Cranberry Mocktail

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I am about to share with you my favorite fall drink, which is my go-to recipe for when cranberries are in season. This easy-to-make cranberry mocktail is made with homemade aromatic cranberry simple syrup, mint, fizz, and zesty lemons. It’s sweet, tart, and pleasantly refreshing.

I am in love with the versatility of this recipe, which is why I usually make a large batch for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Next to it, I include some alcoholic options, such as rum, vodka, and gin. This way, the cocktail can be enjoyed virgin by those who prefer the non-alcoholic version, and can be instantly transformed for those who are looking for something with alcohol. It pairs perfectly with finger food like this sophisticated caramelized onion tart or shrimp cakes.

Why you will love this recipe
What you will need
How to make
Expert tip
Recipe variations and add-ins:
Serving suggestions:
How to store leftovers:
Frequently asked questions
More recipes with cranberries:

Cranberry mocktail is always the talk of the party, and since it’s made without alcohol, it can be enjoyed by kids, too. I am a huge fan of making it in advance and chilling it in the fridge just before serving. This way, I don’t have to worry about mixing drinks at the last minute. The homemade cranberry and mint simple syrup is fantastic and truly makes this fall-themed mocktail unforgettable. So if you need a universal drink for your next gathering, this is the one I recommend. I even make a large batch and keep it in the fridge to drink it throughout the week; it’s so good!

A platter of ice with cranberry mocktails.

Why you will love this recipe

It is very easy to make: I can prepare enough to serve eight people in just a few minutes. This is my go-to fall drink; it’s a breeze to make and always a crowd pleaser.
Clean ingredients: Like with all the homemade recipes, you have the significant benefit of using trusted, high-quality ingredients and know exactly what went into it.
Perfect for a party: This versatile recipe can be enjoyed both alcohol-free and paired with a bottle of vodka, rum, or tequila, allowing guests to add a splash to their drink and transform it into a fancy cocktail.
Make ahead of time: I like to make the cranberry syrup days in advance, so it is ready when I need it.

What you will need

Overhead shot of cranberry mocktail ingredients on a blue table.

Wet ingredients: The most crucial ingredient is cranberry juice. I prefer using Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail. I also use the juice from three lemons to balance the tartness and add a zesty citrus flavor. Pomegranate juice is my secret ingredient, adding a rich sweetness and a vibrant red color. Finally, the club soda is essential to give it an elevating presentation and lightness, thanks to its fizz and refreshing bubbles.
Dry ingredients: I like to add fresh cranberries to provide an extra burst of zest and festivity. The mint leaves complement the tartness of the cranberries with their cooling flavor and aromatic notes. And of course, the white granulated sugar helps make the simple syrup for a clean, thick sweetness. After it is finished, I add pomegranate seeds, sliced lemons, and cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

How to make

Mix the syrup: First, I mix ½ cup of water with the juices and the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Then, I stir in the mint leaves and cranberries and bring them to a boil.

Cool and strain: Once it comes to a boil, I turn down the heat and let it simmer for about five minutes, or until the cranberries are soft. After it cools, I remove the leaves and cranberries, then strain it through cheesecloth.

Straining cranberry simple syrup into a bowl.

Mix the mocktail: Now, I pour the syrup into a large pitcher and whisk in five cups of club soda before stirring in ½ cup of cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and sliced lemons. I then chill it for a few hours.

Pouring water into a pitcher with cranberry mocktail.

Serve: I pour the mocktail into glasses that are halfway filled with ice and garnish it with a lemon slice or peel, pomegranate seeds, fresh cranberries, and mint leaves.

Expert tip

Homemade vs store-bought simple syrup

Simple syrup can be purchased from the store or made at home. The reason I chose to make this syrup is that it cooks the cranberries and mint into it, giving it that delicious flavor. Without simmering in those flavors, the vibrant taste of fresh cranberries and mint will not be the same. Of course, mint extract and cranberry juice are okay, but fresh is always better in my opinion. Remember, simple syrup will stay fresh in the fridge for a few weeks.

