As a bartender, I've seen it all when it comes to cocktails. From the classics like a Manhattan or a Margarita, to the more eccentric concoctions like a Bacon Bloody Mary or a Lavender Lemonade Martini.
But there's one flavor that always stands out, especially during the winter season: cranberry.
Cranberries are a staple in holiday meals, but they also make for a great addition to cocktails. Their tart and slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with gin, creating a refreshing and festive drink.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to cranberry gin cocktails, and I've had the pleasure of trying many of them.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of the best cranberry gin cocktail recipes that I've come across. These drinks are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday party or just enjoying a cozy night in.
From simple and classic to more complex and adventurous, there's something for everyone. So grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
1. Cranberry Gin Cocktail
The Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a festive and delicious drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with cranberry juice, gin, triple sec, and a splash of ginger ale, this cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic Vodka Cranberry with Lime.
The orange-flavored triple sec complements the tartness of the cranberry juice, while the ginger ale adds a hint of sweetness and fizz. The garnish of fresh cranberries and an orange slice adds a pop of color and flavor to the drink. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to serve at your next holiday party, give the Cranberry Gin Cocktail a try.
2. Cranberry Gin Fizz
The Cranberry Gin Fizz is a festive and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for holiday parties or a quiet night in. Made with gin, cranberry sauce, sparkling water, and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail is easy to prepare and has a pretty pink color that will impress your guests.
The sugar rim and garnishes are optional but add a fancy touch to the drink. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, the gin can be left out and the cranberry sauce can be muddled directly into the club soda or sparkling water. Overall, the Cranberry Gin Fizz is a delicious and simple cocktail that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
3. Cranberry Gin and Tonic
The Cranberry Gin and Tonic is a festive twist on the classic gin and tonic cocktail. This version features the addition of cranberry juice and fresh cranberries, which give the drink a beautiful red color and a sweet-tart flavor.
The cocktail is served over ice with a squeeze of lime and topped with tonic water. It's a simple yet delicious drink that's perfect for the holiday season. If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail, the Cranberry Gin and Tonic is definitely worth trying.
4. Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail
The Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for any occasion. Made with cranberry juice, good quality gin, lychee juice from canned lychees, and carbonated water, this cocktail is easy to make and takes less than 5 minutes to whip up. The sweetness of the lychee and cranberry is a wonderful combination that is perfectly balanced with the taste of gin.
The cocktail can be made sweeter by adding more lychee juice from the can. The drink can be garnished with canned lychees, fresh cranberries, and mint, making it a classy beverage that is perfect for parties or a relaxing evening. Overall, the Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail.
5. Cranberry Gin Shaker
The Cranberry Gin Shaker is a must-try cocktail this holiday season. This drink is a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it very drinkable. The cranberry simple syrup, made with frozen or fresh cranberries, adds a festive touch to the cocktail. The candied cranberries used as a garnish give a pop of color and a sweet, tart flavor to the drink.
This cocktail is not a gin fizz, but it has a similar taste profile without the added bubbles. Adding mint leaves to the top of the drink creates a beautiful red and green color palette. The Cranberry Gin Shaker is a crowd-pleaser and will surely add some holiday cheer to any party.
6. Gin and Cranberry Juice Cocktail
The Gin and Cranberry Juice Cocktail is a festive and fun drink that is perfect for Christmas parties with friends and family. Made with premium gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, cranberry bitters, and soda, this cocktail is garnished with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig, making it the perfect holiday drink.
The red color of the drink is absolutely festive, getting everyone into the holiday spirit. This cocktail is easy to make at home and is full of healthy ingredients like cranberries, lemons, and rosemary, which are rich sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday gathering, the Gin and Cranberry Juice Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
7. Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail is a festive and refreshing drink made with homemade cranberry orange syrup, gin, lemon juice, and a fizzy topping. The sweet and tart cranberry syrup pairs perfectly with the pine-like taste of gin, while the citrus fizz adds a refreshing touch.
It's easy to make and requires no special cocktail tools, making it a great choice for beginners. The sugared cranberries make for a beautiful garnish, making it a perfect drink for the holiday season.
8. Cranberry Gin and Tonic With Rosemary
The Cranberry Gin and Tonic with Rosemary is a festive and refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic. The tart cranberry juice and fragrant rosemary leaves create a complex and balanced flavor profile that is perfect for those who prefer their cocktails not too sweet.
The cocktail is visually stunning, with bright red cranberry juice, green lime wedges, and silver rosemary leaves. It's best served in a tall highball or large globe glass, with a sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish.
9. Cranberry Gin Blush Cocktail
The Cranberry Gin Blush Cocktail is a perfect Valentine's Day drink that will definitely put you in the mood for love. Made with cranberry gin, St. Germain, Bitter Lemon, and rhubarb bitters, this cocktail has a lovely pink hue that is perfect for the occasion.
The cranberry gin adds a slightly tart flavor, while the St. Germain adds a sweet floral note. The Bitter Lemon and rhubarb bitters give the cocktail a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness. Overall, the Cranberry Gin Blush Cocktail is a refreshing and romantic drink that is perfect for any special occasion.
10. Cranberry Gin & Tonic
The Cranberry Gin & Tonic is a festive twist on the classic gin and tonic, perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is made with cranberry infused gin and served with cranberry spiked ice cubes for an extra burst of flavor.
The addition of lime adds a refreshing touch to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for a cozy night in, the Cranberry Gin & Tonic is sure to impress.
