Celebrate the season with the sparkling charm of a Christmas Cranberry Orange Fizz—a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that captures the very essence of the holidays. With a mix of tart cranberry, sweet orange, and a hint of maple and vanilla, all topped off with a festive fizz, this drink is made to impress, whether I’m hosting a party or just settling in for a quiet winter night.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup vodka (optional for a mocktail version)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sparkling water or club soda, to top
Ice cubes
Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Directions
I start by adding the cranberry juice, orange juice, vodka (if using), maple syrup, and vanilla extract into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.
Then I shake or stir everything well to chill and combine the ingredients.
I fill two glasses with ice and pour the juice mixture evenly into each glass.
After that, I top each drink with sparkling water or club soda for a festive fizz.
To finish, I garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a rosemary sprig.
I serve it immediately while it’s fresh and fizzy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: ~95 kcal per serving (with vodka)
Variations
Mocktail Version: I simply skip the vodka for a family-friendly version that still feels special.
Swap the Syrup: Sometimes I use honey instead of maple or simple syrup for a floral sweetness.
Different Spirits: I’ve tried it with gin for a botanical twist or prosecco instead of club soda for extra sparkle.
Juice Mix-ins: A splash of pomegranate or apple juice adds another layer of flavor.
Make it Frozen: I blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy holiday treat.
Storage/Reheating
Since this is a fizzy cocktail, I don’t recommend storing it for long once it’s assembled—the bubbles fade quickly. However, I can mix the cranberry juice, orange juice, vodka (if using), syrup, and vanilla extract ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, I just pour over ice and top with sparkling water and garnishes.
FAQs
How do I make this cocktail kid-friendly?
I just leave out the vodka and serve it as a festive mocktail—it’s still full of flavor and sparkle.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but I always prefer fresh-squeezed for a brighter, more natural citrus flavor.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Simple syrup works perfectly, or I sometimes use agave nectar or honey depending on the flavor profile I want.
Is this drink suitable for batching in advance?
Yes, I mix the non-fizzy ingredients in a pitcher ahead of time, then add ice, sparkling water, and garnishes just before serving.
Can I make this cocktail look extra festive?
Absolutely. I love rimming the glasses with sugar, using rosemary sprigs as stirrers, or freezing cranberries into ice cubes for an elegant touch.
Conclusion
The Christmas Cranberry Orange Fizz is a simple yet stunning drink that brings color, sparkle, and flavor to any holiday celebration. Whether I’m crafting a cozy mocktail or mixing up something special for guests, this festive beverage always hits the right note. It’s a holiday favorite in my house—and once I try it, I’m sure it’ll become one in yours too.
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Cranberry Orange Fizz
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and refreshing holiday cocktail combining cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, a hint of maple and vanilla, and topped with sparkling water for a festive fizz. Perfect for both party entertaining and cozy winter nights, and easy to make as a mocktail.
Ingredients
1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup vodka (optional)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sparkling water or club soda, to top
Ice cubes
Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Orange slices, for garnish
Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice, orange juice, vodka (if using), maple syrup, and vanilla extract into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.
- Shake or stir well to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Fill two glasses with ice and divide the juice mixture evenly.
- Top each glass with sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange slice, and a rosemary sprig.
- Serve immediately while fresh and fizzy.
Notes
Skip the vodka for a delicious and festive mocktail version.
Use honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a flavor variation.
Try it with gin or prosecco for a unique twist.
Mix cranberry, orange juice, syrup, and vanilla in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Make it frozen by blending ingredients with ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
