Christmas Cranberry Spritzer: 5-Minute Festive Fizz

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a light, bubbly holiday cocktail that’s as easy as it is festive! Imagine a drink that not only tastes incredible but also adds a splash of vibrant color to your holiday gatherings. Made with cranberry juice, vodka, and sparkling water, this spritzer is the perfect festive cranberry beverage. It requires just five minutes to prepare, making it ideal for both spontaneous celebrations and well-planned holiday parties. The stunning rosemary and cranberry garnish elevates its appearance, making it a showstopper at any event. Let’s dive into making this refreshing cocktail!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly refreshing! Here are some reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick to prepare—under 5 minutes!
Perfect for holiday gatherings, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Customizable with various spirits or non-alcoholic options.
Utilizes simple ingredients that you likely already have.
Stunning visual appeal with a beautiful red hue and garnish.
A great alternative to heavier holiday cocktails.

This refreshing cranberry cocktail is a delightful addition to your collection of non-alcoholic Christmas drink ideas, ensuring everyone can enjoy a festive beverage.

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

Gather these items:

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

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Spritzer Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fill a highball or wine glass with ice cubes to chill your cocktail.
Step 2: Pour 1½ ounces of vodka over the ice as the cocktail base.
Step 3: Pour in 3 ounces of cranberry juice, adding bright color and tart flavor.
Step 4: Add 4–5 ounces of soda or sparkling water. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive holiday touch. Serve immediately.

Christmas Cranberry Spritzer: 5-Minute Festive Fizz - Christmas Cranberry Spritzer - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

Keep these in mind:

Use 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor.
Experiment with different garnishes like mint or citrus slices.
For a non-alcoholic version, swap vodka for cranberry soda mocktail or sparkling water.
Serve immediately after mixing for optimal fizz.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

This holiday cranberry drink is versatile and can be served in various ways:

Pair with light appetizers like cheese platters or shrimp cocktails.
Serve at Christmas parties or New Year’s celebrations for a festive touch.
Make a large batch in a pitcher for easy serving at gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

Since this cocktail is best served fresh, it’s not recommended to store it after mixing. However, you can prepare the individual ingredients in advance. Mix the vodka and cranberry juice, keep it chilled, and then add soda water right before serving for that refreshing fizz.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cranberry Spritzer?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients. High-quality 100% cranberry juice provides the right balance of tartness and sweetness, while fresh garnishes elevate the drink’s presentation. Cranberry juice is also known for its health benefits.

Can I make Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ahead of time?

While you can prep the vodka and cranberry juice mix ahead of time, it’s best to add the soda water just before serving to maintain its effervescence and freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cranberry Spritzer?

One common mistake is over-mixing the soda, which can lead to a loss of fizz. Stir gently and serve immediately for the best experience.

Variations of Christmas Cranberry Spritzer You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with your cranberry spritzer! Here are some variations:

Swap vodka for gin for a unique twist with a cranberry and sparkling wine cocktail.
Add lime juice for a cranberry lime spritzer recipe that adds a refreshing twist.
Mix cranberry ginger ale drink for a sweeter option that’s a hit at Christmas gatherings.
Create a cranberry-infused sparkling drink by adding a splash of flavored seltzer.

These variations allow you to enjoy the best cranberry spritzer variations tailored to your guests’ preferences. For more festive drink ideas, check out Peppermint Christmas Float and Cranberry Custard Pie.