Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the sparkling tang of cranberries mixed with the effervescent fizz of soda to make your holiday gatherings extra special. The first time I made this Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer, the ruby-red color and delicate bubbles caught everyone’s eye before they even had a sip. And then came the flavor—bright, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet and tart. Honestly, it was the kind of drink that had everyone asking for refills before I could even sit down. This spritzer feels like a celebration in a glass, perfect for sipping by a crackling fire or clinking cheers at your holiday dinner table.

Years ago, my mom introduced me to the idea of mixing cranberry juice with soda for a quick party drink. I’ve taken that simple concept and added a festive twist with fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and a touch of citrus. The end result? A drink that not only tastes incredible but looks like it was crafted by a professional bartender. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and now it’s a must-have at every Christmas gathering (it’s become as iconic as our holiday cookie tray).

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just want to add some holiday cheer to a quiet evening, this spritzer fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s dangerously easy to whip up—so easy, in fact, that you’ll be tempted to make it all season long. Trust me, you’re going to bookmark this one for years to come!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips required—everything can be found at your local store.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Great for holiday parties, Christmas dinners, or even a cozy night at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike love the refreshing taste and festive presentation.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The balance of sweet cranberry juice, tangy citrus, and bubbly soda is irresistible.

What sets this recipe apart is its decorative flair. The garnish of fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs adds a festive touch that makes it feel fancy without being fussy. Plus, it’s easy to customize—whether you want to make it non-alcoholic or add a splash of your favorite spirit, the choice is yours. This isn’t just a drink; it’s the kind that makes you smile after every sip, filled with holiday magic and cheer.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a show-stopping holiday beverage. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cranberry juice: Opt for 100% cranberry juice for a bold flavor, or use cranberry juice cocktail for a sweeter spritzer.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright citrusy zing, but store-bought works too.
• Lemon-lime soda: Provides the perfect bubbly base. You can also use club soda or sparkling water for a less sweet option.
• Fresh cranberries: These add a pop of color and texture as a garnish.
• Rosemary sprigs: A beautiful aromatic garnish that screams holiday vibes.
• Ice cubes: Keeps the spritzer chilled and refreshing.

If you’re looking to add a boozy twist, you can include vodka or sparkling wine. Want a sugar-free version? Swap the lemon-lime soda for a diet or naturally sweetened option. It’s incredibly flexible!

Equipment Needed

• Pitcher: A clear pitcher works best to showcase the vibrant colors of this drink.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the spritzer together.
• Ice cube trays: To have plenty of ice on hand.
• Glasses: Use festive glassware to elevate the presentation.

If you don’t have a pitcher, a large mixing bowl with a ladle works just as well. And for the garnish, a small paring knife is perfect for slicing citrus or trimming rosemary sprigs.

Preparation Method

1. Start by preparing your garnishes. Rinse the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, and set them aside. Slice a few thin rounds of orange for added decoration.
2. In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of cranberry juice and 1 cup (240 ml) of orange juice. Stir gently to mix.
3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of lemon-lime soda to keep the bubbles intact. Stir lightly to combine without losing the fizz.
4. Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the pitcher to keep the spritzer chilled.
5. Gently drop in a handful of fresh cranberries and a few orange slices. They’ll float beautifully and add a festive touch.
6. Finish by adding a couple of rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, holiday-inspired garnish.
7. Serve immediately in glasses, making sure each one gets a few cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for that Instagram-worthy look.

If you’re making this ahead of time, wait to add the soda until just before serving to preserve its fizz. And don’t forget to taste-test—adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking by tweaking the juice ratios.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer turns out perfectly:

• Chill your ingredients: Make sure your juices and soda are pre-chilled to keep the spritzer refreshing and cold.
• Don’t skip the garnishes: The fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs not only look stunning but also add subtle flavor and aroma to the drink.
• Adjust sweetness: If the spritzer is too tart for your liking, add a splash of simple syrup or honey for balance.
• Use quality juices: Freshly squeezed orange juice and premium cranberry juice make a noticeable difference in the taste.
• Scale the recipe: Double or triple the quantities easily for larger gatherings. Just make sure your pitcher can handle it!

If you’re adding alcohol, keep the ratio in check—about 1 shot of vodka or sparkling wine per serving is perfect without overpowering the other flavors.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to try these variations:

• Non-Alcoholic: Stick to the base recipe for a family-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
• Boozy Spritzer: Add a splash of vodka, gin, or sparkling wine for an adult twist.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use unsweetened cranberry juice and swap lemon-lime soda for sugar-free sparkling water.
• Seasonal Twist: Add pomegranate seeds or use pomegranate juice in place of cranberry for a different flavor profile.
• Herbal Option: Experiment with mint instead of rosemary for a refreshing, summery vibe.

Personally, I’ve tried swapping in sparkling apple cider for the soda—it adds a cozy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for holiday brunches!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is best served cold. Pour it into festive glasses and garnish each one with cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary for that picture-perfect holiday touch. Pair it with appetizers like cheese platters, roasted nuts, or even holiday cookies.

If you have leftovers, transfer the spritzer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the carbonation will diminish over time. To revive the fizz, add a splash of fresh soda before serving again. For best results, it’s always better to prepare this drink fresh!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on the non-alcoholic version):

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 24 g
• Vitamin C: High, thanks to the orange juice.

The cranberry juice provides antioxidants that support immune health, while the orange juice adds a dose of vitamin C to brighten up your winter days. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for unsweetened juices and soda alternatives.

Conclusion

This Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is the perfect addition to your holiday menu. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and adaptable to suit any taste or occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a big family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening by the tree, this spritzer brings a touch of sparkle to the season.

Festive Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

Print Recipe

A sparkling holiday drink combining cranberry juice, citrus, and soda, garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch.

• Author: Amanda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cranberry juice (480 ml)
• 1 cup orange juice (240 ml)
• 3 cups lemon-lime soda (720 ml)
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Prepare garnishes by rinsing fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, and slicing thin rounds of orange.
2. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir gently to mix.
3. Slowly pour in lemon-lime soda to preserve the bubbles. Stir lightly to combine.
4. Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the pitcher to keep the spritzer chilled.
5. Drop in a handful of fresh cranberries and a few orange slices for decoration.
6. Add rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, holiday-inspired garnish.
7. Serve immediately in glasses, ensuring each glass has cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Notes

[‘Chill juices and soda before mixing for a refreshing drink.’, ‘Adjust sweetness by adding simple syrup or honey if desired.’, ‘Use freshly squeezed orange juice for better flavor.’, ‘Scale the recipe for larger gatherings by doubling or tripling quantities.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 24
• Sodium: 15
• Carbohydrates: 30

Keywords: Christmas drink, holiday spritzer, cranberry spritzer, festive beverage, non-alcoholic drink