Cranberry Mocktail
This cranberry mocktail is an easy, refreshing drink to enjoy any time you want something a little special. Made with tart cranberry juice, homemade rosemary simple syrup, and bubbly soda water, it’s a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of fresh rosemary.
It’s perfect for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, or any occasion when you want a special drink without the alcohol. Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary for a simple, beautiful finishing touch!
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Cranberry Mocktail
Cranberry juice is a great mixer, especially for mocktails. We’re talking about 100% cranberry juice here, which is quite tart. That tartness makes it a great base for adding sweetness without ending up with a drink that tastes overly sugary. Cranberry also pairs well with herbs like rosemary, making it a natural fit for this simple, sparkling mocktail.
Cranberry Mocktail Ingredients
This sparkling cranberry mocktail serves four, but you can easily scale it down for one or two people or make a larger batch for a crowd.
- 100% cranberry juice
- homemade rosemary simple syrup
- chilled soda water
A quick note: This recipe calls for 100% cranberry juice, not a mixed version of a cranberry cocktail. The 100% cranberry juice is more tart, so the recipe has been created with that in mind.
Once you make the rosemary simple syrup, this drink uses just 3 ingredients and comes together in less than a minute! If you haven’t tried rosemary simple syrup yet, I can’t encourage you enough to give it a go. I particularly love it in iced tea, but it’s also delicious in a rosemary lemonade and in this surprisingly bright whiskey and orange juice cocktail!
How to Make a Cranberry Mocktail
Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup
Rosemary simple syrup is made by dissolving sugar into water and infusing it with fresh rosemary. This can be made days ahead of time!
Make the Mocktail
Combine the chilled cranberry juice and rosemary simple syrup in a pitcher. Stir well to combine. Divide among glasses and top with soda water! Adjust the sweetness or add a little more soda water to taste.
Garnish
I kept the garnish simple with a small sprig of fresh rosemary. You could also add a sugar rim or rosemary sugar rim.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Mocktail
- Use 100% cranberry juice for a tart drink; cranberry cocktail juice will be sweeter.
- Chill the ingredients ahead of time.
- Add the soda water immediately before serving to preserve the bubbles.
Christmas Mocktail
With its deep cranberry-red color, fresh rosemary aroma, and bubbly finish, this cranberry mocktail is a lovely addition to any Christmas gathering. I originally created this recipe for holiday entertaining, but it’s so easy to make and delicious that I wanted to share it as a drink to enjoy year-round, too.
For Christmas, a simple sugared rim or rosemary sugar rim makes each glass feel extra festive. I love that this drink feels just as special as a cocktail, but without the alcohol. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for a simple garnish, or dress it up with fresh cranberries for an extra festive touch!
How to Make a Rosemary Sugar Rim
Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves and combine with 1 cup of superfine sugar on a small plate. If you don’t have superfine sugar, blend regular granulated sugar until finely ground but not powdery.
To rim your glasses, run a lemon wedge or a little water around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the rosemary sugar, gently twisting to coat. Set aside while you prepare the mocktails.
PRO TIP: To save the leftover rosemary sugar, spread it in a thin layer on a rimmed baking sheet and let it dry completely in a warm, dry spot for about 4 days. Once the rosemary is fully dried, transfer the sugar to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 month.
FAQs
Can I make this cranberry mocktail ahead of time?
Yes! You can combine the cranberry juice and rosemary simple syrup a few hours ahead of time and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Wait to add the soda water until just before serving so the mocktail stays bubbly.
Can I use cranberry cocktail juice instead of 100% cranberry juice?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Cranberry cocktail juice is typically sweeter than 100% cranberry juice, so you may want to reduce the amount of rosemary simple syrup to keep the mocktail from becoming too sweet.
Can I make this cranberry mocktail for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe serves four, but it’s easy to double or triple for a party. Combine the cranberry juice and rosemary simple syrup in a pitcher, then top each glass with soda water just before serving.
What can I use instead of rosemary simple syrup?
If you don’t have rosemary simple syrup, you can use regular simple syrup and add a small sprig of fresh rosemary to each glass for a hint of herbal flavor without making the full recipe. You can also use plain simple syrup for a sweeter, less herbaceous drink.
Can I make this cranberry mocktail less sweet?
Yes! Start by using less rosemary simple syrup and adjust to taste. You can also add a little extra soda water to make the drink lighter and more refreshing.
What can I use to garnish a cranberry mocktail?
Fresh rosemary sprigs make a simple, beautiful garnish that complements the herbal flavor of the syrup. For a more festive presentation, try a rosemary sugar rim, fresh cranberries, or a thin slice of orange.
Is this a good Christmas mocktail?
Absolutely! The cranberry juice gives this mocktail its beautiful red color, while the rosemary simple syrup adds a fresh, herbal flavor. Serve it in festive glasses with a rosemary sugar rim or fresh cranberries for an easy, alcohol-free Christmas drink.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a refreshing drink to enjoy at home, this cranberry mocktail is an easy recipe to keep on hand. Make the rosemary simple syrup ahead of time, then mix up a batch whenever you’re ready to serve. Try the rosemary sugar rim for a festive finishing touch, and adjust the sweetness to make it your own!
CRANBERRY MOCKTAIL
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 ounces water
- 3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Cranberry Mocktail
- 16 ounces chilled 100% cranberry juice
- 8 ounces rosemary simple syrup
- 12-16 ounces chilled soda water
- Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Make the rosemary simple syrup and combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Turn to medium-high heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the rosemary sprigs, and let rest until completely cool. Strain through a mesh sieve and discard the rosemary.
- Add the cranberry juice and 8 ounces of the rosemary simple syrup to a mixing pitcher. Stir well. Divide evenly into 4 serving glasses. Top each with about 3 to 4 ounces of soda water. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve.
Notes
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