I can’t get enough of this bubbly cranberry mocktail during the holidays! It’s the drink I make when everyone comes over.

The sweet-tart taste gets me every time. Plus, that gorgeous red color? So pretty in a glass. My kids love it just as much as the grown-ups do. Nobody feels left out when I serve this at parties.

You only need three things to make it, which is amazing. I throw it together while wrapping gifts or chatting with friends. The bubbles make everything feel special, you know?

Cranberry Mocktail Ingredients

Just grab three things and you’re set. Look at the recipe card down below for how much you need.

Cranberry Juice: That tangy, fruity taste you want. Gives you that deep red color that screams holiday party.
Sparkling Beverage: This is what makes it fizzy and fun. I use Sprite or ginger ale most days.
Ice Cubes: Keeps everything cold. Nobody wants a warm drink, right? Fill your glass up good.
Sugared Cranberries (Optional): These sparkly berries make your drink look fancy. Your guests will think you worked way harder.
Lemon Slices (Optional): A bright pop of citrus. Makes everything taste fresher. Orange works great, too, if that’s your thing.
Rosemary Sprig (Optional): Smells incredible. Looks elegant stuck in your glass. Swap it for mint if you want something different.

How to Make Cranberry Mocktail

Making this takes maybe five minutes. Seriously, it’s that easy and tastes incredible every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass. Toss ice cubes into your glass until it’s full. This keeps everything nice and cold while you sip away.

Step 2: Add Cranberry Juice. Pour in 1/2 cup cranberry juice right over that ice. Your glass should be about halfway full now with all that gorgeous color.

Step 3: Top with Sparkling Beverage. Now pour 1/2 cup sparkling beverage slowly on top. Pick Sprite, 7-UP, ginger ale, whatever you like. Go slow so you keep those bubbles.

Step 4: Gently Stir. Grab your spoon and stir everything together real gentle-like. You want the flavors mixed, but those bubbles are still dancing around in there.

Step 5: Add Festive Garnishes. Drop in sugared cranberries, a lemon slice, and stick in a rosemary sprig. Now your drink looks like a million bucks!

Tips for the Best Cranberry Mocktail

Want yours to turn out perfect? Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

Chill Everything First: Cold juice and cold soda mean you don’t need as much ice. Everything stays the right strength.
Open Fresh Soda: Pop open a new bottle right when you’re ready. Old opened soda goes flat and ruins the fun.
Serve Immediately: Mix these babies right before people drink them. The fizz disappears fast, so timing matters here.
Adjust Ratios: Like it more tart? Add extra juice. Want it lighter? Pour more soda. Make it yours!
Sugar the Rim: Dip your glass edge in lemon juice, then sugar. So fancy and it tastes YUM!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible. Play around with it and see what you love.

Use Sparkling Water: Go with club soda if you want less sugar. It’s lighter and still gives you bubbles.
Try Different Juices: Pomegranate juice is gorgeous. Cherry juice works great. Mix cranberry with orange for something new.
Add Citrus Boost: Squeeze in some lime or fresh orange. That extra zing wakes everything up in the best way.
Make It Sugar-Free: Grab sugar-free cranberry juice and diet soda. Works perfectly if you’re watching your sugar.
Add Alcohol: Want a grown-up version? Splash in 1-1.5 ounces vodka, rum, or champagne. CHEERS to that!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Mix this drink right before you serve it. That’s when the bubbles are best. But you can definitely prep some stuff ahead.

Make your sugared cranberries three days early and keep them in a container. Your juice and soda should hang out in the fridge until go time. Slice up lemons and grab your rosemary earlier in the day. Store them in the fridge so they’re fresh.

Hosting a party? Set up a little station with everything out. Let people make their own drinks. They’ll have fun and everything stays fizzy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cranberry mocktail into a cocktail?

Pour in 1-1.5 ounces of vodka, rum, or champagne before you add the bubbly stuff.

How do I make a sugar-free version?

Use cranberry juice with no sugar added. Pick diet soda or sparkling water. Use frozen cranberries instead of sugared ones.

What’s the best glass for serving?

Wine glasses without stems look great. So do highball glasses. Mason jars give you that rustic feel. Pick what makes you happy.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Mix it fresh so it stays fizzy. But cut up your garnishes early. Keep everything cold in the fridge.

What sparkling beverage works best?

I love Sprite and ginger ale. Sparkling lemonade is great too. Just pick how sweet you want it.

How do I prevent the drink from going flat?

Open your soda bottle right before you mix. Pour it slow and gentle. That keeps the bubbles alive and dancing.

Can I use frozen cranberries as garnish?

They look frosty and beautiful. Just toss them in frozen. They’ll keep your drink extra cold too.

What’s the ideal juice-to-soda ratio?

Half and half works like a charm. But hey, taste it and adjust. More juice if you like tart.

Can kids drink this mocktail?

Kids LOVE this drink! No alcohol means everyone at the table can enjoy it together.

How do I make sugared cranberries?

Roll your cranberries in simple syrup. Then roll them in sugar. Let them dry and they’ll sparkle like little jewels.