More tips to consider:

Be sure to remove all the mint leaves after cooking your simple syrup. They do not taste good in your drink.
The same with the cranberries. They do not taste bad, but it is advisable to strain the syrup to remove all the extra particles before making the mocktails. You don’t want anyone to choke!
Cranberry juice cocktail can be substituted with real cranberry juice, but it is not as sweet.
Ensure everything is well-chilled before mixing. Otherwise, it will go flat right away.
If serving your mocktails later, keep the juices separate from the club soda until ready to serve. The soda must remain closed to stay fresh.

Cranberry mocktail with lemon, mint, and pomegranate.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

Other citrus: Instead of lemon, I often use lime or orange juice. Lime is the most popular, but the kids love orange.
Easy mocktail: To make this super easy when I am in a hurry, I mix cranberry juice cocktail with orange juice and club soda with ice.
Ginger mocktail: For a more holiday-themed drink, I sometimes use ginger beer or ginger ale instead of club soda.
Rim the glass: When I am having a party, I like to rim the glass with lemon sugar. I rub the top of the glasses with lemon and then dip them in a mixture of sugar and lemon zest.
Tropical twist: Make this drink a little more tropical by using pineapple juice instead of pomegranate juice and coconut sparkling water instead of club soda.

Overhead shot of cranberry mocktail with fresh cranberries.

Serving suggestions:

I love to serve this with my cranberry orange turkey breast when I am having a small family Thanksgiving gathering. The flavors complement each other well, as they are all sweet and tangy, and this turkey is exceptionally juicy and tender. If I am not in the mood for turkey, I usually make cranberry orange chicken, which is a family favorite and cooks in just 30 minutes. It combines savory and rich chicken thighs with a sweet and tart cranberry-orange glaze for absolute perfection.

For those who want a cocktail that is a little bit stronger, I make them my cranberry margarita. With a mix of triple sec, tequila, orange juice, lime, and cranberry, these margaritas are full of flavor. For dessert, this cranberry cheesecake is another way to enjoy the tart, red berry while indulging in a creamy, velvety treat. With cinnamon and nutmeg in the crust, it embodies the flavors of the holidays.

How to store leftovers:

Refrigerate: Leftover mocktails will remain good in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If the juice is kept apart from the bubbly, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks in sealed containers.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these mocktails.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my simple syrup grainy?

This can happen if there are too many sugar molecules in the mix. That means there is too much sugar, whether it is from adding the white, granulated sugar or from the sugar in the juices. It may also be from the sugar not dissolving properly. To prevent this, add a bit more acid, like lemon juice. It can also be from complex water molecules. Try using distilled or bottled water instead of tap water. Finally, make sure the sugar is completely dissolved when boiling.

Why is my mocktail bitter?

Club soda is a bitter drink, which is why I add sugar syrup and sweetened juices to my recipe. Tonic water contains quinine, which is also bitter. Be sure to taste what goes into your drink before adding it. Some juices and drinks taste different from what you may suspect. Also, make sure the lemon juice is not bitter when squeezed. Don’t let any white pith in the juice.

What is the best kind of cranberry juice to use?

I like to use Ocean Spray cranberry juice cocktail because it is sweet but not too sweet. The 100% pure cranberry juice they make is also good, but it can be somewhat bitter and tart. That usually means I have to add more sugar or different kinds of juices. It depends on your taste preference and who is drinking the mocktails. Sometimes, I use 100% cranberry juice and Sprite soda instead of club soda.

Can I freeze these mocktails?

I do not recommend freezing them because the ice makes them watered down when they thaw out. However, the leftovers can be frozen into ice cubes and then used in mocktails or other drinks for added flavor. Alternatively, they can be frozen in freezer bags to achieve a slushy consistency, perfect for topping ice cream or yogurt.

Cranberry mocktail with lemon and pomegranate.

More recipes with cranberries:

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