I’ve always loved festive drinks during the holidays but needed a go-to non-alcoholic option that felt just as special. This easy cranberry mocktail became my favorite, perfect for quiet nights in or lively holiday parties. It’s a simple, comforting recipe that brings brightness and cheer without any fuss.
Table of Contents
Cranberry Mocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill your glass with ice and pour in the broth.
- Add cranberry juice, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well.
- Serve with garnishes and enjoy!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Mocktail
- The Ultimate Customization Guide: Explore delicious variations that let you tailor the mocktail to your taste or occasion.
- Foolproof for Parties: Easy to batch and set up as a self-serve mocktail bar, making entertaining stress-free.
- Stunningly Beautiful: Festive garnishes take this drink from simple to spectacular, impressing everyone.
- So Much More Than Just Juice: The perfect balance of tart cranberry, bright citrus, and a hint of vinegar creates a complex, refreshing flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal ingredients and no special equipment needed.
Understanding Your Cranberry Juice: A Key to Flavor
Not all cranberry juices are created equal, and this affects your mocktail’s taste dramatically.
- 100% Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Very tart and bold, it gives the drink a refreshing sharpness. Use as is for a balanced flavor with your citrus and vinegar.
- Cranberry Juice Cocktail: Sweeter and more diluted; if you use this, reduce or skip additional sweeteners and adjust citrus to keep it bright.
- Light Cranberry Juice: Lower sugar and lighter in flavor; you may want to add a splash of honey or more orange juice to boost sweetness.
Knowing your juice type lets you tweak the recipe for the best taste. For this mocktail, I recommend unsweetened cranberry juice to keep it vibrant and not overly sweet. Cranberry products, including juice, have shown a variety of health benefits.
Cranberry Mocktail Ingredients
- 4 oz broth
- 2 oz Cranberry Juice (unsweetened*)
- 2 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
*Use unsweetened cranberry juice to keep the balance of tartness and freshness.
Ingredient Roles:
- Broth: Adds a savory depth and unique twist, rounding out the tart juices.
- Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Provides bright, tangy flavor and a festive color. Cranberry juice contains polyphenolic compounds that may improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Brings natural sweetness and citrusy brightness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and complexity, enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make a Cranberry Mocktail
- Fill Your Glass with Ice. Add plenty of ice cubes to chill your drink perfectly.
- Pour in the Broth and Juices. Add 4 oz broth, 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice, and 2 oz fresh orange juice into the glass.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Stir. Mix in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir gently to combine, then serve with your favorite festive garnishes and enjoy!
This recipe makes one refreshing serving. For parties, batching tips come next.
How to Make Festive Garnishes
1. Sugared Cranberries
- Rinse ½ cup fresh cranberries and pat dry.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat 1 egg white until frothy.
- Toss cranberries in egg white, then coat with sugar.
- Place on parchment paper to dry; they’ll become sparkly and sweet.
2. Sugared Rosemary Sprig
- Lightly brush a fresh rosemary sprig with water or egg white.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over it.
- Let dry on parchment for 1–2 hours until sparkling and crisp.
3. Perfect Orange Twist
- Use a vegetable peeler to slice a thin strip of orange peel.
- Twist over the glass to release oils, then hang on the rim or drop inside as garnish.
These simple touches transform your cranberry mocktail into a showstopper.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Mocktail
- Chill Everything: Use pre-chilled juices and cold glasses to keep the drink icy cold longer.
- Prevent a Watery Drink: Freeze 100% cranberry juice into ice cubes to keep flavor strong as they melt.
- Balance the Sweetness: If less sweet is needed without dullness, add more citrus like lime juice or a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.
Flavor Variations & Substitutions
| Variation Name | Ingredient Swaps & Additions | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Spiced Ginger Version | Swap club soda for ginger beer; add a fresh ginger slice | Warm and spicy with a zesty ginger kick |
| Rosemary & Grapefruit | Use grapefruit juice instead of orange; garnish with smoked rosemary sprig | Herbaceous and slightly bitter-citrus blend |
| Kid-Friendly Sparkler | Use white grape juice for sweetness; top with lemon-lime soda | Lightly sweet and fizzy, perfect for kids |
| Low-Carb/Keto Version | Ensure unsweetened juices; use monk fruit simple syrup if needed | Low sugar, clean taste with natural sweetness |
How to Batch This Cranberry Mocktail for a Party
| Guests | Cranberry Juice | Orange Juice | Broth | Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8 oz | 8 oz | 16 oz | 4 tbsp |
| 10 | 20 oz | 20 oz | 40 oz | 10 tbsp |
| 20 | 40 oz | 40 oz | 80 oz | 20 tbsp |
Mix the base ingredients in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. Add sparkling or soda toppings just before serving for fizz.
BONUS: How to Set Up a “Build-Your-Own” Cranberry Mocktail Bar
The Base
Set out pitchers with the cranberry mocktail base for guests to pour or mix.
The Bubbly Toppers
Offer a variety of sparkling options like club soda, ginger ale, tonic water, and sparkling water to customize fizz and flavor.
The Garnish Station
Arrange bowls of sugared cranberries, sugared rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks for guests to decorate their drinks.
The Fun Ice
Provide a bucket of regular ice alongside a bowl of cranberry juice ice cubes to keep drinks cold and flavorful.
This set-up turns serving drinks into an engaging party activity everyone enjoys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this a warm mocktail?
Yes! Gently heat the broth and juices on the stove with a cinnamon stick for 10-15 minutes—don’t boil. Remove cinnamon before serving warm.
Can I make a cranberry syrup from fresh or frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Combine 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup water, and ½ cup sugar or sweetener in a saucepan. Simmer until berries burst, then strain for a vibrant syrup.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can prepare the base up to 24 hours ahead; keep refrigerated. Add ice and garnishes just before serving.
What can I use instead of broth?
For a different twist, substitute broth with sparkling water or a mild herbal tea to maintain depth without savory notes.
Conclusion
This cranberry mocktail is the perfect festive drink for anyone craving warmth, sparkle, and comfort without alcohol. Whether it’s a solo treat or a party hit, it’s easy, customizable, and truly special. Give it a try, then leave a comment sharing your favorite flavor variation or questions.
