Non-Alcoholic Christmas Cranberry Mocktail
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A sparkling and festive mocktail bursting with cranberry, orange, and ginger, this Christmas Cranberry Mocktail is festive, refreshing, and perfect for holiday celebrations.
Looking for a beautiful holiday mocktail that feels just as special as your classic festive cocktails? This Christmas Cranberry Mocktail brings together the bright flavors of cranberries and citrus in my cranberry orange syrup, plus fresh herbs, and a little sparkle from ginger beer for a drink that’s refreshing, delicious, and perfect for sipping all season long.
It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and looks stunning garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Whether you’re hosting a party or settling in by the tree on Christmas Eve, this mocktail instantly elevates the moment.
This mocktail is ideal for guests who prefer alcohol-free beverages, kids who want something “fancy,” or anyone taking a break between cocktails during holiday gatherings. It’s a thoughtful option to include on your drink menu so everyone feels welcome and has something fun and delicious to toast with.
Ingredients
- White cranberry juice – Cranberry juice’s sweeter and paler cousin, white cranberry juice is fun to use in drinks because it brings the flavor of cranberry without the color. If you can’t find it in your local grocery store, use cranberry juice cocktail instead.
- Cranberry orange syrup – This easy homemade syrup is where all the color in this cocktail comes from. It also adds an orange note to the drink that pairs so well with the tart cranberries.
- Lime juice – A splash of fresh lime juice keeps this mocktail a little on the tart side. Choose a fresh lime as fresh citrus is always best in your drinks. (It really does make a difference!)
- Fresh rosemary – Do not use dried rosemary here. Small bunches of fresh rosemary work best since we’re using the ice in the shaker as our muddler to break them up and release the oil in the fresh herb. You’ll also want a larger sprig of rosemary for garnish, especially at Christmas time.
- Ginger beer – I love the sharp ginger bite of brewed ginger beer (Goslings is my fave brand), but you can use ginger ale if you prefer. Note: Like it’s root beer cousin, ginger beer is non-alcoholic and not actually beer.
- Fresh cranberries – These are strictly for garnish. Save some from making the cranberry orange syrup or skip them if you don’t have any on hand. I keep leftover fresh cranberries in my freezer and drop them into drinks all holiday season. They’re the easiest garnish ever, look cute floating in my glass, and help keep my drinks cold.
How to Make a Christmas Cranberry Mocktail
Combine white cranberry juice, cranberry orange syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice.
And fresh rosemary and shake well.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
Top with ginger beer.
Give your drink a gentle stir.
Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and/or a slice of lime. Sip and enjoy.
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Cranberry Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz white cranberry juice
- 1 oz cranberry orange syrup
- 0.25 oz lime juice, fresh
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary pieces, or 1 – 2 inch sprig
- 2 oz ginger beer
- fresh cranberries, garnish
Instructions
- Combine white cranberry juice, cranberry orange syrup, lime juice, and fresh rosemary in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice.2 oz white cranberry juice, 1 oz cranberry orange syrup, 0.25 oz lime juice, 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary pieces
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top with ginger beer.2 oz ginger beer
- Give your drink a gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and/or a slice of lime.fresh cranberries
- Sip and enjoy.
Notes
Make Your Own Cranberry Orange Syrup
I make this cranberry orange syrup on repeat during November and December. It takes 10 minutes of hands-on time to make, only uses 3 ingredients (plus water), and keeps for 2 weeks (or more) in your refrigerator. Get my recipe plus lots of ways to use this versatile syrup over on my Cranberry Orange Syrup recipe page.
Make it a Cocktail
Want to turn this into a cocktail instead? Simply add 1 ounce of your favorite spirit alongside the cranberry juice when shaking up your mocktail. Vodka will give you a clean flavor, while gin pairs well with the rosemary and cranberry in this drink.
Need a Pitcher of Christmas Cranberry Mocktails?
Entertaining a crowd? Want to make a pitcher of mocktails so you don’t have to bartend all night? I’ve got you covered.
In a large pitcher combine:
- 2 oz (¼ cup) lime juice
- ½ cup fresh rosemary pieces (or 4 – 2 inch sprigs)
- 16 oz (2 cups) white cranberry juice
- 8 oz (1 cup) cranberry orange syrup
- 4 oz (½ cup) water
- 16 oz (2 cups) ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries (garnish)
Add lime juice and rosemary to your pitcher. Using a wood spoon, press down on the rosemary repeatedly to bruise it and break it up a bit. Add white cranberry juice, cranberry orange syrup, and water. Stir and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve: Add ginger beer and a handful of fresh cranberries to the pitcher of mocktails. Stir and pour into rocks glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish the glasses with additional cranberries, rosemary, or lime wheels. Serves 8.
Note: Keep the ice cubes in the glasses instead of the pitcher. By placing ice in the pitcher, you’ll end up watering down your mocktails as they melt and you’ll get weak, watery drinks.
What to Serve with a Christmas Cranberry Mocktail
Serve this sweet-tart drink with rich appetizers for happy hour or some sweet treats for a post-dinner dessert. Try my bacon wrapped dates and three cheese artichoke dip for snacks, or treat yourself to some cranberry shortbread cookies and peppermint bark.
Don’t Miss These Christmas Mocktails
Everyone deserves a delicious drink, especially at the holidays! Try my holiday cherry mocktail, or this fizzy cranberry orange mocktail. Looking for something a little different? Shake up an Apple Ginger Mocktail with fresh apple cider or stir up a pitcher full of Pomegranate Christmas Punch.
