If you’ve ever wondered how to make “Cranberry Mojito Recipe- Festive Holiday Cocktail” stand out, you’re in the right place. As I sip on this refreshing and festive cocktail on June 19, 2025, I can’t help but think about how perfect it is for the upcoming holiday season.
Pro Tip: Use fresh cranberries for an extra pop of flavor and color!
What You’ll Gather Before You Begin
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white rum
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Lime wedges for garnish
Nutrition Snapshot: What to Expect
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Facts & Figures
Did you know that cranberries have been a part of American cuisine since the colonial era? These tart berries were a staple for Native Americans and early settlers, who used them for food, dye, and medicine. Today, cranberries are most commonly associated with Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
Equipment & Tools Needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Strainer
- Highball or collins glasses
How It Unfolds in Your Kitchen
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh cranberries and mint leaves together (this is where the magic happens – don’t be afraid to really get in there and release those flavors!).
- Add the rum, lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into two highball or collins glasses filled with fresh ice. (I like to use a strainer to catch those pesky cranberry skins.)
- Top each glass with a splash of club soda and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a few fresh mint leaves. (Pro tip: squeeze the lime wedge over the drink to release those aromatic oils before dropping it in.)
Why This Dish Shines
This cranberry mojito recipe is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a refreshing and festive choice for the holiday season. The combination of fresh cranberries, lime juice, and mint creates a vibrant and flavorful cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, the pop of color from the cranberries adds a beautiful touch to any holiday gathering.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fresh and festive flavors
- Easy to make in batches for parties
- Visually appealing with the cranberry color
Cons:
- Requires a bit of muddling and shaking (but it’s worth it, trust me!)
- Fresh cranberries can be a bit tart for some palates (but that’s what the simple syrup is for!)
Variations & Substitutions
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try swapping out the white rum for a spiced rum or even a flavored vodka (vanilla or citrus would work nicely). And for a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and increase the amount of club soda.
Oh, and let me tell you about the time I tried making this with frozen cranberries… let’s just say it didn’t quite have the same pop of flavor. Fresh is definitely the way to go!
How to Plate & Pair
This cranberry mojito is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday spread. Imagine sipping on this festive cocktail while noshing on some savory appetizers or a slice of pumpkin pie. (Can you tell I’m getting hungry just thinking about it?)
And if you’re looking for a little something extra, try rimming the glasses with a sugar and lime zest mixture before pouring in the cocktail. It adds a nice touch of sweetness and a pop of citrus flavor.
What to Do with Extras
Leftovers? What leftovers? (Just kidding!) If you do happen to have any extra cranberry mojito mixture, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake before pouring it over fresh ice and topping it with club soda.
And if you’re really feeling ambitious, you could even try making a big batch of the base mixture ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for easy cocktail assembly when guests arrive. (I did this once for a holiday party, and it was a total lifesaver!)
So where were we? Ah yes, you’ve got your muddled mint and lime all ready to go. The next step is to add the cranberry juice. I like using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice for a nice tart kick, but you could use a cranberry juice blend if you prefer something sweeter. Up to you!
Now the rum. You’ll want a good white rum here – nothing too fancy, just a decent affordable bottle. My go-to is Bacardi Superior. But hey, if you’ve got a favorite rum, by all means use that! Rum preference is a personal thing.
Oh, and before I forget – if you’re making a big batch for a party, go ahead and double or triple all the ingredients. These are super easy to scale up. I did that last Christmas Eve and they were a huge hit! Although…I may have over-indulged just a tiny bit. Oops.
Once you’ve got all the liquid ingredients in the glass, go ahead and give it a good stir to combine everything. Then just add your ice and you’re ready to garnish with some fresh mint and lime wedges. So pretty!
Speaking of pretty, how great do these look with the deep red cranberry color? Very festive. I’m already feeling those holiday vibes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is this drink suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
A: Great question! Yes, this cranberry mojito is 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly. No animal products whatsoever. It’s also gluten-free for those with that dietary restriction.
Q: How much sugar is in one of these cocktails?
A: You know, that’s a really good question in today’s more health-conscious world. The amount of sugar will depend on whether you use unsweetened or sweetened cranberry juice. With unsweetened, there’s only the natural sugars from the juice and mint – probably around 15-20 grams per drink. The sweetened kind could push it up to 30 grams or more of added sugar. Not terrible for an occasional cocktail, but maybe a good idea to keep portions moderate.
Q: Can I make a virgin/non-alcoholic version?
A: Absolutely! Just leave out the rum and you’ve got a delicious cranberry-mint mocktail. My friend who’s pregnant has been loving these. You could also try substituting the rum for a splash of club soda to keep it bubbly.
Q: How long will these keep for? Can I make a big batch in advance?
A: You can definitely make a big batch of the cranberry-mint base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. I wouldn’t add the rum until right before serving, though. And the ice should be added at the very end too, of course. Oh, and one time I pre-made a whole trayful of these for a party and…well, let’s just say they didn’t last very long! People gobbled them up.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – a fun, festive cocktail to spice up your holidays! These cranberry mojitos are easy to make, look gorgeous, and taste delightfully refreshing. Plus, you can easily adapt them to be non-alcoholic or accommodate different dietary needs.
I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try. It’s become a tradition for me and always gets rave reviews. Honestly, just thinking about that perfect blend of mint, lime, cranberry and rum is making my mouth water!
So go whip up a batch and let me know what you think. Feel free to share any tweaks or personal touches you add as well. Happy cooking and enjoy your Cranberry Mojito Recipe- Festive Holiday Cocktail! Let me know how it went on June 19, 2025. Cheers!