Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
We’ve had our fair share of mixology adventures, so when we tell you that cranberry juice is a game-changer when crafting a luscious and refreshing cocktail, trust us.
Whether you’re a wine/champagne lover, a rum enthusiast, or prefer a splash of tequila, the possibilities are endless.
So buckle up, grab your shakers, and let’s explore the best alcoholic drinks with cranberry juice.
Top 15 Alcoholic Drinks With Cranberry Juice
15. Malibu Bay Breeze
Enjoy the tropical taste of pineapple with this simple cocktail recipe – Bay Breeze.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz pineapple juice
- 10z vodka
- 3oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1tsp maple syrup/simple syrup
Instructions: To make this Bay Breeze cocktail, combine pineapple juice and vodka in a glass with ice. In your shot glass, stir in cranberry juice and syrup.
Layer the two mixtures in the glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve.
Serving: 1
14. Rum Runner with Cranberry Juice
This Rum Runner with Cranberry Juice Cocktail mixes cranberry juice and rum. This recipe is sweet with just the right balance and distinctive flavor.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz rum (light or white)
- 1.5oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 0.5oz orange-flavored liqueur (preferably Grand Marnier)
- 0.5oz lemon juice
- 1oz simple syrup
Instructions: Pour all the ingredients into your shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain the mix in your cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon slice if you like.
Serving: 1
13. Cranberry Margarita
Are you looking for fun cranberry cocktails? Try the Cranberry Margarita recipe, a twist on the classic cocktail – filled with a sweet and tart flavor.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz cranberry juice
- 1.5oz tequila reposado/blanco
- 1oz Triple Sec (or any orange liqueur)
- 0.5oz lime juice
- 0.5oz maple syrup
Instructions: (Optional: Rim your glass using a lemon wedge and sea salt.) Put all the ingredients in your bar shaker full of ice.
Shake until chilled and strain into your (rimmed) margarita glass.
Serving: 1
Read: Our Recommended Cocktails At Olive Garden
12. Cranberry Sangria
This holiday beverage is known for its sunny outlook and flavor, which you can enhance with a cranberry cocktail – one of the best alternative cranberry cocktail recipes for Cranberry Mimosa.
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Total Time: 1 hr.
Ingredients:
- 10oz rosé wine
- 8oz cranberry cocktail juice
- 1.5oz brandy
- cinnamon stick
- 1tsp sugar, Golden Caster
- sliced lemon
- 8oz lemonade
- frozen cranberries/rosemary sprigs
Instructions: Tip all the liquids, except the lemonade, with a cinnamon stick, lemon slice, and sugar. Chill in the fridge for an hour. Add ice and lemonade, then garnish it with rosemary and cranberries if preferred.
Serving: 4
11. Sea Breeze Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing drink that’s tart, light, and breezy? Try this Sea Breeze cocktail recipe today.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1oz vodka (or gin)
- 1oz grapefruit juice
- 1tsp simple syrup
- 3oz cranberry juice, unsweetened
Instructions: Combine vodka, grapefruit juice, and syrup in your glass with ice. Add cranberry juice and squeeze the lime wedge. Now, serve your Sea Breeze cocktail.
Serving: 1
10. Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Want to enjoy one of the best cranberry cocktail recipes? Try this Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe now.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1oz Citron vodka
- 1oz cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 0.5oz Cointreau (or any black raspberry liqueur)
- 0.5oz lemon juice
- 1tsp simple syrup/maple syrup
Instructions: Mix all the ingredients in your shaker with ice. Shake until cold and strain into your martini glass. Squeeze the lime wedge and garnish with a lime wheel, if preferred.
Serving: 1
9. Fuzzy Navel with Cranberry
Try the classic Fuzzy Navel with cranberry juice and enjoy a perfectly balanced recipe and delicious drink.
“No amount of physical contact could match the healing powers of a well-made cocktail.”
— David Sedaris, American Humorist.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 4oz Peach schnapps
- 4oz pineapple juice
- 4oz cranberry juice
- 4oz orange juice
- Prosecco
Instructions: Combine schnapps and fruit juices in your glass over ice. Pour into two cocktail glasses and add Prosecco on top.
Serving: 2
8. Vodka Cranberry
This recipe is an incredibly simple recipe – involving vodka and cranberry juice for a perfect balance.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1oz vodka
- 3oz not sweetened cranberry juice
- 1tsp simple syrup
Instructions: In your glass with crushed ice, add vodka, cranberry juice, and syrup, then stir. Add the squeezed lime on top.
Serving: 1
7. Cape Cod Collins
Savor this classic vodka and a sweet and tart cranberry combo – a light and refreshing cocktail drink. We suggest adding a small splash of cranberry sauce to make this recipe even more delicious.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Snowleopard
- 2oz cranberry juice cocktail
- 1tbsp cranberry sauce
- lime wedge
- 2-dash Peychauds bitters
Instructions: Mix Snowleopard, cranberry juice cocktail, and sauce in your bar shaker. After squeezing the wedge, pour the bitters and add ice.
