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This Cranberry Christmas Cocktail is a festive drink that brightens up holiday gatherings with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. It balances tart cranberry and blood-orange juices with smooth vodka and a touch of sweetness, making it a refreshing choice for celebrating the season.
I first mixed this up during a cozy winter party and it instantly became the signature drink everyone asked for again. Its combination of fresh juice and fragrant garnishes makes it feel special without any fuss.
Ingredients
- Cranberry juice cocktail: Three ounces offers a tart and sweet base that defines the flavor
- Fresh blood-orange juice: Two ounces adds bright citrus notes and a vibrant red color choose a large, ripe blood orange for best juice
- Vodka: One and a half ounces brings a clean spirit backbone to the drink use your favorite quality brand
- Simple syrup: Half an ounce balances the tartness with gentle sweetness homemade is great to control flavor
- Ice: Chills the cocktail perfectly without watering it down fast
- Simple syrup for rimming: If you want a sweet finishing touch that complements the drink
- Super fine granulated sugar for rimming: Adds a festive sparkle and slight crunch
- Thin slices of blood-orange: Create an elegant fruit garnish and enhance aroma
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Provide a piney, herbaceous note that is distinctly seasonal
- Food grade cinnamon sticks: Contribute warm spice and look beautiful as a garnish
- Fresh cranberries: Bring a pop of color and subtle tartness while reinforcing the holiday theme
Instructions
- Scoop the Ice and Combine Liquids:
- Add about three quarters of a cup of ice to your cocktail shaker. Pour in the cranberry juice cocktail, blood-orange juice, vodka, and simple syrup. The ice helps chill the drink quickly and dilutes slightly to smooth the flavors.
- Shake It Well:
- Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds until the mixture is well blended and chilled. This step chills everything evenly and creates a nice texture.
- Prepare Your Glass:
- Fill a 10-ounce low-ball cocktail glass with about half a cup of ice. If you want to rim the glass, do that before adding ice. Use simple syrup to moisten the rim and dip it into super fine granulated sugar to create a festive sparkle.
- Strain and Serve:
- Remove the shaker lid and strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared glass over the ice.
- Add Garnishes:
- Place a thin blood-orange slice on the rim or floating on top, tuck in a fresh rosemary sprig and cinnamon stick for aroma, and drop in three to four fresh cranberries. These garnishes provide aroma, texture, and visual appeal.
I love the fresh rosemary sprig because it releases a subtle pine scent when you bring the glass close, instantly putting me in a festive mood. It reminds me of decorating the tree while sipping this drink, a wonderful sensory memory from past holidays.
Storage Tips
If making ahead, mix the juices and vodka separately and chill them in the fridge but add ice and garnish just before serving for the best taste and presentation. Simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks and made in larger batches.
Ingredient Substitutions
If blood oranges are unavailable, regular navel or Valencia oranges will work though they lack the deep red color and slightly different flavor. Cranberry juice cocktail can be replaced by 100 percent pure cranberry juice plus a bit of additional simple syrup if you prefer less acidity. Vodka can be swapped for gin for a more herbal note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in clear low-ball glasses to showcase the cocktail’s beautiful color. Pair with light appetizers such as prosciutto wrapped melon or herbed cheeses for a harmonious festive spread. For larger parties, double or triple the recipe in a punch bowl but keep the garnishes fresh on individual servings.
This festive cocktail combines bright flavors and easy preparation for memorable holiday celebrations.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What juices are used in this cocktail?
Cranberry juice cocktail and fresh blood-orange juice provide the base flavors.
- → How should the glass be prepared?
The rim can be coated with simple syrup then superfine sugar for an added sweet crunch.
- → What garnishes complement the drink?
Thin blood-orange slices, fresh rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries enhance flavor and appearance.
- → Can the simple syrup amount be adjusted?
Yes, adjust the simple syrup to taste for desired sweetness.
- → Is shaking necessary for mixing?
Shaking with ice chills and blends the ingredients, creating a balanced, smooth drink.