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Why I Love This Cranberry Mocktail
During the holiday season, I inevitably have some leftover cranberry simple syrup in the fridge from making cranberry margaritas (you know how I love a margarita!). So, I started thinking of ways to use it in something everyone can enjoy, kids and adults alike.
This cranberry orange mocktail is the answer: bright and refreshing with all the fancy holiday color, but without any alcohol.
It’s the drink my nieces and nephew (and their mom, my sister, Kelsey) can enjoy while we have our festive margaritas.
I also love how fast this comes together, as there’s no shaking or special tools; just pour it over ice and stir everything together. The cranberry adds some tart flavor and beautiful red color, the orange has sweetness, and the ginger ale adds the bubbles. If you’re hosting a holiday party, it’s a great option to put out alongside the cranberry margarita so everyone has something fun in their glass to celebrate.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to build right in the glass, no shaker needed.
- Bubbly and festive, but still family-friendly.
- Uses leftover cranberry simple syrup, so nothing goes to waste.
- Simple to batch for a holiday party, New Year’s Eve, or even game night.
Cranberry Orange Mocktail Ingredients
You only need 4 ingredients, plus some ice, to make this mocktail:
- Cranberry simple syrup – Adds tart cranberry flavor and a bright red color that makes this drink look extra special. Make sure to get my cranberry simple syrup recipe!
- Fresh orange juice – Some natural sweetness and a bit of citrus to balance the cranberry.
- Ginger ale or lemon lime soda – Adds bubbles and sweetness! Ginger ale has a little bit more spiciness than a lemon-lime soda, which just keeps the drink light and bubbly. Take your pick!
- Orange slice – A simple garnish that takes the drink from ordinary to something special.
- Ice – Keeps this mocktail chilled.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make This Cranberry Orange Mocktail
This cranberry mocktail is super easy to make, which is the best part:
Prepare the glass – Fill a tall glass with ice, mostly full. Pour in the cranberry simple syrup and fresh orange juice.
Top with bubbles – Add the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and stir gently to combine, keeping as much fizz as possible.
Garnish and serve – Add an orange slice to the rim or float it on top and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use really cold ingredients – Chill the cranberry simple syrup and soda first so the mocktail stays extra cold. This way, the drink will keep the ice intact and won’t be diluted as it’s consumed.
- Adjust the sweetness – This mocktail has only a few ingredients, so the ratio is easy to play with. Taste and add more cranberry syrup for a sweeter mocktail, or more soda to keep it lighter.
- Make it a batch drink – For a group, multiply by the number of servings desired. Then, stir together the cranberry syrup and orange juice in a pitcher. Right before serving, top with soda to keep it bubbly. Or, allow each guest to pour fresh soda on top when they’re ready to enjoy.
- Switch up the bubbles – Try a flavored sparkling water if you want a less-sweet version: cranberry, orange, and lime flavors all work well.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
To serve – Serve this mocktail in a tall glass filled with ice, garnish with an orange slice, or add a few fresh cranberries for a holiday feel. If I’m having over a group of people, I like to combine the cranberry simple syrup and orange juice in a pitcher beforehand, then set out a tray of glasses with ice handy, along with the soda, and let everyone build their own!
To store – You can combine the cranberry simple syrup and orange juice up to 1 day ahead and store the mixture in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Wait to add the soda until right before serving so it stays fizzy. Any leftover simple syrup should be kept sealed in the fridge.
More Drink Recipes
- Cranberry margarita – a celebratory version made with tequila and using the same cranberry simple syrup
- Peppermint white hot chocolate
- Aperol margarita
- Holiday eggnog
- Peppermint chocolate coffee cooler
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Cranberry Orange Mocktail
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 oz cranberry simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 6 oz ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- orange slice to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the cranberry simple syrup, orange juice, and soda. Stir gently to combine.2 oz cranberry simple syrup, 1 oz fresh orange juice, ice, 6 oz ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- Serve: Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.orange slice
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Styling: Addelyn Evans | Photography: Dera Burreson
