• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Peel with Zeal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • GF Resources
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • GF Resources
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Cocktails

    Published: Nov 3, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Cranberry Gin Cocktail

    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Coupe glass with cranberry and orange slice.
    Cocktail glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig garnish.
    Cocktail glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig garnish.
    Cocktail glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig garnish.
    Coupe glass with cranberry drink.
    Cocktail glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig garnish.

    This simple cranberry gin cocktail is the festive cocktail you will be making on repeat this holiday season. No hard-to-find ingredients or complicated steps. Just a classic cocktail you can easily make at home. We also included a sparkling gin cocktail variation and a pitcher recipe so you can make it for all your holiday gatherings.

    Cocktail glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig garnish.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    It is that time of year when I start digging out all my favorite Christmas cocktails. From my favorite crockpot mulled wine recipe to my husband's famous dairy-free eggnog, we love cozy cocktails around here.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make Cranberry Gin Cocktail
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 💭 Variations
    • Holiday Appetizer Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    I tested this recipe using lemon juice, lime juice, and orange juice. And while I thought they were all good, orange won out with the recipe testers. Orange and cranberry are a classic pairing.

    We also tested with cranberry simple syrup and a standard simple syrup. And the testers felt the extra effort wasn't called for in this type of drink.

    I think we found the perfect balance in this recipe.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Gin- A dry gin works best for this recipe. I usually use Bombay Sapphire or Hendrick's Gin.

    Cranberry Juice- Use unsweetened cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail which has other flavors and juice added.

    Simple Syrup- To make a simple syrup heat one part water and one part sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Cool before using. It will keep in for 2 weeks in an airtight container.

    Try our demerara simple syrup for a richer flavor.

    Orange Juice- Fresh squeezed is always preferred. For a boozier drink, add orange liqueur like Cointreau.

    Club Soda

    For garnish, I like to add an orange slice (or an orange twist if I feel fancy), a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a few fresh cranberries.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    Recipe ingredients on a counter.

    ⏲️How to Make Cranberry Gin Cocktail

    I typically make all my cocktail recipes for 2 people, so the quantities may seem higher than other recipes you might find online.

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the gin, pure cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
    • Secure the lid and shake vigorously. When the outside of the cocktail shaker frosts over the cocktail is ready.
    • Fill two glasses with ice. Strain the cranberry cocktail, dividing it between the two glasses.
    • Pour over the club soda and garnish.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    Freeze fresh cranberries to garnish your drink. They look pretty and keep your drink chilled without watering it down.

    Making the cocktail.

    💭 Variations

    This recipe can be transformed into so many different drinks, from switching out the gin for vodka to making a spicy version. Here are my 3 favorite variations.

    Cranberry Gin Pitcher Cocktail

    To make this recipe for a crowd, mix the following in a pitcher.

    • 3 cups dry gin
    • 3 cups cranberry juice
    • 2 cups simple syrup
    • 1 cup orange juice

    Keep in the fridge until it is time to serve. Add frozen cranberries to keep it cold. Top individual glasses with club soda.

    Cranberry Gin and Tonic

    Swap out the soda water for tonic water and cut the simple syrup at least in half, or out entirely.

    Cranberry Gin Sparkling Cocktail

    Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into a stemmed cocktail glass, no ice. Top with prosecco or sparkling wine.

    Coupe glass with cranberry drink.

    Holiday Appetizer Recipes

    • Cream cheese dip topped with cranberries and jalapenos served with crackers.
      Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
    • beet and goat cheese bites finger food appetizer on plate
      Beet and Goat Cheese Bites
    • Cajun deviled eggs with shrimp in a serving platter.
      Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
    • bacon wrapped brussels sprouts appetizer with mustard dip
      Balsamic Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    Cocktail glass with an orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig garnish.

    Cranberry Gin Cocktail

    A delightfully simple recipe perfect for your winter holiday party. This cocktail features tangy cranberries, your favorite kind of gin, and little fizz on top.
    Servings: 2
    Prep: 5 mins
    Cook: 0 mins
    Total: 5 mins
    5 from 7 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 ounces gin
    • 3 ounces cranberry juice unsweetened (not cranberry cocktail- see notes)
    • 2 ounces simple syrup
    • 1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
    • 3 ounces club soda
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add your gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and orange juice. Shake until
      3 ounces gin, 3 ounces cranberry juice, 2 ounces simple syrup, 1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
    • Fill two glasses with ice. Strain the drink, dividing between the glasses.
    • Top with club soda and garnish with cranberries, orange twist, and/ or a sprig of mint or rosemary.
      3 ounces club soda
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    • If you use a cranberry juice cocktail, which contains sugar, you will need to reduce or eliminate the simple syrup.
    • To make a sparkling cranberry gin cocktail swap prosecco or sparkling wine for club soda.
    • See blog posts for pitcher instructions. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal | Carbs: 26g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Fiber: 0.04g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Cocktail, Drinks
    Cuisine: American, Christmas, Thanksgiving
    Keyword cranberry christmas cocktail, gin cocktail recipe, Holiday cocktail
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Next Recipe

    • glass of hard apple cider
      Homemade Hard Apple Cider
    • two gin and tonics with cucumbers and mint
      Cucumber Gin and Tonic
    • pink cocktail in a glass with fresh strawberries
      Strawberry Whiskey Smash
    • red white and blue layered jello shot with whipped cream and a cherry
      Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me...

    Subscribe

    Not To Miss Recipes!

    • roasted eggplant on baking sheet
      Easy Oven Roasted Eggplant Slices
    • parmsean roasted zuchhini and yellow squash on a plate.
      Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash
    • christmas cookies decorated with royal icing
      Royal Icing with Meringue Powder
    • Roasted cornish hens on a plate with oranges and herbs.
      Citrus and Herb Cornish Hens

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out our new Web Stories

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Partnerships

    Copyright © 2023 Peel with Zeal