13 Easy Cranberry Cocktail Recipes

When you want a refreshing drink that has the fall flavors you crave, you’ll need a cranberry cocktail.

Cranberries are one of the first super fruits found in America. In fact, Native Americans used this versatile berry as a food staple as far back as 1550. Native Americans ate cranberries, ground, fresh, or baked into bread after being mashed with cornbread. In 1620, Pilgrims also fell in love with cranberries.

This beautifully colored cranberry drink is the perfect way to get more into the winter season while you’re hanging out with friends or family.

A cranberry juice cocktail usually has a unique tart flavor that you don’t get with a lot of other cocktails.

Cranberry cocktails have long been a favorite for many, offering a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and refreshing flavors. These cocktails are not only visually appealing, but also versatile enough to please palates throughout the year. You’ll find they’re a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both casual get-togethers and festive celebrations.

As you explore the world of cranberry cocktails, you’ll discover an array of options that make use of this vibrant and flavorful fruit. Whether you prefer a sophisticated twist on a classic or a unique concoction, there’s sure to be something that matches your personal tastes. Experimenting with different ingredients and mixers will open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to create your own signature cranberry-based cocktail.

You’ll find a range of cranberry alcoholic drinks from the cosmopolitan to the sea breeze. There are plenty of cranberry vodka drinks too if you want something that takes practically no time to make.

Every cranberry cocktail recipe in this list has ingredients you’d be able to find at any liquor store so they should be easy to gather.

Pick your favorite mixed drinks with cranberry juice from below so you can have the perfect fall weather cocktail ready to go.

What is cranberry juice vs cranberry juice cocktail?

When you see a vodka cran recipe they usually have the sweetened version but you can actually substitute 100% real cranberry juice instead. It has more of a tart flavor and you’ll notice it says 100% juice on the label.

When you’re making a classic vodka and cranberry juice cocktails, try out using both types to see which ones you prefer. Most cocktails will have added sugars in the ingredients so using a juice with more sugar might be too much.

Using unsweetened juice

The real reason you want to use unsweetened cranberry juice in your cranberry mixed drinks is that you control how sweet it really is.

If you use the sweetened version your drink could easily become too sweet when you add in the rest of the ingredients. By using the unsweetened version, you can add in the other ingredients and then add in more sugar if it isn’t sweet enough.

Try using maple syrup in your cocktails to add some extra sweetness. It gives more of the fall flavors you might enjoy mixed with the cranberry flavor.

This might not work out for the classic vodka cranberry cocktail as much as other drinks, but it’s still worth a try.

Source: jessicainthekitchen.com

1. Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz

The holidays are upon you, the family is gathering, and you need a warm cocktail that will fill you up with the holiday spirit.

That’s when you turn to the winter cranberry gin fizz because it has all the spices you crave when it’s cold outside.

Source: inspiredbycharm.com

2. Cosmopolitan Cocktail

The classic cosmopolitan cocktail is one of the most well-known cranberry cocktails of all time. It also looks beautiful too!

The brilliant pink color and the refreshing but tangy flavor really make this cocktail something special.

It’s the perfect drink to bust out when you have some friends over because each guest will feel like a million bucks once they have a drink in their hand.

It’s not the kind you make in batches though so get ready to spend a little more time if you want to be serving these all night.

Source: foodologygeek.com

3. Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

When you have that special moment in your life that needs to be celebrated, nothing will do like the cranberry champagne cocktail.

This new twist on the classic drink is going to be perfect for special occasions or when you want to get fancy with it.

You can give this as a wedding gift, serve it at engagement parties, bridal showers, and so much more.

It’s one of the best drinks to get people excited about the next big thing that’s happening in your life.

Source: pizzazzerie.com

4. Sea Breeze Cocktail

If you’re heading out on a beach vacation, you’ll need one of the best cranberry alcoholic drinks to make it feel like the real deal.

The sea breeze is perfect for taking you to a beach bar on the coast even if you’re hundreds of miles from the ocean.

The great thing about this drink is that it has a little twist to it so you don’t need any other ingredients aside from cranberry juice, vodka, and grapefruit soda.

It’s a vodka cranberry cocktail that has proven it’s worth it when you need something to relax with.

Source: wellplated.com

5. St Germain & Cranberry Cocktail

St Germain is one of the best liquor brands on the market today and one of the reasons why is because it’s so easy to mix with liquors.

