Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

I recently tried my hand at crafting a refreshing Cranberry Sparkler, and the balance of tart cranberry juice with a dash of lime left my taste buds dancing with delight. As I sipped this vibrant concoction, garnished with fresh cranberries and mint, it truly hit me how sometimes the simplest ingredients can create such an invigorating escape in a glass.

I love to make drinks that are refreshing and they can’t get more refreshing than this one. I call it my Cranberry Sparkler, and you can serve it anytime—day or night!

The drink has a punch of lime juice that’s mixed with sweet cranberry juice. There’s also some vodka in this (and you can leave it out if you want a non-alcoholic drink or if you’re serving it to kids).

But, I have to say, this drink is more visually stunning than it is boozy. Fresh mint and whole cranberries are the only things that can find their way into the garnish category; I don’t even know how to muddle mint into a drink.

Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail Recipe Ingredients

• Cranberry Juice: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, adds tartness and vibrant color.
• Sparkling Water/Club Soda: Calorie-free; provides effervescence and lightness.
• Vodka: Optional spirit; adds a smooth, neutral base without flavor.
• Lime Juice: High in vitamin C, enhances flavor with a refreshing tang.
• Ice Cubes: Chill and dilute the drink for a refreshing experience.
• Fresh Cranberries: Adds a touch of tartness and festive garnish.
• Lime Wedges: Provides an aromatic citrusy garnish; optional extra zing.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Aromatic herb; adds freshness and a hint of coolness.

Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
• 1 oz vodka (optional)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish
• Lime wedges or slices, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

How to Make this Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

1. Halfway fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add 1 cup of cranberry juice to the shaker.

3. Add juice of 1 lime.

4. To make it an alcoholic drink, add 1 ounce of vodka in the shaker.

5. Tightly close the shaker’s lid and shake with vigorous intent to mix the liquids.

6. Pour the blended mixture through a sieve into a glass full of ice cubes.

7. Complete with 1 cup of sparkling water or club soda.

8. Stir the cocktail gently to mix.

9. Add fresh cranberries and a lime wedge or slice for garnish, along with a sprig of fresh mint.

10. Enjoy a refreshing Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail right away! This cocktail made of cranberry juice is perfect for serving right away.

Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Measuring cup
3. Measuring spoons
4. Citrus juicer or manual reamer
5. Sieve or strainer
6. Glass
7. Stirring spoon or cocktail stirrer

FAQ

• Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?Enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic Cranberry Sparkler by simply leaving out the vodka.
• What type of cranberry juice is best for this recipe?If you want to drink cranberry juice, it’s best to use the pure stuff. 100% cranberry juice is optimal. You can, however, use a cranberry juice cocktail. Just know that it will be sweeter and not quite as healthful.
• Is it necessary to use fresh mint leaves?Even though fresh mint leaves are not required, they bring a nice fragrance and an added burst of freshness to the drink.
• Can I use tonic water instead of sparkling water or club soda?Indeed, it possesses a uniquely bitter quality because of its quinine content.
• What’s the best way to serve this cocktail at a party?Make a pitcher by multiplying the ingredients by the guest number, but add ice and sparkling water just before serving to keep it fizzy and cold.
• How can I make the drink a bit sweeter?Adjust to your desired sweetness by adding a teaspoon of simple syrup or honey.
• Can I use frozen cranberries for garnish?Of course, frozen cranberries make for an excellent garnish and also help keep your drink cool.

Cranberry Sparkler Cocktail Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use pomegranate juice or raspberry juice instead of cranberry juice for a different flavor.
Replace sparkling water with tonic water or ginger ale for added sweetness and a unique twist.
Substitute gin for vodka in this recipe to give it a more botanical note, or leave it out altogether for a non-alcoholic version.
Replace lime juice with lemon juice to use a different citrus profile, but retain all the other elements in this recipe for a seamless dish.
Use frozen cranberries, not fresh ones, for a fun, frosty garnish that helps keep the drink cold.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Ingredients: To ensure your cocktail is refreshingly cool, chill the cranberry juice, sparkling water, and vodka in the refrigerator before you begin preparing the drink. This helps the drink stay cold longer once served.