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Cranberry Sparkler Mocktail

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A Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail is a festive and delicious non-alcoholic holiday drink recipe that is bursting with bubbles. Fruity but sophisticated, and naturally sweetened with orange juice and real maple syrup, plus the vibrant red color makes it perfect for serving at holiday parties. And with some champagne or sparkling wine or even a splash of vodka you can easily turn it into a Christmas cocktail for the adults.

Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail Recipe image with title

When I first created this recipe, I was pregnant with my little guy. Very pregnant. I’d be stuck in a doctor’s office for hours on end scrolling Instagram and starving. The kind of starving where I was really in the mood for a substantial meal, not the little pack of nuts or granola bar I had in my purse. And there I was staring at photos of filet mignon, sandwiches dripping with cheese, and cookies.

Oh, the cookies. It was right near the holidays, so Christmas cookies were in abundance.

As were Christmas cocktails. I love my wine. I missed my wine.

That means I felt the need to make a festive, sparkly non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy while I share in the celebrations with my family and friends.

Dropping fresh cranberries into a Cranberry Fizz Mocktail

A Christmas Mocktail Recipe

The most wonderful moments in my family are when we are gathered around the table, sharing food and drinks. So as Christmas approaches, I am going to look forward to sharing these family meals, and spending this time with those that I love. I urge you to do the same.

For me, food is love, and this sparkling cranberry orange mocktail recipe is perfect to toast as we celebrate our loved ones and cherish every moment that we have together.

Fresh cranberry splashing into a Fizzy mocktail

Cranberry Sparkler

A little about the recipe. I saw the idea for a homemade cranberry juice from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish. It sounded so tasty, the color was gorgeous, and I thought with a bit of orange and a bit of fizz, it would make a totally fun holiday beverage for those that can’t or don’t imbibe.

Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!

Ingredients

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Water
  • Maple syrup – you can also substitute honey or agave nectar
  • Sparkling water or club soda

Directions overview – scroll to the recipe card for the full set of instructions

  1. Place the cranberries, orange juice, water, and maple syrup in a blender, and puree thoroughly, then strain.
  2. Return the juice to the blender and puree and strain once more.
  3. When ready to serve, pour about 1/4 cup of juice in each champagne flute, and top with sparkling water or club soda.

NOTE: Keep the cranberry juice in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It will keep for a few days.

Can you make it a cocktail?

Yes, you have a couple of options. Substitute the seltzer with sparkling wine, prosecco, or champagne. You can also make it with the sparkling water and then add a shot of vodka or your alcohol of choice. Spice it up with Fireball, warm yourself inside and out with bourbon, or try something flavored like an apple or orange liqueur.

Red Mocktail in a champagne glass surrounded by fresh cranberries

Make it a celebration

At the bottom of this post for a lot more cocktails and beverages, tapas and treats to share with your family and friends. Here are some things to serve with those Christmas drinks.

Holiday cocktail party

Christmas cookie exchange

Christmas dinner

Peace and joy to you and yours! Cheers to you all with a cranberry sparkler!

Christmas Mocktail in a flute

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More fresh cranberry recipes

More Christmas mocktails and cocktails

Christmas Mocktail in a flute
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Cranberry Sparkler Mocktail

A festive and delicious non-alcoholic holiday drink recipe made with fresh cranberries and naturally sweetened with orange juice and real maple syrup. Bursting with bubbles and a vibrant red color, it is perfect for serving at holiday parties. And with some champagne or sparkling wine or even a splash of vodka you can easily turn it into a Christmas cocktail for the adults.
Prep Time10 mins
Course: Drink, Mocktail
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cranberry mocktail
Servings: 8
Calories: 46kcal
Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips (inspired by DIY Cranberry Juice from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or to taste (see Note). You can also substitute honey or agave nectar
  • Sparkling water or club soda (see Note)
  • Frozen cranberries to serve as ice cubes if desired

Instructions

  • Place the cranberries, orange juice, water, and maple syrup in a blender, and puree thoroughly.
  • Strain through a mesh strainer.
  • Return the juice to the blender and puree once more. Strain again.
  • Keep juice in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • When ready to serve, pour about 1/4 c juice in each champagne flute, and add about an equal amount of sparkling water or club soda.
  • Garnish with frozen cranberries, if desired.

