This cranberry gin fizz is a festive and refreshing addition to your holiday cocktail lineup. It combines gin, fresh-squeezed orange juice, whole-berry cranberry sauce, and a splash of fizzy water for a bright, wintery drink that’s easy to make and impressive to serve.
I’m always looking for clever ways to use leftover cranberry sauce, and this cocktail was a delicious discovery. I had made a cranberry-orange sauce with ginger recently and, instead of saving it for a sandwich, I stirred some into a cocktail. The result is surprisingly delightful.
If you enjoy gin and bright citrus flavors, this drink is a natural fit. The cranberry sauce adds texture and a tart-sweet dimension that plays well with orange juice and gin, while a splash of seltzer keeps the cocktail light and effervescent.
This recipe is written for a single cocktail but scales up easily if you’re serving a crowd. I like to keep one teaspoon of cranberry sauce aside to serve with the drink so guests can stir in more as they sip, boosting flavor and texture.
These cocktails are perfect for cozy evenings — whether you’re watching holiday movies or hosting friends. They have a seasonal feel without being heavy, and the fresh orange garnish makes each glass look festive.
I often reach for a shaker and these bright flavors during the holidays. If you keep a jar of homemade cranberry-orange sauce on hand, you’ll find this cocktail comes together in minutes and makes an everyday moment feel special.
These drinks also make a pretty presentation. Garnish with an orange slice and a few fresh cranberries for a simple, seasonal touch. If you want more fizz, add a little extra seltzer; if you prefer a bolder cranberry note, stir in the reserved teaspoon of cranberry sauce sooner.
This cocktail is casual and forgiving: tweak the gin or orange juice amounts to suit your taste, and adjust the seltzer for the level of bubbles you like. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing option for holiday gatherings or a quiet night in.
Looking for more holiday cocktails like this cranberry gin fizz?
- For a drink that develops more complexity over time, try Aged Eggnog.
- If you enjoy warm winter spices, a Gingerbread Martini is a cozy choice.
- For something tart and refreshing, try a Cranberry Lemonade Ginger Beer Cocktail.
- Need an easy crowd-pleaser? An Eggnog Martini is a great option.
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Equipment
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cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 2 teaspoons cranberry sauce, divided
- 1½ cups ice
- ¼ cup seltzer water, more or less can be used
- 1 slice orange, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
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In a cocktail shaker add gin, orange juice, 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce, and 1 cup ice.
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Shake until well combined and chilled.
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Fill a short cocktail glass with the remaining 1/2 cup ice. Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass and top with seltzer water.
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Serve with the remaining teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.
Additional Info