Shake for around 30-45 seconds and strain into your cold cocktail glass.
Serving: 1
6. Cranberry Mule
This recipe is a refreshing and easy-to-make variation of the classic Moscow Mule – perfect as a winter o summer cocktail.
Prep/Total Time: 2 mins.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Grey Goose
- 2oz natural cranberry juice
- 0.5oz lime juice
- 3oz ginger beer
Instructions: Combine Grey Goose vodka, cranberry juice, and lime in your copper mug. Pour the ginger beer on top, and add ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries or lime wedges if you like.
Serving: 1
5. Madras
The Madras – is one of the refreshing cranberry cocktails with sweet and tart flavors. It’s a delicious cocktail recipe and an easy drink.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz vodka
- 2oz cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 1tsp syrup, simple or maple
- 1.5oz orange juice
Instructions: In your serving glass, mix vodka, cranberry juice, and syrup. Stir and pour the orange juice. Squeeze lemon wedge on top and garnish the zest.
Serving: 1
4. Sex on the Beach
Want a fruity and sweet flavor? Then try this Sex on the Beach – a favorite recipe for cranberry cocktails.
Prep/Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz vodka
- 0.5oz peach schnapps
- 2oz orange juice
- 2oz cranberry juice cocktail
Instructions: Stir all the ingredients except cranberry juice into your ice-filled glass. Add the cranberry juice over and garnish it with cherries if desired.
Serving: 1
3. Woo Woo
This cranberry cocktail is perfect if you like a good vodka-cranberry combo – enhanced by peach schnapps. The refreshing flavor and delicious taste shouldn’t be missed.
Prep/Total Time: 3 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1oz vodka
- 1oz peach schnapps
- 2oz cranberry juice
Instructions: In your highball glass full of ice, pour cranberry juice, vodka, and schnapps. Stir until cold and garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh cranberries if desired.
Serving: 1
2. Hurricane
The sweet flavor and tart hints in this cocktail recipe make it a favorite among drinkers – a perfect alternative to Whiskey Sour.
“Cranberry juice: the zesty elixir that transforms cocktails, infusing them with a tangy sweetness that tantalizes the senses.”
– Liquor Laboratory
Prep/Total Time: 2 mins.
Ingredients:
- 3oz rum (light or dark)
- 4oz sour mix
- 4oz cranberry juice
- 2oz lemon juice
Instructions: In your mixing glass with ice, add all the ingredients. Stir to mix and serve.
Serving: 2
1. Cape Codder
The Cape Codder is a drink made with cranberries and vodka [1], often associated with coastal or nautical themes.
Prep/Total Time: 3 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz vodka
- chilled cranberry juice
- lemon wedge
Instructions: Pour vodka into your ice-filled highball glass. Add cranberry juice on top and gently stir to mix. Squeeze the wedge and serve.
Serving: 1
FAQs Related to Alcoholic Drinks with Cranberry Juice
What are some popular alcoholic drinks made with cranberry juice?
Several popular alcoholic drinks incorporate cranberry juice as a key ingredient. Some favorites include the Cosmopolitan, Cape Codder, Vodka Cranberry, Bay Breeze, and Sea Breeze cocktails.
What is a Cosmopolitan, and how is it made with cranberry juice?
A Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The cranberry juice gives the Cosmopolitan its signature pink color and tart flavor.
What is a Cape Codder cocktail, and what are its ingredients?
A Cape Codder, also known as a Vodka Cranberry, is a simple cocktail made with vodka and cranberry juice. It’s typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a lime wedge.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of drinks with cranberry juice?
Yes, you can make non-alcoholic versions of drinks with cranberry juice by omitting the alcohol and replacing it with soda water or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative. This creates a refreshing mocktail suitable for those abstaining from alcohol.
Are there any variations of drinks with cranberry juice?
Yes, there are several variations of drinks with cranberry juice. For example, the Bay Breeze adds pineapple juice to the mix, while the Sea Breeze combines cranberry juice with grapefruit juice. These variations offer different flavor profiles and levels of sweetness.
What types of alcohol pair well with cranberry juice?
Cranberry juice pairs well with a variety of spirits, including vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey. Each spirit brings its unique flavor profile to the drink, creating a diverse range of cocktails.
Can I use different flavors of cranberry juice in cocktails?
Yes, you can use different flavors of cranberry juice, such as cranberry raspberry, cranberry pomegranate, or cranberry cherry, to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Experimenting with different flavors can yield exciting and delicious results.
What are some tips for garnishing drinks with cranberry juice?
Garnishes like lime wedges, lemon twists, or fresh cranberries can enhance the presentation of drinks with cranberry juice. They add a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma, elevating the overall drinking experience.
In A Nutshell
So here are the best cranberry cocktails you can try. These cranberry cocktail recipes are all unique – from a classic drink to a perfect fall cocktail to a modern-twisted cocktail drink, these can be made without many exotic ingredients.
Besides, you don’t have to wait for happy hour to come as you can make these drinks at home – but make sure to drink responsibly!
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/vodka
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/champagne-alcoholic-beverage
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/rum-liquor
