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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
