23 Cranberry Cocktails For The Festive Season

Looking for the perfect holiday cocktails? Then you’ve come to the right place! These cranberry cocktails are sure to bring out all the festive spirits.

In addition to being incredibly scrumptious, cranberries also compliment cocktails perfectly.

These tart, bright berries not only provide a deliciously fruity flavor to your drink but they deliver a mesmerizing color, too.

For this holiday season, why not spruce up your drinks with these yummy cranberry desserts and cranberry cocktail recipes?

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From Cuban mojito recipes and sangrias to mimosas and margaritas, this article provides you with a range of all your favorite boozy blends.

1. Cosmopolitan Cocktail

While the thought of a cosmopolitan cocktail may sound difficult. It is surprisingly simple to make.

This vibrant concoction is suitable for all occasions and with only a couple of ingredients, it’s a breeze to make, as well.

2. Cranberry Mojitos

You can officially get the party started with these vibrant and festive cranberry mojitos! This colorful sparkling cocktail is both tart, sweet, and utterly delightful.

One of the best things about the holidays is gatherings with your family and friends and what better way to do this than over a glass of this refreshing cocktail? It is sure to get the tone for the evening.

No crazy bartending skills are required with this cocktail and with five ingredients – sugar, white rum, seltzer water, mint, and lime juice – you’ll have this drink whipped up in minutes.

If you’re in the mood for a twist, you can also explore vodka mojito recipes to add variety to your cocktail repertoire.

3. St Germain & Cranberry Cocktail

Looking for a more sophisticated cocktail to introduce at your formal dinner parties or occasions, well you have to try this St Germain & cranberry cocktail!

St Germain pairs perfectly with vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon, and, of course, cranberry – the ultimate blend of irresistible flavors.

4. Cranberry Margarita

It doesn’t get more classic than this cranberry margarita.

Invented in the 1930s, this drink has definitely stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular cocktails.

This recipe presents a modern twist to the classic unsweetened, rather tart cocktail by adding a special ingredient: a simple syrup.

All you need for this recipe is cranberry juice, tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and, of course, simple syrup, or maple syrup.

5. Long Beach Iced Tea

While we’ve all heard of the long island iced tea, have you ever heard of the long beach iced tea?

Cranberry juice is the main ingredient in this cocktail which distinguishes it from any other iced tea cocktail.

6. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Take the classic Moscow Mule and enhance it with a cranberry twist – you will not be disappointed, trust us!

Traditional Moscow Mules are tangy, refreshing, and can be made straight in a mug, perfect for winter entertainment. However, the fruity spin takes it to a whole new level.

For this recipe, all you’ll need is vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and natural cranberry juice, for the perfect balance of flavors.

The best thing about this recipe is that you can prepare it all in one cup; no need to make unnecessary dirty dishes! You’ll have this whipped up in no time.

7. Sea Breeze Cocktail

This sea breeze cocktail is refreshing and light, perfect for both the summer and winter months.

It is an icon of the 1980s and remains one of the most popular drinks to this day. If you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why!

In this refreshing boozy drink, cranberry juice meets vodka and grapefruit juice for the perfect blast of flavors.

If you’re missing the beach and sun during the winter, one sip of this drink and you’ll be sunbathing in the summer heat.

8. The Blizzard Cocktail

If you’re a fan of bourbon, then you are going to love this next cocktail.

Bourbon is combined with cranberry juice, a simple syrup, and lemon juice, to create the perfect cocktail for all your winter occasions.

If the thought of bourbon puts you off due to its naturally strong taste, well you don’t have to worry about that with this drink!

The tartness and sweetness of the cranberries work in harmony with the bourbon to create a ridiculously refreshing cocktail, you won’t even taste the alcohol!

9. Cranberry Mimosa

Sometimes the simplest of recipes have the most impact, that goes for this cranberry mimosa, as well.

Looking just as good as it tastes, for this recipe all you need are three ingredients: cranberries, cranberry juice, and sparkling wine or champagne.

Keep these ingredients on hand for those impromptu social gatherings!

With as little as three minutes, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time socializing with your friends and family.

10. Bay Breeze Cocktail

This bay breeze cocktail is a simple mixed drink that brings the Hawaiian flavors straight to your doorstep by introducing a tangy pineapple to the cranberry and vodka mix.

Similar to the sea breeze cocktail; however, both drinks are outrageously refreshing and packed with flavor.

It falls into the category of mixed drinks known as ‘duos’ or ‘trios’. Essentially, these are uncomplicated tall drinks that consist of a combination of liquor with one or two fruits.

These types of drinks are not only refreshing and flavorful but they are typically easy on the budget, as well!

11. Vodka Cranberry Cocktail

Looking for the easiest cocktail ever? Well, you’ve come to the right place. With only a few ingredients – vodka, simple syrup, lime, and cranberry juice – this is the ultimate no-effort cocktail.

While the thought of vodka may sound intimidating, what’s better (or worse!) is that this drink goes down a treat.

The ingredients are perfectly balanced so you don’t get any overpowering flavors that leave you feeling nauseous.

When serving this no-frills drink, you can simply assemble it over rocks, no need for a shaker or fancy equipment, anything goes with this drink!

12. Cranberry Zombie Cocktail

If you’re looking for a refreshingly tart drink, then this vintage cocktail might be the one for you!

