Looking for a holiday drink that sparkles without the spirits? This Holiday Cranberry Fizz Mocktail is everything festive drinks should be, bright, bubbly, and bursting with cheer. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, ringing in the New Year, or simply craving something special after wrapping gifts, this drink brings the sparkle without the hangover.
It’s easy, refreshing, and delightfully tart with just enough sweetness to make everyone, kids, adults, and even your picky uncle, ask for seconds. The best part? You can whip it up in less than five minutes, with ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients for the Holiday Cranberry Fizz Mocktail
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients — nothing fancy, just festive magic in a glass:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100% juice preferred)
- ½ cup sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or honey, to taste)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Mint leaves (or rosemary sprigs), for garnish
- Ice cubes, as needed
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- A splash of ginger ale for warmth
- A dash of lime juice for extra zest
How to Make a Holiday Cranberry Fizz Mocktail
1. Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup. Add a few ice cubes and shake gently for about 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
2. Add the Fizz
Strain the mixture into your favorite festive glass filled with fresh ice. Slowly pour in sparkling water (or club soda) and stir gently — you want to keep those bubbles alive.
3. Garnish and Serve
Top it with a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint or rosemary. For an extra festive look, rim your glass with sugar or add a twist of orange peel.
4. Sip, Smile, Repeat
Raise your glass and enjoy that first sip — crisp, tart, and perfectly bubbly. It’s everything you want in a holiday drink, minus the alcohol.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Festive Fizz
- Chill Beforehand: Keep your juices and sparkling water in the fridge — no one likes a watered-down mocktail.
- Balance the Sweetness: If your cranberry juice is already sweetened, reduce or skip the syrup.
- Make It a Showstopper: Use clear glasses to show off the deep red color — it looks beautiful against a holiday table.
- Batch It: Mix the juice base in advance, then add the fizz right before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
Because let’s be real — not every kitchen has the same ingredients (especially mid-party):
- No cranberry juice? Try pomegranate juice for a similar tart flavor.
- Want it sweeter? Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Less fizz? Use still mineral water instead of sparkling.
- Herbal twist: Replace mint with rosemary or thyme for an aromatic edge.
- Citrus lovers: Add a squeeze of lemon or grapefruit juice for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this mocktail ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the sparkling water separate until serving. Mix all non-carbonated ingredients in a pitcher, refrigerate, and add the fizz right before pouring.
How do I keep the fizz from going flat?
Pour gently and avoid over-stirring. Using chilled ingredients helps preserve carbonation longer.
Can I turn this into a cocktail?
If your crowd prefers something stronger, you can add a splash of vodka or prosecco — but the mocktail version stands beautifully on its own.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened cranberry juice and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit syrup.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~85 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Sodium | 8mg |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
(Approximate values; may vary based on ingredients used.)
The Holiday Cranberry Fizz Mocktail isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood. It’s the clink of glasses, the sparkle of lights, the hum of conversation around the table. Tart, bubbly, and joyfully simple, this mocktail is proof that festive doesn’t have to mean fancy (or boozy).
So the next time you’re planning your holiday spread, give this recipe a spot on the menu. Mix, pour, garnish, and enjoy, one fizzy sip at a time.
Cheers to flavor, festivity, and a little fizz in your holiday season.
Holiday Cranberry Fizz Mocktail Recipe | Festive Non-Alcoholic Drink
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100% juice preferred)
- ½ cup sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp simple syrup (or honey, to taste)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Mint leaves (or rosemary sprigs), for garnish
- Ice cubes, as needed
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- A splash of ginger ale for warmth
- A dash of lime juice for extra zest
Instructions
- Mix the BaseIn a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup. Add a few ice cubes and shake gently for about 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Add the FizzStrain the mixture into your favorite festive glass filled with fresh ice. Slowly pour in sparkling water (or club soda) and stir gently — you want to keep those bubbles alive.
- Garnish and ServeTop it with a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint or rosemary. For an extra festive look, rim your glass with sugar or add a twist of orange peel.
- Sip, Smile, RepeatRaise your glass and enjoy that first sip — crisp, tart, and perfectly bubbly. It’s everything you want in a holiday drink, minus the alcohol.