As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start planning the perfect Christmas cocktail menu. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a cranberry-infused drink?
Cranberries are a staple of the holiday season, adding a festive touch to any dish or drink. Not only do they taste delicious, but they're also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your holiday cocktails.
But with so many cranberry cocktail recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one. From classic cranberry margaritas to unique cranberry and gin fizzes, there's a recipe for every taste preference.
Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large holiday party, a cranberry cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
One of the best things about cranberry cocktails is their versatility. They can be sweet or tart, light or heavy, and can be made with a variety of spirits.
Vodka, gin, tequila, and even whiskey can all be paired with cranberry juice to create a delicious and festive drink. And with the addition of fresh herbs, spices, and fruits, the possibilities are endless.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best cranberry cocktail recipes that are perfect for the holiday season.
From classic recipes to unique twists, we'll provide you with everything you need to know to create the perfect cranberry Christmas cocktail. So grab a shaker, some ice, and let's get started!
1. Christmas Cranberry Cocktail
The Christmas Cranberry Cocktail is a festive and flavorful drink that is perfect for any holiday gathering. This cocktail is made with cranberry juice, orange liqueur, vodka, and a homemade cinnamon syrup, which adds a warm and cozy touch to the drink. The sugared rim with cinnamon and sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice to each sip.
The addition of sparkling water gives the cocktail a refreshing fizziness, making it a perfect drink to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you choose to make a single serving or a big pitcher, the Christmas Cranberry Cocktail is sure to be a hit at any Christmas party.
2. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cocktail
The Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cocktail is a festive and delicious drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with leftover cranberry sauce, this cocktail is a great way to use up any leftovers from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The addition of cachaça and triple sec gives the cocktail a unique and flavorful twist, while the sugared rosemary garnish adds a touch of elegance and holiday spirit.
This cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail to mix up this holiday season, the Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. The Jolly Ole Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
"The Jolly Ole Cranberry Christmas Cocktail" is a light and refreshing cocktail that's perfect for the holidays. It's a mix of fresh cranberry juice, mint, a fruit and herb infused simple syrup, chilled vodka and sparkling water.
The cocktail is sweet and tart with a unique blend of flavors that's reminiscent of a mojito, vodka-cran and vodka soda. Its red and green color scheme adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering.
4. Cranberry Vodka Slush
The Cranberry Vodka Slush is a perfect holiday-inspired cocktail that is sure to be a hit at any Christmas party. This frozen cocktail is made with seasonal spices and bright cranberry flavor, making it a festive and refreshing drink. The spiced cranberry juice base can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, making it a convenient cocktail to serve to guests.
The gorgeous color of the cocktail is sure to brighten up any party and make it a part of your holiday traditions. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Cranberry Vodka Slush is definitely worth a try.
5. Cranberry Manhattan
The Cranberry Manhattan is a festive and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail combines the classic flavors of whiskey and vermouth with the tartness of cranberry syrup or juice. The result is a beautiful, ruby-red cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
Garnished with an orange twist and a cranberry, this cocktail is both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you're relaxing by the fire or entertaining guests, the Cranberry Manhattan is a must-try cocktail for any holiday occasion.
6. Christmas Cranberry Cosmopolitan
The Christmas Cranberry Cosmopolitan is a delightful twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. Made with a rich cranberry simple syrup and Tangueray gin, this cocktail has a hint of earthy pine-needle flavor that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season.
The deep, beautiful reds of the drink are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, and the addition of lime zest adds a refreshing twist to the cocktail. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a festive drink to enjoy at home, the Christmas Cranberry Cosmopolitan is a must-try cocktail that is sure to impress.
7. Cranberry Gin Cocktail
The Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a simple and classic holiday drink that is perfect for any festive gathering. Made with dry gin and unsweetened cranberry juice, this cocktail has a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The addition of orange juice and simple syrup enhances the taste of the drink, while the garnish of fresh cranberries, rosemary, and orange slice adds a touch of elegance.
This cocktail can also be easily transformed into a pitcher cocktail or a sparkling cocktail by making a few simple adjustments. Overall, the Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make holiday drink.
8. Rosemary Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
The Rosemary Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is a refreshing and festive cocktail that is perfect for any holiday party. The combination of tart cranberry juice, herbaceous rosemary simple syrup, and neutral vodka creates a light and effervescent drink that is both delicious and easy to make. The bright pop of red cranberries and fresh sprigs of rosemary make for a gorgeous presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
This cocktail is a great alternative to traditional cranberry cocktails, and it's perfect for those who want a lighter, more refreshing drink. Whether you're hosting a large party or just looking for a festive drink to enjoy with friends and family, the Rosemary Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is a must-try this holiday season.
