Looking for the perfect Christmas cocktail to serve at your holiday party? This easy cranberry spritzer recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and delivers a festive, bubbly drink everyone will love. With tart cranberry juice, vodka, and sparkling water, this refreshing Christmas drink is both beautiful and delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Spritzer
This festive cranberry cocktail is ideal for holiday entertaining. The combination of cranberry juice and sparkling water creates a light, refreshing drink that’s not too sweet. Plus, with only 3 main ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make for a crowd. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve, this holiday spritzer is always a hit.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Spritzer
- 1½ ounces vodka (or substitute with gin or white rum)
- 3 ounces cranberry juice (100% juice works best)
- 4-5 ounces soda water (or sparkling water)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Ingredient Substitutions
For a Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the vodka and increase the cranberry juice to 4 ounces for a delicious cranberry mocktail.
Alternative Spirits: Swap vodka for gin for an herbal twist, or use white rum for a sweeter flavor profile.
Juice Alternatives: Pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice work wonderfully in place of cranberry juice.
Sparkling Options: Try tonic water for a bitter edge, or ginger ale for extra spice and sweetness.
How to Make a Christmas Cranberry Spritzer
Step 1: Prep Your Glass
Fill a highball glass or wine glass with ice cubes. This keeps your holiday cocktail cold and refreshing.
Step 2: Add the Vodka
Pour 1½ ounces of vodka over the ice. This forms the boozy base of your festive drink.
Step 3: Add Cranberry Juice
Measure and pour 3 ounces of cranberry juice into the glass. The tart cranberry flavor gives this spritzer its signature taste.
Step 4: Top with Sparkling Water
Fill the glass with 4-5 ounces of soda water or sparkling water. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Add fresh cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. The rosemary adds a wonderful aroma that makes this Christmas drink extra special.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Spritzer
- Chill your ingredients beforehand for an extra-cold cocktail
- Use 100% cranberry juice rather than cranberry cocktail for a less sweet, more sophisticated flavor
- Make it a batch by multiplying the recipe and mixing in a pitcher for parties
- Adjust sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup if you prefer sweeter drinks
- Serve immediately to enjoy maximum carbonation
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120-150
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 0-1g
- Fat: 0g
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
When to Serve Christmas Cranberry Spritzers
This versatile holiday drink works perfectly for:
- Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations
- Holiday brunch or Christmas dinner
- Winter wedding receptions
- Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving gatherings
- Cozy nights by the fire
Make It a Mocktail
To create a non-alcoholic cranberry spritzer, simply omit the vodka and increase the cranberry juice slightly. You can also add a splash of orange juice or lime juice for extra complexity. This cranberry mocktail is perfect for kids, pregnant guests, or designated drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Mix the vodka and cranberry juice ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Add the sparkling water and ice just before serving to maintain the fizz.
What’s the best vodka for cranberry spritzers? Any quality vodka works well. Mid-range vodkas offer great value for mixed drinks.
How do I make this for a crowd? Multiply the recipe by the number of guests. Mix vodka and cranberry juice in a pitcher, then let guests add sparkling water and ice to their own glasses.
This easy Christmas cranberry spritzer is the perfect festive cocktail for your holiday celebrations. With its beautiful red color, refreshing taste, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become your go-to holiday drink recipe!
Christmas Cranberry Spritzer (Easy Holiday Cocktail)
Equipment
- Highball or wine glass
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Bar spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Ice cubes
Ingredients
- 1½ oz vodka (or gin or white rum)
- 3 oz cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
- 4-5 oz soda water or sparkling water
- fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
- fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a highball or wine glass with ice cubes to chill your cocktail.
- Pour 1½ ounces of vodka over the ice as the cocktail base.
- Pour in 3 ounces of cranberry juice. This adds bright color and tart flavor.
- Add 4–5 ounces of soda or sparkling water. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive holiday touch. Serve immediately.