Introduction
Nothing says celebration quite like a glass of Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer sparkling with bubbles and garnished with ruby-red cranberries. When December rolls around, I always find myself searching for the perfect balance between refreshing, beautiful, and simple-to-make holiday drinks. This recipe checks every box.
Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner, preparing a tray for holiday brunch, or just want something cheerful to sip by the fireplace, this spritzer is guaranteed to add sparkle to your gathering. With just a few ingredients—cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water—you’ll create a vibrant red drink that’s both refreshing and festive.
And the best part? This drink works as both a non-alcoholic mocktail and a cocktail with a splash of vodka or gin. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and Instagram-worthy all at once. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make, serve, and customize this Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer for your own holiday traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Drink
Here’s why this recipe will become your go-to holiday spritzer:
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Vibrant & Sparkling: Its ruby-red hue and fizzy bubbles make it perfect for Christmas gatherings.
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Family-Friendly: Kids can enjoy it as a mocktail, while adults can spike it for a cocktail version.
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Simple Ingredients: You only need cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water.
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Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.
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Customizable: Works with different juices, sweeteners, or spirits.
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Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients make it ideal for serving large groups.
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Beautiful Presentation: Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and mint leaves turn it into a showstopper.
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Refreshing Balance: The tart cranberry and sweet citrus create the perfect flavor harmony.
Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer
To make a pitcher that serves 6–8 glasses, you’ll need:
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2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice recommended for vibrant flavor and less sugar)
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1 cup sparkling water (club soda, tonic water, or flavored sparkling water all work)
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1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy sweetness)
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Ice cubes (to keep the drink chilled)
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Fresh cranberries (optional garnish, adds festive flair)
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Orange slices (for garnish, plus extra citrus aroma)
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Mint leaves (optional, for a refreshing herbal note)
Ingredient Substitutions
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Juice options: Swap orange juice for pomegranate juice for a richer, deeper flavor.
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Sparkling element: Use sparkling apple cider instead of sparkling water for added sweetness.
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Cocktail twist: Add vodka, gin, or prosecco for an adult-only version.
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Sweetener: If you prefer sweeter drinks, add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup.
💡 Tip: Always chill your juices beforehand so your spritzer stays crisp and refreshing without needing too much ice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Place all your juices, garnishes, and glasses on the counter. Pre-chilling the juices will help keep the fizz from diluting too quickly.
Step 2: Mix the Juices
In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups cranberry juice and 1/2 cup orange juice. Stir gently with a wooden spoon. This creates the tart-sweet base of your spritzer.
Step 3: Add Sparkle
Just before serving, pour in 1 cup sparkling water. Doing this at the last minute keeps the bubbles intact, making your spritzer light and refreshing.
Step 4: Garnish with Holiday Flair
Toss in a handful of fresh cranberries, a few orange slices, and some mint leaves. These garnishes add fragrance, color, and a festive presentation.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour the spritzer mixture, making sure each glass gets a bit of fruit garnish. Top with an extra sprig of mint for a restaurant-style finish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer
How do you keep a spritzer fizzy?
Always add the sparkling water at the very last minute. If preparing ahead, keep the juice base ready in the fridge and only add bubbles right before serving.
Can I make this spritzer ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the juices and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Garnish and add sparkling water only when serving.
What alcohol goes best in this cranberry spritzer?
Vodka keeps it clean and crisp, while gin adds herbal notes. For a more luxurious version, use prosecco or champagne instead of sparkling water.
Can I use frozen cranberries as garnish?
Absolutely. Frozen cranberries double as edible ice cubes that keep your drink chilled without watering it down.
Best Ways to Serve
The Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is versatile:
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Holiday Dinner Drink: Serve in tall glasses with fresh garnishes.
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Brunch Refreshment: Pair with Christmas morning breakfast bakes.
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Party Punch: Multiply the recipe, add to a large punch bowl, and let guests serve themselves.
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Cocktail Bar: Offer both mocktail and cocktail versions for guests.
👉 Related recipes to explore on my blog: Christmas Pavlova Trifle, Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle, and Holiday Cranberry Tostadas.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, ~1 Cup)
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Calories: 70
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Carbohydrates: 17g
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Sugars: 14g
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Vitamin C: 25% DV
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Sodium: 5mg
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Fat: 0g
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Protein: 0g
Note: Nutrition values vary based on juice brands and sweeteners used.
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigeration: Store juice base (without sparkling water) for up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Freezing: Avoid freezing as carbonation will be lost.
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Leftover Garnishes: Use extra cranberries in baked goods or freeze them for future drinks.
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Reheating? Not recommended—this drink is best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this spritzer sugar-free?
Yes, use unsweetened cranberry juice and sparkling water. Add stevia or monk fruit sweetener if desired.
How long does sparkling water stay fizzy?
Once opened, sparkling water keeps bubbles for about 1–2 days if sealed tightly. For maximum fizz, always add fresh.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Yes! The Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is naturally non-alcoholic. Just skip the vodka or gin for a kid-friendly mocktail.
Can I use cranberry cocktail juice instead of 100% juice?
Yes, but note it will be sweeter. If using cranberry cocktail, skip adding extra sweeteners.
Variations of Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer
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Winter Citrus Spritzer: Replace orange juice with grapefruit juice.
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Tropical Holiday Spritzer: Add pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
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Spiced Cranberry Spritzer: Simmer cranberry juice with cinnamon sticks and cloves before chilling.
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Frozen Slush Spritzer: Blend juices with ice into a slushy consistency.
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Herbal Spritzer: Add rosemary sprigs for an earthy aroma.
Conclusion
The Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is more than just a drink—it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Its sparkle, vibrant color, and versatility make it the perfect centerpiece for Christmas gatherings. Whether you enjoy it as a light mocktail or a bubbly cocktail, it promises to bring joy and refreshment to your celebrations.