11. Christmas Cranberry Gin Cocktail
If you're a fan of gin and looking for a festive twist, the Christmas Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a must-try. This cocktail is the perfect blend of cranberries, gin, and soda, making it a refreshing and delicious drink for any holiday party. The cocktail is easy to make and can be served with ice, fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and a slice of lime to give it a beautiful and inviting look.
The use of Brighton Gin's Seaside Strength Navy Gin, with its fresh citrus and coriander notes, really helps to bring out the Christmas flavors in this cocktail. Overall, the Christmas Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a great addition to any holiday celebration and is sure to impress your guests.
12. Spiced Cranberry Gin Fizz
The Spiced Cranberry Gin Fizz is a festive and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and ginger beer, this cocktail is spiced up with orange and angostura bitters, and topped off with a frothy egg white foam.
The combination of sweet and tart flavors, with a touch of spice, makes this cocktail a crowd-pleaser that will get you in the holiday spirit. The addition of rosemary or thyme garnish adds an extra touch of elegance to this already beautiful drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that is easy to make and full of seasonal flavors, the Spiced Cranberry Gin Fizz is the perfect choice.
13. Ginger Cranberry Gin Fizz
The Ginger Cranberry Gin Fizz is a sweet and fizzy cocktail that combines the classic seasonal flavor of cranberry with the zing of ginger and the boldness of gin. Even if you're not a fan of gin, this cocktail might just change your mind.
The pungent taste of gin mixes perfectly with the other flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and boldness. It's a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to add a little holiday cheer to their drink menu.
14. Cranberry Gin Christmas Cocktail
The Cranberry Gin Christmas Cocktail is a festive and indulgent drink that is perfect for the holiday season. The combination of cranberries, maple, and rosemary creates a wintertime flavor that is both classic and delicious. This cocktail can be made ahead of time and stored until ready for serving, making it an easy option for holiday parties.
It can also be adjusted to cater to different preferences and needs, including a non-alcoholic mocktail version. Overall, the Cranberry Gin Christmas Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty and festive holiday drink.
15. Pink Cranberry and Gin Martini
The Pink Cranberry and Gin Martini is a perfect cocktail to serve at any party or gathering. This pretty pink drink is easy to make and tastes great. The combination of gin, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur creates a balanced and fruity flavor. The cocktail is garnished with fresh cranberries, which adds a pop of color to the drink.
This martini is a lighter and fruitier version of the classic gin martini. It's perfect for those who prefer a less strong drink. The recipe variations allow you to adjust the sweetness and strength of the drink according to your preference. If you're a fan of martinis, this Pink Cranberry and Gin Martini is definitely worth trying.
16. Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail is a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Infused with cranberries and rosemary, the simple syrup adds a unique twist to the cocktail and gives it a gorgeous blush color. The addition of lime juice and ginger beer adds a nice fizziness and complementary taste.
The clean taste of gin makes it a great choice for this cocktail, and it can be used in a multitude of other cocktails as well. Whether you're a cocktail newbie or an experienced bartender, this easy cocktail will definitely impress your guests. Whip it up and enjoy the winter feel with this delicious and refreshing cocktail.
17. Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic
The Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic is a festive and flavorful twist on the classic gin and tonic. Made with homemade cranberry simple syrup infused with thyme, this cocktail is perfect for the holiday season. The botanical blend of gin pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberry and the herbaceous notes of thyme.
Garnished with fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs, this cocktail is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a seasonal cocktail to enjoy, the Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic is a must-try.
18. Cranberry Negroni
The Cranberry Negroni is a perfect cocktail for the holiday season. This cocktail recipe is a twist on the classic Negroni, where both the Campari and gin are infused with cranberries, giving it a tart and fruity flavor.
The cranberries lend a bit of a tang to the cocktail, making it perfect for those who like a boozy tipple. The ingredients are easy to measure, making it a quick and easy cocktail to make. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful drink this holiday season.
19. Cranberry Gin With Grapefruit and Star Anise
Looking for a festive and unique cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than the Cranberry Gin with Grapefruit and Star Anise. This cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a hint of spice from the star anise. The cranberry-infused gin adds a festive touch, making it a perfect addition to your holiday party.
The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. So, if you're looking to impress your guests with a delicious and unique cocktail this holiday season, give the Cranberry Gin with Grapefruit and Star Anise a try.
20. Spiced Cranberry Gin Punch With Frosted Rosemary
Looking for a festive and bright cocktail to serve during the holiday season? Look no further than the Spiced Cranberry Gin Punch with Frosted Rosemary! This inventive cocktail features a homemade spiced cranberry simple syrup, mixed with cucumber and rose infused gin, fresh lemon and clementine juice, and a dash of orange bitters.
The cocktail is then topped with a sprig of frosted rosemary and fresh cranberries for a wintery touch. The balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors in this cocktail is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Be sure to add this grown-up gin punch recipe to your list of must-try cocktails this season!
21. Cranberry Sage Cocktail
The Cranberry Sage Cocktail is a gin-based cocktail that perfectly combines the juniper tones of gin with the tartness of cranberry. This cocktail is not only beautiful in appearance but also a perfect addition to any holiday table. The addition of sage adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the cranberry and gin perfectly.
This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious drink during the holiday season. If you're unable to visit Seasons 52, the restaurant where this cocktail originated, you can easily recreate it at home. This cocktail is a hit and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
22. Winter Woods Spritz
The Winter Woods Spritz is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with cedar gin, fresh cranberry juice, and cardamom, this cocktail is a unique twist on the classic gin and tonic.
The cedar gin adds a subtle woodsy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the cranberry juice and the warmth of the cardamom. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting this holiday season. So why not try the Winter Woods Spritz and add a little sparkle to your holiday celebrations?
