Light, refreshing, festive, and fun, this Cranberry Mocktail is suitable for all your holiday guests. These mocktails combine cranberry and pomegranate juice with club soda, a hint of lime, and fresh mint. They’re simply delicious!
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This cranberry mocktail is like Christmas in a cup! It’s so light and refreshing, yet festive and beautiful.
This drink is always a hit at any holiday party or Thanksgiving gathering! It’s not too sweet or tart, but it’s just the perfect combination of bubbly and fun!
I love mocktails because everyone can enjoy them: the kids, adults, and your friends and family that refrain from alcohol. If you’re looking for a summer drink, try my watermelon mocktail!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Mocktail
Light and Refreshing: This mocktail is fruity and fizzy with sweet fruit flavor and only 53 calories per serving.
Everyone Can Enjoy It: With zero alcohol, both kids and adults can enjoy this delicious holiday drink.
Festive: The flavor and color of this mocktail make it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
Ingredients and Notes
For the Drink:
Cranberry Pomegranate Juice: I use Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Pomegranate Juice.
Club Soda: This gives this drink some carbonation and balances out the sweetness of the juice.
Lime Juice: Use fresh limes for superior flavor.
Garnishes:
Mint Leaves: Adds a refreshing flavor to this mocktail and makes a beautiful and festive garnish with the combination of green and red!
Lime: One lime cut into wedges or disks.
Pomegranate Seeds: Sprinkled on top of each drink.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Added to the top of the drink and pitcher for added festive flare!
Substitutions and Variations
Juice Options: Use a combination of cranberry and pomegranate juice. I suggest 2 cups of cranberry and 1 cup of pomegranate. You could also opt to use cranberry juice only.
Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed orange juice instead. It will add more sweetness instead of the tart flavor of lime, and cranberries and oranges make the perfect pair!
Garnish Options: I chose fresh mint leaves to add a touch of green, but you could add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a slightly herbal flavor! Or orange slices instead of cranberries and pomegranate seeds.
Ginger Beer: If you prefer, you can use ginger beer for a sweeter finish.
How to Make this Cranberry Mocktail
- Add cranberry and pomegranate juice to a pitcher. Add club soda. Stir to combine.
- Squeeze the juice of three limes. Add the juice to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Add 2-3 cups of ice, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Stir to combine.
- Fill individual cups with ice. Pour the mocktail into the cups. Top with a few fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, a slice of lime, and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
A mocktail is a visually pleasing non-alcoholic drink. They were created as an alternative to the typical cocktail for parties so that they would be suitable for everyone to drink and enjoy.
Cranberries, on their own, are quite tart, similar to limes. When you buy Cranberry Juice, which says it is 100% juice, it is typically combined with the juice of other fruits such as apples, grapes, or cherries. If you purchase cranberry juice that does not claim 100% juice, it is likely combined with corn syrup to make it sweet. This is usually called Cranberry Cocktail. I recommend using either 100% cranberry juice, although it is most likely combined with other juices, but the sugars are natural, whereas the sugars in the cranberry cocktail are not.
It sure is! With no added sugar and a 100% juice blend, this mocktail is low in calories and full of antioxidants.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds to add that gorgeous festive feel to each drink.
- Be sure to use club soda, not tonic water. Tonic water has added sugar, and there is no need for added sugar since you’re using juice.
- Prepare the pitcher before you’re ready to serve, and add the ice at the last minute. The ice will melt, and water will fall down the drink. Or add the ice to each cup as you make it so it doesn’t become too watered down.
- Use a juicer to help you get the juice out of each lime.
Serving Suggestions
Fill a cup with ice. I used stemless wine glasses, but you could also serve this in a highball glass. Garnish with the suggested lime, mint, cranberry, and pomegranate seeds, or get creative!
Serve this cranberry mocktail with sweet and savory appetizer options like a vegan charcuterie board or Christmas cookies.
Storage
It’s best to enjoy this drink immediately because it’s made with club soda. It will lose its fizz over time, so enjoy it as soon as possible!
Refrigerator: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and store it for 2 days. Remove any added ice so it doesn’t get watered down.
Video
😋 More Mocktails!
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Recipe
Cranberry Mocktail
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberry pomegranate juice or 2 cups cranberry and 1 cup of pomegranate juice
- 6 cups club soda
- ½ cup lime juice or the juice of 4 limes
- ¼ cup mint leaves
Garnishes
- ¼ cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds or 1 pomegranate
- 1 lime sliced into wedges
- 8 sprigs of mint
Instructions
- Add cranberry and pomegranate juice to a pitcher. Add club soda. Stir to combine.
- Squeeze the juice of three limes. Add the lime juice to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Add 2-3 cups of ice, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Stir to combine.
- Fill individual cups with ice. Pour in mocktail. Top with a few fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, wedge of lime, and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries and pomegranates to add that gorgeous festive feel to each drink.
- Be sure to use club soda, not tonic water. Tonic water has added sugar, and there is no need for added sugar since you’re using juice.
- Prepare the pitcher before you’re ready to serve, and add the ice at the last minute. The ice will melt and water down the drink. Or add the ice to each serving so it doesn’t become watered down.
- Use fresh lime juice. Using a juicer will help you get all of the juice out of each lime.
- It’s best to make this recipe just before you’re ready to serve. However, it will stay in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and won’t be as fizzy! Store it without the added ice so it doesn’t get watered down.
Chelsea
I can’t wait to get my hands on this drink! I might be adding a shot or two of vodka as well, please don’t tell 😉
This recipe looks fantastic!
Tisha
Pass me the pitcher it’s been a long day!!! This is a great combo of ingredients and a fruity cocktail!
Lisa Huff
Loving the bright color of this Cranberry Mocktail! Such a beautiful drink for the holidays.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Those look lush! I wouldn’t mind one or two of those right now.
Katie
Looks so delicious and fun! My family would love this.