This Cranberry Gin Fizz is a bright and bubbly drink that mixes tart cranberry juice with smooth gin and fizzy soda. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
I love watching the bubbles dance in my glass! 🥂 It’s so refreshing and easy to make—just shake, pour, and enjoy. You might even want to make a double batch! Cheers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: A quality gin is key for depth of flavor. I love using a floral or citrus-forward gin for this fizz. If you’re not a gin fan, vodka works well as a substitute for a smoother, less herbal taste.
Cranberry Juice: Fresh cranberry juice gives the best flavor, but you can use cranberry cocktail juice as a sweeter alternative. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly!
Simple Syrup: Make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. If you’re looking to cut sugar, try using honey or agave syrup instead. You can also omit the syrup altogether if you prefer a more tart drink.
Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed lemon juice brightens the drink, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice is a great substitute as well!
How Do I Make the Perfect Cranberry Gin Fizz?
Here’s how to ensure your Cranberry Gin Fizz is packed with flavor and fizz!
- For frosted cranberries, coat them lightly in sugar after rinsing. Let them dry for a lovely touch to your drink.
- Use a cocktail shaker filled with ice to cool your ingredients thoroughly. Don’t skip shaking—this step really blends the flavors!
- When topping with club soda, pour gently to keep the bubbles intact.
- Garnish with cranberries and rosemary for a festive look that adds aroma to your drinking experience!
Creating this cocktail should be fun and effortless—let your personal taste shine through! Enjoy your fizz!
How to Make a Refreshing Cranberry Gin Fizz
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Sugar, for frosted cranberries (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cranberry Gin Fizz takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and simple, making it perfect for unexpected guests or festive gatherings. Just mix, shake, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Frosted Cranberries (Optional):
If you want to add a special touch, toss fresh cranberries in a little sugar and let them dry on parchment paper while you prepare the drink. They’ll look lovely as a garnish!
2. Shake It Up:
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Then, pour in the gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Close the shaker tightly and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds, until it’s thoroughly chilled.
3. Pour and Top it Off:
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Strain the shaken cocktail mixture into the glass, then top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water to add that refreshing fizz.
4. Gently Stir and Garnish:
With a spoon, gently stir the drink to mix everything well. Now, for the finishing touch, garnish with a few fresh or frosted cranberries, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of rosemary on top!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cranberry Gin Fizz immediately, and enjoy this bright, flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion!
This drink strikes a lovely balance between tangy cranberry and herbal gin, with a sparkling finish—the ideal refreshment whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply treating yourself. Cheers!
Can I Use A Different Type of Alcohol?
Absolutely! If gin isn’t your style, vodka is a perfect substitute for a smoother flavor. You can also try a flavored gin or a herbal liqueur if you want something a bit different!
How Can I Sweeten the Drink Without Simple Syrup?
If you prefer a natural sweetener, honey or agave syrup can work wonderfully in this recipe. Simply mix it into the cocktail shaker with the other ingredients. You could also use a flavored sparkling water for added sweetness without actual sugar.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
It’s best to mix the ingredients and shake them just before serving for the freshest taste and bubbles. However, you can prepare the cranberry juice mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then just shake and top with soda when ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For any garnishes, like fresh cranberries or rosemary, keep them in the fridge in a plastic bag to maintain freshness. Just remember that once mixed, it’s best to enjoy the drink right away!