran-Orange
The Vodka Cran-Orange gives a fun twist to the classic vodka cranberry with a splash of orange juice for that sunny kick. Sweet and tangy, this drink is sweet, tangy, and refreshing—just right for brunch, happy hour, or any time you want an easy, energizing sip.
Best Cranberry Juice to Use
Choosing the right cranberry juice can make all the difference in your cocktails! Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Sweetened vs. Unsweetened: Sweetened cranberry juice balances tartness and sweetness, making it a standard choice. For a bolder flavor, use unsweetened juice and add simple syrup or a mixer as needed.
- Fresh vs. Bottled: Fresh cranberry juice has a bright, pure taste, ideal for an extra-fresh touch. However, it requires fresh cranberries and a juicer, so it’s best for small servings. Bottled cranberry juice is convenient and consistent. Check the label for added sugars to control sweetness.
- Juice Blends: Some cranberry juices mix with apple or pomegranate, adding unique flavors and a bit of extra sweetness. These blends allow you to experiment with new tastes.
- Cranberry Simple Syrup: For smooth cranberry flavor without added tartness, use cranberry simple syrup. It adds sweetness and color to cocktails and works well in mocktails or even as a dessert drizzle, and it’s also perfect to balance the tartness in unsweetened cranberry juice without losing any of its flavor.
More seasonal inspiration: Christmas Whiskey Cocktails, Christmax Rum Drinks, Xmas Mocktails and Xmas Punches.
FAQs
What can I use as a cranberry juice substitute?
A good alternative for cranberry juice in cranberry cocktails is pomegranate juice. It has a similar tartness and deep red color, bringing a fruity and slightly sweet flavor. You can also use grape juice (for a slightly sweeter result) or tart cherry juice for a closer match to cranberry’s acidity.
How do I make cranberry simple syrup?
To make cranberry simple syrup, simmer equal parts cranberries, sugar, and water until the cranberries break down. Mix well, crush the cranberries slightly and let them cool down to room temperature before straining. This syrup adds a smooth, sweet cranberry flavor to cocktails.
How do I make a low-calorie cranberry cocktail?
Use pure cranberry juice (as in unsweetened) with a low-calorie mixer like soda water, and add a splash of lime or lemon for extra flavor without added sugars.
How do I make cranberry sugar for rimming glasses?
Using a food processor, roughly chop dried cranberries. Add granulated sugar and mix again on medium speed until you’re satisfied with the result. Store in an airtight container and, if you have, add a moisture-absorbing bag to the container for a longer shelf life.