9. Cranberry & Amaretto
If you're looking for a festive cocktail that's perfect for Christmas, the Cranberry & Amaretto is definitely worth trying. This cocktail combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of amaretto liqueur, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.
A sprig of rosemary adds a touch of herbaceousness and balances out the sweetness of the amaretto. The cocktail is easy to make and looks beautiful with the amber swirl of the amaretto mixing with the cranberry juice. If you're a fan of cranberry cocktails, this one is a must-try. Check out the full article for more Christmas cocktail ideas.
10. Cranberry Wine Spritzer Christmas Cocktail
The Cranberry Wine Spritzer Christmas Cocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Made with cranberry wine, sparkling soda, and a blend of spices, this cocktail is easy to make and can be served by the glass or in a large pitcher. The addition of lime juice adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the wine and soda, making it a perfect drink for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail.
The garnish of cranberries, lime slices, and spices adds a beautiful touch to the drink, making it a great addition to any holiday party. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail for your next holiday gathering, the Cranberry Wine Spritzer Christmas Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
11. Cranberry Vodka Cocktail
The Cranberry Vodka Cocktail is a classic combination of tangy cranberry juice and smooth vodka, with a little added fizz for a fun and festive twist. This cocktail is perfect for any holiday gathering or celebration, and can be made for just one or for a whole crowd.
The addition of fresh cranberries and a slice of lime make for a beautiful presentation, and the option to add ginger ale for extra fizz is a great touch. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season, the Cranberry Vodka Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
12. Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail
The Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves festive drinks during the holiday season. This ruby-red cocktail is a perfect combination of tart cranberry juice and sweet elderflower liqueur. The sparkly lime sugar on the rim adds a touch of glamour to the drink, making it perfect for any holiday party or gathering.
The refreshing taste of the cocktail is sure to appeal to all your guests, making it a popular choice for Christmas parties. Whether you are dressed up in your holiday best or lounging in your sweatpants, this cocktail is sure to impress. So, shake up a batch of Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!
13. Cranberry Mojito
The Cranberry Mojito is a festive and refreshing Christmas cocktail that is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Made with rum, cranberry juice, mint leaves, and lemon-lime soda, this cocktail has a sweet and tart flavor that is sure to please.
The red and green colors of the drink make it especially festive and perfect for the holiday season. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail to serve at your next holiday get-together, the Cranberry Mojito is definitely worth trying!
14. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is the perfect holiday drink for those who enjoy a sweet and tart combination with a strong kick. This classic winter cocktail is made with equal parts bourbon and cranberry juice, and is elevated with a rosemary sage simple syrup. The herbs add a fresh and seasonal flavor that complements the bourbon and cranberry perfectly.
This cocktail is perfect for any special occasion, whether it's Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas. The smooth yet flavorful bourbon used in the recipe makes it a great choice for party-friendly cocktails. Serve it in a rocks glass or a pretty French-style wine glass, and you'll have a stunning cocktail that's sure to impress your guests.
15. Cranberry Tequila Spritzer
The Cranberry Tequila Spritzer is a festive and refreshing cocktail that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season. This cocktail is perfect for any time of the day and is a great pick-me-up after indulging in a holiday feast. The sweet and familiar holiday flavor of cranberry pairs sensationally well with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
This luxurious drink is best served in a short tumbler style glass, which showcases its lavish color. The addition of mint sprigs and fresh cranberries for garnish gives the drink even more dimension. Even for those who aren't the biggest tequila fans, this cocktail does a good job of quelling some of the bite. Overall, the Cranberry Tequila Spritzer is a must-try cocktail this holiday season.
16. Cranberry Margarita
The Cranberry Margarita is a perfect holiday drink that adds a twist to the classic margarita. This cocktail is a combination of tequila and cranberry juice, which gives it a tangy and sweet taste. The drink is perfect for those who want to add a little bit of fun to their Christmas party.
The Cranberry Margarita is a perfect blend of flavors that will make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise even in the middle of winter. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves margaritas and wants to add a little bit of holiday cheer to their drink. So, if you are looking for a refreshing and festive drink for your next holiday party, the Cranberry Margarita is the perfect choice.
17. Christmas Sidecar
The Christmas Sidecar is a festive twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail. This cranberry-flavored cocktail is made with cognac, triple sec, and lime juice, with added tartness from fresh cranberries and cranberry juice.
The cocktail is garnished with a sugar and lime zest rim, adding a touch of elegance to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bittersweet taste with a hint of tartness. It's a great addition to any holiday party or gathering, and is sure to impress your guests.
