Cranberry Gin Cocktail

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.

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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.

⏲️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.

💭 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.

Holiday Appetizer Recipes

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📖 Recipe