Popularized in 1934, this cocktail has been a hit ever since.

While it is known as a skull punch (and may leave you behaving like a zombie after one too many), don’t let this scare you off from the utterly decadent flavors.

This cranberry zombie features a beautiful blend of fruits and rum which will leave your taste buds salivating for more.

13. Madras Cocktail

This Madras cocktail is a simple blend of vodka and juice. While it may be simple, it sure does pack a punch.

Vodka is combined with orange juice, cranberry juice, and a lime garnish for the ultimate refreshment.

Essentially, it is a spin of the classic Cape Codder by the inclusion of orange juice. It is served in a tall glass over ice.

This cocktail was the highlight of the 80s and while it may not be as popular as it once was, it is making a comeback, and we’re so here for it!

14. Cranberry Rosemary Champagne Cocktail

Not a fan of overly-sweet cocktails? Then this is the perfect cocktail for you.

Cranberry rosemary champagne cocktails are fizzy, festive, and not-to-sweet, making them brilliant for the holiday season.

On top of being delicious, they are also visually immaculate. The green lavender sprigs, the ruby-red cranberries, and the breathtaking ombre colors make this drink especially pretty.

With every sip, you’ll experience zesty citrus, warming cinnamon, sweet champagne, and tart berries – an explosion of delicious flavors.

15. Cranberry Gin And Tonic

Try this classic gin and tonic with a wintery twist by including cranberries. Cranberry and lime come together for a sharp, tart flavor which is balanced by the herbal gin and bitter tonic water.

While it may look like a basic cocktail, the flavors couldn’t be more extraordinary!

The contract of the lime and cranberry creates a beautiful tart yet sweet concoction. If you want to impress your friends, this cocktail will help you do so.

Featuring a brilliant red hue with deep, rich cranberries, vibrant lime wedges, and silvery lavender leaves, this cocktail is nothing more than a masterpiece.

16. Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail

Looking for a way to use up your cranberry sauce after all the winter festivities?

Well, this recipe is the perfect way to make the most out of those delicious cranberries with this cranberry sauce bourbon cocktail.

At the bottom, you’ll find a mixture of bourbon and cranberry sauce, which is all topped off with some ginger beer.

The warmth of the ginger beer and the sweetness of the sauce work in perfect harmony to create some decadent flavors that will have you reaching for more.

17. Washington Apple

Did you know these two ingredients are a match made in heaven? Apples and cranberries. This cocktail is proof of that.

Cranberry juice, apple liqueur, and whisky come together to work in harmony and make an utterly delicious fall cocktail.

Its tangy yet sweet flavors combine to produce autumn in a drink! Serve it at your next social gathering to get everyone hooked on this mouthwatering cocktail.

18. Cranberry Apple Sangria

Cranberries, apples, cloves, oranges, and cinnamon come together to produce the ultimate fall drink.

The special ingredient added to this wonderful concoction of sweetness and spice is some pinot grigio!

19. Cranberry Whiskey Sour

One of the best combinations in the cocktail world is whiskey and cranberries. This cocktail is a testament to this claim!

The colors and flavors complement one another perfectly. So, next time you’re reaching for a whiskey, try adding a few cranberries into the mix.

The tang of the cranberries with the lip-puckering flavor of the lemon blend seamlessly together to create the ultimate cocktail.

Add a finishing touch of a few lavender springs to elevate your whiskey experience.

With only four ingredients and two minutes of your time, you’ll have to drink served up at record speed.

The hardest challenge you’ll face is determining whether to shake or not to shake.

20. Spiced Cranberry Hot Today

Warm your whole body from your head to your toes with this spiced cranberry hot today.

This classic drink is composed of honey, hot water, and bourbon. However, to elevate the flavors of the drink, why not add some cranberries?

There is no better way to chase away the winter blues than with this heartwarming drink. Its tart flavors make the classic hot today even cozier.

21. Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail

Feel jolly this holiday season with this cranberry orange bourbon cocktail.

You’ll find the ultimate combination of cranberry juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and orange juice, which mix to create the perfect cocktail,

To add to the festive feel, add a few sprigs of rosemary and cranberries.

22. Poinsettia

Inspired by the stunning scarlet flower, you can see why this drink would brighten any room it is featured in.

This gorgeous concoction features a combination of Cointreau, champagne, and cranberry juice.

While its colors may entice you, its flavors will get you hooked – the mild sweetness will have your taste buds screaming with delight.

23. Cranberry Vodka Punch

Whatever the occasion, this cranberry vodka punch is the perfect holiday cocktail you’ve been looking for.

With only four ingredients and a large bowl, you’re officially one step closer to making this delectable drink.

A blend of ginger ale, vodka, lemonade, and cranberry juice come together to create the ultimate punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cranberry Juice Vs Cranberry Juice Cocktail?

• Cranberry juice – This is an unsweetened juice. It is typically labeled 100% juice and has a tart taste.
• Cranberry juice cocktail – This is sweetened with either added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup. Typically, more traditional cranberry cocktails will use this.

Final Thoughts

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by adding cranberries into all your favorite alcoholic beverages?

Cranberries provide just the perfect amount of sweetness that works great with strong-tasting spirits. Hopefully, this guide has inspired all your holiday festivities.