18. Cranberry Christmas Mule
The Cranberry Christmas Mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule that's perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail features cranberry juice, which adds a tangy and berry flavor to the drink, and gives it a beautiful red color.
The recipe is simple, and it's easy to make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the vodka. For those who like their drinks with a bit of a bite, whiskey can be substituted for the vodka. Overall, this cocktail is a great addition to any holiday gathering, and it's sure to impress your guests with its festive flair.
19. Cranberry Smash Cocktail
The Cranberry Smash Cocktail is a perfect holiday drink that is easy to make and tastes delicious. The cocktail is made with cranberry sauce and a homemade rosemary simple syrup, combined with gin or vodka and lime juice. The muddled cranberry sauce gives it a fruity and tangy flavor, while the rosemary simple syrup adds a subtle herbal note.
The cocktail is topped off with soda water for a refreshing and bubbly finish. The sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs make for a beautiful garnish that adds a festive touch to the drink. Whether you're looking for a cocktail to impress your guests or just want to enjoy a holiday drink at home, the Cranberry Smash Cocktail is a must-try.
20. Sparkling Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne
The Sparkling Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne is a festive and colorful cocktail that is perfect for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. The cocktail is made with just three simple ingredients – cranberry juice, PAMA liqueur, and champagne or prosecco.
The addition of pomegranate liqueur gives the cocktail a fruity and delicious taste that complements the champagne perfectly. The cocktail is garnished with a mini candy cane, adding a festive touch to the drink. This cocktail is a great addition to any holiday party and is sure to impress your guests with its bright ruby red color and delicious taste.
21. Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Looking for a festive and delicious Cranberry Christmas Cocktail? Look no further than the Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail! This cocktail is perfect for cold winter nights, with its warm and comforting flavors of bourbon whiskey and seasonal cranberries.
The brown sugar and cranberry simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while the rosemary garnish adds a fresh and earthy aroma. This cocktail is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite bourbon brand. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, the Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is sure to impress.
22. Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that make it a great choice for any holiday party. This cocktail is made with fresh cranberries, maple syrup, bourbon, and cranberry juice, creating a unique and delicious taste that is sure to impress your guests.
The cocktail is garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few cranberries, making it a beautiful addition to any holiday party. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve this holiday season, the Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
23. Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail
The Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail is a must-try this holiday season. This warm and comforting cocktail is made with homemade cranberry juice, seasonal spices, and a splash of vodka. The recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a virgin drink as well.
The cocktail can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. The garnish of fresh cranberries and star anise adds a festive touch to the drink. Overall, the Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail is a delicious and cozy way to celebrate the holidays.
24. Cranberry Thyme Martini
The Cranberry Thyme Martini is a delightful addition to any Christmas cocktail menu. This cocktail can be made two ways, with vodka or gin, and both versions are equally delicious. The cranberry simple syrup infused with thyme adds a subtle herb flavor to the cocktail, which is balanced out with a squeeze of lemon and additional cranberry juice.
The vodka version is perfect for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail, while the gin version topped with club soda is a great option for those who love a fizzy drink. If you're looking for a signature cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season, the Cranberry Thyme Martini is definitely worth considering.
25. Christmas Cranberry Sangria
Looking for a festive drink to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Christmas Cranberry Sangria. This cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with cranberries adding a touch of holiday cheer. The addition of Prosecco and soda water gives it a dry fizz, while orange, rosemary, and star anise bring a Christmas twist.
It's a great recipe to make ahead of time, with the cranberry syrup able to be prepared up to a week in advance. So why not add this delicious and easy-to-make cocktail to your holiday menu and impress your guests with a taste of the season?
26. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic bourbon old-fashioned. Made with fresh cranberries, bitters, and good quality bourbon, it's a perfect cocktail for the holiday season.
The tart and sweet taste of the cranberries complements the bourbon perfectly, and a large ice cube or ice sphere keeps the drink cool without watering it down. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail for the holidays, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
27. Cranberry Mojitos
The Cranberry Mojito is a refreshing and flavorful holiday cocktail that will definitely get you in the festive spirit. Made with fresh cranberry simple syrup, lime, rum, and plenty of mint, this cocktail is perfect for any Christmas party or gathering.
The addition of the cranberry flavor gives the classic mojito a holiday twist, making it a unique and delicious drink to serve to your guests. The vibrant red color of the cocktail also makes it a festive addition to any holiday table. If you're looking for a fun and tasty cocktail to serve this holiday season, the Cranberry Mojito is definitely worth trying!
