Cranberry spritzer is made by simmering fresh cranberries with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg then muddling with mint, vodka, and Cointreau, then topped with sparkling water. A light and refreshing holiday drink.
Fresh cranberries are simmered with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, for a fresh cranberry base that is muddled with mint, vodka, and Cointreau, then topped with ice and sparkling water. Garnish with some fresh cranberries and fresh mint, and get ready for happy guests!
Table of Contents
How To Make
- Bring cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a simmer in a medium-sized pot.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Place about 2-3 TBSP of the cranberry mixture into each copper mug or glass.
- Place 4 mint leaves, 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz Cointreau into the glass
- Muddle, or mash, well.
- Add ice and sparkling water.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint leaf.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making a delicious cranberry spritzer:
- Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor for this spritzer. Look for plump and firm cranberries when purchasing.
- Simmer cranberries with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg: Simmering the cranberries with these spices and sweeteners will infuse them with a rich and warm flavor. Make sure to simmer until the cranberries are soft and have released their juices.
- Muddle with mint: Muddling the mint leaves helps release their essential oils and adds a refreshing aroma to the spritzer. Gently muddle the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon.
- Use quality vodka and Cointreau: Since the alcohol plays a significant role in the flavor of the spritzer, choose a high-quality vodka and Cointreau (orange liqueur) for the best taste.
- Adjust sweetness and spice: Taste the mixture before adding the sparkling water and adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter spritzer, add more maple syrup. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Choose the right sparkling water: Opt for a plain or lightly flavored sparkling water that complements the other ingredients. Avoid strongly flavored sparkling water, as it may overpower the delicate flavors of the spritzer.
- Serve chilled: Make sure to chill the spritzer before serving to enhance its refreshing quality. You can refrigerate the mixture before adding the sparkling water or serve it over ice.
- Garnish with cranberries and mint sprigs: To add a festive touch, garnish each glass with a few cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint. It will make the spritzer look even more inviting.
- Experiment with variations: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to personalize your spritzer. For example, you could add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist or swap out the sparkling water for ginger ale to add a hint of ginger flavor.
Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy this light and refreshing cranberry spritzer during your holiday celebrations!
Vodka Cranberry Cocktail Spritzer can be served with or without alcohol and is just the touch you need at your next bridal shower, baby shower, holiday party, or luncheon.
FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them before simmering.
Absolutely! You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Yes, you can omit the vodka and Cointreau for a non-alcoholic version. Simply increase the amount of sparkling water or use a flavored soda as a substitute.
It’s best to consume the spritzer immediately or within a day or two for the freshest taste. The flavors may start to fade and the carbonation will diminish over time.
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to add the sparkling water right before serving to maintain its fizziness.
Yes, you can experiment with different spirits like gin or rum to create your unique variation of the spritzer. Keep in mind that it will alter the overall flavor profile.
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add fruits like oranges, apples, or herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavors and add visual appeal.
More Holiday Drink Recipes
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Cranberry Spritzer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ✅
- 4 ounces vodka ✅we use Tito's Handmade Vodka
- 2 ounces cointreau ✅
- 20 leaves fresh mint
- 32 ounces sparkling water We use Ice Mountain Sparkling Water Orange Flavor
- ice
Instructions
- Cook the cranberries. Bring cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a simmer in a medium-sized pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Make the spritzer. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cranberry mixture into each copper mug or glass. Place 4 mint leaves, 1 oz vodka, and 1/2 oz Cointreau into the glass. Muddle, or mash, well. Add ice and sparkling water.
- Serve. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint leaf.
Roxana says
I am going to try the non alcoholic version. Amazing to use cranberries. Love the tangy sweetness.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Roxana. It is a great favor combo, I hope you enjoy!
Lindsey pine says
This looks like the perfect holiday cocktail!!
Create Kids Club says
It is so festive Lindsey! 🙂
Amy Gorin says
Wow, this looks amazing!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Amy!
Anne|Craving Something Healthy says
This is such a pretty holiday drink!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Anne!
Bailey says
These photos are gorgeous! I love the “cocktail” option (and of course that it’s low-cal)!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you, Bailey! The bright vibrant color of the cranberries is so fun to work with! 🙂
Melissa says
So refreshing!
Kathleen says
Is it possible to make a large batch of this a pitcher for a party? If so, how?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Kathleen! I haven’t made it in a large pitcher, but I do think it would work just fine. I would follow the instruction for making the cranberry portion. Then right before the party, I would combine the liquor with all of the cranberry mix, then gently mix in the seltzer water. Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint. I think I’m going to have to give this a try too!