This Orange Cranberry Mocktail Recipe is exactly what you need during this holiday season. This better for you drink is oh so delicious and perfect for any special occasion. It has become our standard Christmas Mocktail. The fresh cranberries compliment the orange so nicely while the lime slices adds the perfect touch. This drink can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes, making this non-alcoholic drink is a no brainer to add to the menu this holiday season.
There is something special about making fun holiday recipes for holiday gatherings. If you have been following along for awhile you know I love a good non-alcoholic beverage. A few of my favorites to make are my Grapefruit Mocktails, Blood Orange Mojito Mocktail, AIP Hot Chocolate, and my Tart Cherry Juice Mocktail.
Why I Love This Drink
- This delicious drink only requires simple ingredients!
- You can turn this recipe into a cranberry cocktail by adding vodka.
- If you have extra cranberries, check out my Whole30 Cranberry Sauce.
- While this special drink can is my favorite holiday drink, it can be drank all year round!
- The vibrant colors from the garnish and drink itself, make this drink oh so pretty!
- This cranberry mocktail recipe is a great option for those of you who are doing Dry January too! I have a whole blog post dedicated to how to do a dry month.
- If you love this festive drink, you will also love my other holiday favorites like my Gluten Free Orange Cake, Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, Dairy Free Crab Dip, and Winter Fruit Salad.
Simple Ingredients
- Cranberry juice- I took a vote in my instagram stories and you guys voted that you would prefer the store bought natural cranberry juice over making homemade cranberry simple syrup. When buying cranberry juice be sure that it is cranberry juice and that it doesn’t have any added sugar or “natural flavors.”
- Orange zest and orange juice-When it comes to cranberries, they are pretty bitter alone. That is why it is good to pair them with something sweeter. I love pairing cranberries with orange. It may be my favorite flavor for this time of the year. The fresh squeezed orange juice adds the perfect amount of sweetness and the fresh orange zest adds to the smell of the drink. It is the perfect touch. Do not skip!
- Lime-The lime compliments the cranberry and orange oh so nicely. It gives this drink a nice kick.
- Soda water-Club soda is what makes this cranberry lime mocktail bubbly! You can also use sparkling water.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Garnishes-I love to make a little cranberry garnish for every drink. All you need to do is grab a toothpick and thread 4 little cranberry balls over it. It makes for the perfect garnish. Rosemary and cranberry are such a delightful combo. The fresh rosemary adds to the flavor and smell of the drink. I like adding a sprig of mint just as much.
- Coconut sugar-We like to roll the fresh rosemary sprig in coconut sugar beforehand, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the drink. You can make this into a fancy drink by rolling the rim of the glass in coconut sugar. Adding a freshly cut orange slices on the side too is just as fun!
- If you want to turn this into a nice punch for the holidays, add all ingredients into a large pitcher and add in some apple juice or your other favorite fruit juice like orange juice! A splash of orange juice also gives you a nice burst of vitamin c.
- Ginger beer-For even more flavor and fun, try adding ginger beer instead of sparking water.
This recipe has not been tested with any other substitutions or variations. If you try something else out please let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
How To Make
Step #1: Mix all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker. Split the drink into 2 cups with ice.
Step #2: Rub the rosemary in coconut sugar.
Recipe Tips
- Tip #1: It is best to make this recipe as you are ready to drink it so it does not get flat!
- Tip #2: If you are making this for a party, you can mix everything beforehand and hold off on adding in the club soda.
Recipe FAQs
Ginger beer is brewed and fermented. Ginger ale is carbonated water with ginger.
Ginger beer is considered non-alcoholic because the content is so low. It is similar to kombucha.
Other Gluten Free Holiday Recipes
Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
Download your FREE guide below.
Cranberry Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large cup or cocktail mixer
- spoon
- cutting board
- knife
- Toothpicks (to garnish)
- Fun glasses
Ingredients
For the drink:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup club soda
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 1 whole orange juiced and zested
To garnish:
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
Instructions
For the drink:
- Mix all ingredients (cranberry juice, lime juice, orange zest, orange juice, club soda) in a cup with a spoon. Add 1 ice cube each to a two fancy and fun glasses (very important step.) Divide the drink between the 2 glasses.
For the garnish:
- I like to take a toothpick and add 4 little cranberries to each toothpick to make the cutest garnish.
- For the fresh rosemary, dip it in coconut sugar. This will give the drink a nice added layer of sweetness. (Note, you will not use all of the coconut sugar and that is ok.) I personally reuse it.
Lori says
So good! Love making a pitcher of this for entertaining
Allianna Moximchalk says
Thank you!