This refreshing cranberry vodka cocktail is the perfect mix of sweet and tart. With bright red cranberry juice and a splash of vodka, it’s a party in a glass!
Honestly, this drink is so easy to make; you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner! I love serving it with ice and a slice of lime for that fancy touch. Cheers! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Choose a mid-range vodka for a great balance of quality and flavor. If you prefer something different, you can try using gin or even flavored vodka like citrus or berry for a twist.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice offers the best balance of tartness. If you can’t find it, a lightly sweetened variety or cranberry cocktail juice works too. Be mindful of added sugars, though!
Club Soda: This is optional, but it adds a nice fizz. If you don’t have club soda, any sparkling water will do. For a flavored hint, try lemon-lime sparkling water.
Garnishes: Fresh cranberries look great but are optional. Lime slices are a classic choice, and rosemary adds a nice aroma. If you like, a mint sprig can be a fun alternative!
How Do You Make a Balanced Cranberry Vodka Cocktail?
Creating a balanced cocktail is all about ratios and mixing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a rocks glass filled with ice to keep your drink chilled.
- Pour in 2 oz of vodka. Adjust this based on how strong you like your drink.
- Add 4 oz of cranberry juice. Stir gently to combine so the flavors mix, but you don’t lose all the fizz from the soda.
- If using club soda, top it off for a refreshing finish. This adds volume without too much sweetness.
- Garnish creatively! A lime brings out the cocktail’s zing, and fresh cranberries and rosemary add an appealing touch.
Enjoy this refreshing drink any time, and feel free to experiment with flavors!
Cranberry Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water (optional, for a little fizz)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This cocktail is super quick to prepare! You’ll need about 5 minutes for setup and mixing. It’s the perfect drink to whip up when you want to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Grab a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and cold.
2. Add the Vodka:
Pour 2 ounces of vodka over the ice. If you prefer a stronger drink, feel free to adjust the amount to your taste!
3. Combine the Juices:
Next, add 4 ounces of cranberry juice into the glass. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors together.
4. Add Some Fizz:
If you like a bubbly drink, top it off with 1 ounce of club soda or sparkling water. This adds a refreshing fizz!
5. Garnish for Style:
For a beautiful touch, garnish your cocktail with fresh cranberries and a slice of lime on the rim. You can also add a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic boost.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cocktail immediately. Sip, enjoy, and share this refreshing drink with friends!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Juice?
While fresh cranberries can be used as a garnish, they shouldn’t replace cranberry juice in this recipe. Fresh cranberries are quite tart and not drinkable alone. Stick with cranberry juice for the perfect flavor balance.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
It’s best to mix this cocktail fresh to keep the fizz from the soda intact. However, you could pre-measure the vodka and cranberry juice and mix them. Just add the soda just before serving to maintain that refreshing bubble!
How to Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the drink too tart, consider using sweetened cranberry juice or adding a splash of simple syrup. You can also balance the flavors with a little more lime juice to enhance the overall taste.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice and vodka in the fridge. Cranberry juice can last up to 7 days after opening, while vodka has an indefinite shelf life when stored in a cool, dark place. Just remember to discard any garnishes after serving!