This cranberry cocktail uses St Germain elderflower liqueur, cranberry, and a bit of lime for that classic flavor you love in a cocktail.

It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve or other special occasions when you want something different to drink.

Source: vinepair.com

6. Vodka Cranberry Cocktail

Where the cranberry and vodka name comes from, this classic cocktail uses sweetened cranberry juice for the cocktail itself. It’s the perfect drink to make if you know you want something sweet but doesn’t want anything else added in.

This is the kind of cranberry cocktail recipe that you can just grab and go because it doesn’t have anything too complicated about it.

All you’ll need is vodka, cranberry juice, and club soda so it’s a drink you can make at any time and is great for large parties.

Add in a little grenadine syrup to the mix if you want that extra surprise of sweet flavor or use it as a stirrer to enjoy the taste of cranberry vodka a little better.

Source: withspice.com

7. Cranberry Martini

Looking for a bit of class when you’re having your cranberry alcohol drinks? You need to try this cranberry martini.

It goes above and beyond just being a mixer to make sure you have a sweet classic drink for your night in.

The cranberry juice will give it an amazing color and the sweet taste is going to be perfect when it’s cold out or if you’re stressed from work.

Source: sugarandsoul.co

8. Bay Breeze Cocktail

When you need to wind down and want to feel the sand in between your toes even from your couch, try out the Bay Breeze cocktail.

This simple drink is one of the best vodka cranberry cocktails because it doesn’t have any harsh flavors to deal with.

It will give you a fruity flavor that’s both tangy and sweet so your taste buds can relax too.

It’s got a beautiful tropical feel with pineapple juice and you can give it an exotic garnish for fun.

Source: toastmag.co.nz

9. Rum & Cranberry Cocktail

This rum and cranberry cocktail is another one that is incredibly easy to make so it’s perfect for having a bunch of friends over.

You can keep serving them up all night if you have a pitcher ready and waiting.

It’s a great way to start off the party and make sure everyone has a fun drink in hand.

If you’re looking for a vodka cranberry cocktail that has a twist, this is one of the best drinks to try out because it mixes two flavors together for something special.

Source: kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com

10. Cranberry Margarita

The margarita has been a popular party drink for a long time and even though cranberry juice isn’t the main ingredient, it’s still going to add its own special twist.

The other ingredients in this vodka cranberry cocktail will give you a sweet base flavor that makes it perfect for holiday parties or just your night in front of the TV.

Put some salt on the rim of the glass to get the full experience and make sure you have some lime wedges to go with it.

You’ll love the color of this marg compared to the traditional and it’s a great way to mix up a classic drink you already love.

Source: feastandwest.com

11. Madras Cocktail

If you’re looking for a cranberry cocktail you might not have had before, try out this Madras cocktail.

To make this, you’ll need orange juice, cranberry juice, and your favorite type of vodka.

This is a great drink for brunches, dinners, or even on a date night with your significant other.

The sweet flavor will make you think of summertime and fruity drinks on vacation while adding in some liquor to make it more adult-friendly.

Source: sheshaved.com

12. Cranberry Moscow Mule

This is one of the perfect drinks to make during the winter months because it will warm your insides.

It’s a vodka cranberry cocktail that uses ginger beer instead of soda to give it that unique flavor you’ll love.

You’ll feel cozy with this drink in hand and there are endless ways to serve it up. If you have a copper mug, it’s the best way to give this cocktail a classy feel.

The cranberry gives it a perfect flavor to match the winter season when you want a drink by the fire.

Source: chiselandfork.com

13. Cranberry Mimosa

Saturday afternoon brunch won’t be the same after this cranberry mimosa.

The best thing about this version of the mimosa is that you can actually mix both orange juice and cranberry juice together to get the best of both worlds.

The light and bubbly cocktail is perfect for brunch sessions with friends or on special occasions when you want to celebrate something special.

The mimosa is one of the easiest cocktail drinks to make because it only takes two ingredients so you’ll be able to serve them all afternoon.

Our Best Cranberry Cocktail Recipes (+Sea Breeze Cocktail)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 6 votes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz. cranberry juice
  • 1 1/2 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. grapefruit juice
  • Lime wedges and maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice in a large glass of ice cubes.
  • Stir well to combine, or use a cocktail shaker to shake.
  • Garnish with lime wedges.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal
Keyword cranberry cocktail recipes, sea breeze cocktail
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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
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