Cranberry Lime Mocktail in 5 Minutes
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Cranberry lime mocktail shows off the classic cranberry and lime pairing in the most delicious way. This alcohol-free refresher is crisp, lightly sweet, and has a lift of tart citrus that keeps it refreshing from the first sip to the last. Since it comes together in minutes, you can make it for a quiet night in or add it to a holiday menu.
If you’ve enjoyed the other simple mocktails I’ve shared like berry mocktail and ginger beer mocktail,
you’ll be right at home with this one. The fizz gives it a fun sparkle, and the flavor is just right for guests who prefer a non alcoholic-option. The bright cranberry color and simple garnishes make it an instant eye-catcher, too. It works for brunch, parties, or any time you want a drink that feels a little festive. Mix it, add a quick garnish, and you’re all set.
How to Make Cranberry Lime Mocktail
Putting this cranberry lime mocktail together is easier than it looks. Mix the base in your glass, add the fizzy layer, and finish with a quick garnish. After that, it’s ready to pour and enjoy. All it takes is 5 minutes!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cranberry juice: Go with a 100% cranberry juice for the best color and a less sugary base. You can always adjust the sweetness yourself.
- Carbonated water: Club soda or sparkling water both work.
- Simple syrup: Store-bought is fine.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the drink its bright flavor. One to two limes is usually enough.
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (Optional, for garnish)
- Fresh mint (Optional, for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to put this cranberry lime mocktail together? Follow the steps below to start making this refreshing holiday drink! Start with the base, pour in the carbonation, add a garnish you like, and it’s ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prep your glasses
Fill each glass about halfway with ice.
Step 2: Make the base
In a pitcher, stir together the cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup until everything is blended.
Step 3: Add carbonation
Right before serving, pour in the carbonated water and give it a light stir so the bubbles stay intact.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Pour the mocktail into the prepared glasses. Add lime slices, fresh cranberries, or mint sprigs if you like. Serve while chilled and fizzy.
Substitutions
- Simple syrup: Honey syrup, agave, or a little maple syrup all work well if you want a different sweetener.
- Lime juice: Fresh lemon juice is a solid alternative.
- Fresh cranberries: Frozen cranberries or even pomegranate arils give a similar pop of color.
- Fresh mint: If mint isn’t your thing, a small sprig of rosemary adds a nice winter touch instead.
Expert Tips
- Prep ahead of time: Stir the juices and syrup together in advance and keep the mixture chilled. Add the sparkling water and ice right before serving so it stays bubbly.
- Keep your ingredients cold: Cold juice, syrup, and sparkling water help the drink stay crisp and keep the carbonation from fading too quickly.
- Go with fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the drink a bright color and a pleasant tart note. If you’re using frozen ones, rinse them briefly so they don’t cloud the mocktail.
- Sweeten to your liking: Cranberry juice can range from mildly tart to very tart. Start with a smaller amount of syrup and add more if needed.
- Add a festive: For a seasonal look, try a sugar or salt rim, a small ribbon on the glass stem, or a garnish of rosemary and cranberries for a “wreath” effect.
How to Serve Cranberry Lime Mocktail
Pour this cranberry mocktail over plenty of ice and use clear glasses to highlight its bold color and sparkle. It works well with small savory bites such as stuffed mushrooms, cucumber roll-ups, or bacon-wrapped asparagus.
It’s also a nice match for holiday favorites like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a well-rounded cheese board. For dessert, pair it with something warm and spiced, such as gingerbread cookies, apple pie pockets, or pumpkin dump cake.
More Easy Holiday Drinks To Try
Easy Cranberry Lime Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup carbonated water such as club soda or sparkling water
- ¼ cup simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1–2 whole limes juiced plus extra slices for garnish
- ice cubes
- fresh cranberries for garnish (optional
- fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill each glass about halfway with ice.
- In a pitcher, stir together the cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup until everything is blended.
- Right before serving, pour in the carbonated water and give it a light stir so the bubbles stay intact.
- Pour the mocktail into the prepared glasses. Add lime slices, fresh cranberries, or mint sprigs if you like. Serve while chilled and fizzy.
Notes
- Stir the juices and syrup together ahead of time and keep the mixture chilled. Add the sparkling water and ice right before serving so it stays bubbly.
- Keep the juice, syrup, and sparkling water cold to maintain a crisp flavor and slow down the loss of carbonation.
- Use fresh cranberries for bright color and a pleasant tart note. If using frozen ones, rinse them briefly so they don’t cloud the drink.
- Start with a small amount of syrup and adjust based on how tart your cranberry juice is.
- Add a festive touch with a sugar or salt rim, a small ribbon on the glass stem, or a garnish of rosemary and cranberries for a wreath effect.