28. Cranberry Margaritas
Looking for a festive and delicious cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Cranberry Margarita! This cocktail is a perfect blend of tart cranberry juice, tequila, and lime, with a sugared cranberry garnish that adds a pop of color and sweetness.
The recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the end result is a beautiful and tasty cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large party, the Cranberry Margarita is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and festive this cocktail can be?
29. The Christmas Martini
Looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering? Look no further than "The Christmas Martini"! Made with unsweetened cranberry juice and Cointreau, this vodka-based martini is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
With its bright red color and orange perfume flavor, it's sure to be a hit among guests. Plus, with the option to make a pitcher for a crowd, it's an easy and impressive cocktail to serve. Don't miss out on this delicious and festive drink!
30. Orange Cranberry Margarita
The Orange Cranberry Margarita is a delightful holiday cocktail that combines the tangy taste of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges. This cocktail is perfect for those who love margaritas but want to try something new. The recipe is easy to make and can be served in a pitcher for a group of people. To keep the cocktail cold, store it in the fridge or keep it on ice.
You can also add frozen cranberries to give it a festive touch. This cocktail is part of a larger article that features other holiday-themed cocktails such as apple cider bourbon whiskey cocktails, pumpkin beer cocktails, caramel apple cocktails, slow cooker mulled wine, and peppermint chocolate martinis. If you're a fan of cranberry, then this cocktail is a must-try.
31. Gin and Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
Looking for a festive and refreshing way to celebrate the holidays? Look no further than the Gin and Cranberry Christmas Cocktail. This cocktail combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the floral and herbaceous notes of gin, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Topped with a gorgeous foam and a sprinkle of festive decorations, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a cozy night in, the Gin and Cranberry Christmas Cocktail is a must-try this holiday season.
32. Bourbon & Vodka Spiked Party Punch
Looking for a festive and boozy holiday punch to serve at your Christmas or New Year's Eve party? Look no further than the Bourbon & Vodka Spiked Party Punch. This bubbly cocktail is made with a mix of bourbon, vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemonade, and ginger ale, creating a zingy and refreshing drink that's perfect for celebrating the holidays.
Plus, the recipe is easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a great option for entertaining a crowd. So why not add this delicious punch to your holiday drinks menu and raise a glass to the season?
33. Poinsettia Spritz Punch
If you're looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your holiday party, then the Poinsettia Spritz Punch is definitely worth considering. This fizzy cranberry cocktail with a hint of St. Germain is perfect for those who love champagne and want to add a touch of elegance to their holiday celebration.
The addition of fresh cranberries adds a festive touch to the drink, making it perfect for the holiday season. While the recipe is simple and easy to make, the flavors are complex and delicious. So, if you're looking for a cocktail that's both easy to make and impressive to serve, the Poinsettia Spritz Punch is definitely worth trying.
34. Cranberry Old-Fashioned
The Cranberry Old-Fashioned is a must-try Christmas cocktail for bourbon lovers. This cocktail is made with cranberry sauce, bourbon, and a few other ingredients that blend together to create a sweet and tart flavor. The bourbon is the star of the show, but the cranberries add a nice touch of color and flavor.
Bitters are used to balance the flavors and add depth to the drink. This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful drink to serve this holiday season, the Cranberry Old-Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
35. Cranberry Sage Cocktail
The Cranberry Sage Cocktail is a gin-based cocktail that perfectly combines the freshness and tartness of cranberry with the juniper tones of gin. This cocktail is a beautiful addition to any holiday table and is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
The recipe was re-created from Seasons 52, a restaurant that changes its menu with the seasons, ensuring fresh ingredients and fantastic presentations. The Cranberry Sage Cocktail is a hit and is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful color and delicious flavor. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve this holiday season, the Cranberry Sage Cocktail is a must-try.
36. Cranberry Tequila Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Tequila Old Fashioned is a unique and festive twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail. The recipe calls for a combination of cranberry juice, tequila, simple syrup, and bitters, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of bitterness. The drink is garnished with an orange peel twist, adding a touch of citrus to the mix.
This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, and is sure to impress your guests with its unexpected flavor combination. If you're looking for a new and exciting holiday cocktail to try, the Cranberry Tequila Old Fashioned is definitely worth a taste.
37. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
The Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a must-try cocktail for the holiday season. It is a delightful twist on the classic Hot Toddy recipe, with the addition of unsweetened cranberry juice and warm spices like star anise and cloves. This sweet and tart cocktail is perfect for cozying up by the fire on a cold winter night.
The recipe is forgiving, so you can easily substitute ingredients if you don't have everything on hand. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve at your holiday gathering, the Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is definitely worth a try.