Notes

If you are going to dilute the juice with the Sparkling Water, you want to make the juice a little sweeter than you would want to drink it alone. If you just want to make juice, add a little more water and a little less sweetener.
You can substitute with sparkling wine or champagne or add vodka or your alcohol of choice to make it a cocktail.
Tried this recipe?Mention @cupcakekalechip or tag #cupcakesandkalechips!

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Enjoy!

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Comments

  2. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says

    Life is a funny thing. There are far too many times when you don’t know if it’s appropriate to laugh or cry. When tragedy strikes, I too tend to close myself off from the world as a form self preservation. It’s especially hard and most important when you have little ones to keep safe and care for.
    Your post was beautifully written and your photos are incredible! They were time away from the TV, well spent. I wish you and your family a blessed and safe 2014!

    Reply

  4. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says

    Brianne, what a beautiful post. I also found it strange to be writing a post about celebrating and cracking jokes as I normally do against the backdrop of Friday’s event. However, I feel the same as you when it comes to the intent behind Sunday Supper – it’s all about bringing together families and appreciating the time we have together, especially in the wake of tragedy, especially at Christmas time. I love this drink and your action shots are awesome, especially the photo the big splash coming out of the glass. I’m sorry you can’t drink this year but come next year, you’ll have a new lil one in the house and can drink to your heart’s content 🙂 Happy holidays!

    Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Thank you. I really tried hard to balance celebration and solemnity. I have so much to celebrate, even if I can’t do it with a cocktail 🙂

      Reply

  6. Laura Hunter | Small Wallet Big Appetite says

    I was pregnant last Christmas so I can totally sympathize with you. But like you I was able to find wonderful drinks like this that make me feel less like the odd one out. There is nothing worse then being at a party where everyone is drinking these fun drinks and you are stuck drinking water. So something fun like this is perfect.

    Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Yes, I wanted to enjoy something on Christmas Eve while the rest of the family is having their wine.

      Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Yep, and those that can/do drink alcohol can use sparkling wine for the club soda, or make it as is, and add some vodka.

      Reply

  11. Katie says

    What a pretty little drink! I love that you could switch out the sparkling water for sparkling wine if you wanted to make an adult version too…

    Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Absolutely! And I plan on doing that next Christmas 🙂 A little vodka, maybe some orange vodka, would not be terrible either if you use the club soda!

      Reply

  12. Cass @foodmyfriend says

    I have really gotten into cranberry juice lately. Mainly because they have started selling 300ml bottles in 3 packs! This looks like it would go down very well. Maybe something I could make for New Years Eve. You have a beautiful blog!

    Reply

  13. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says

    These look perfect for a celebration, so festive! I love the pic where the cranberry seems to be doing a loop!

    Reply

  16. Sheila Fretz (@CookUnderwriter) says

    This is one of my favorite recipes for today. I love that it’s non alcoholic. I too can’t help but think of those 20 families in Danbury Connecticut ; my heart goes out to them.

    Reply

  17. Lisa @ Lisa's Dinnertime Dish says

    Your mocktail looks so festive and sounds so good, Brianne! I love that you added the orange juice, it sounds like a great combo with the cranberries!

    Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Thanks for the great idea! I love cranberry and orange, and thought it would also add a touch of natural sweetness.

      Reply

  19. Hezzi-D says

    These will be perfect for Christmas! We are going to my mom’s and there is no alcohol in her house but this will be a fun and festive beverage she’ll allow em to serve!

    Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Thanks! Yep, I’ll be sharing with my underage cousins, and my sister who is not much of a wine drinker.

      Reply

  21. Renee says

    Such a pretty drink! It sounds nice and refreshing too. And I love the photos of the cranberries being dropped into the drink.

    Reply

    • Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      Thank you! It is quite refreshing – perfect after working all day in the kitchen making Christmas dinner.

      Reply

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