I really enjoy making simple, delicious drinks, and when it comes to cocktails, cranberry and vodka are a classic pair. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic cranberry vodka recipes that are super easy to whip up at home.
These drinks are perfect for any occasion, from a relaxed evening to a small get-together. You’ll find a fresh, herbaceous option and a timeless classic here, both designed to be straightforward and refreshing.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Cranberry Rosemary Vodka Cocktail: A Fresh Sip
- 2. Classic Cranberry Vodka Cocktail: Simple & Sweet
Cranberry Rosemary Vodka Cocktail: A Fresh Sip
This cocktail offers a lovely blend of tart cranberry with the aromatic touch of fresh rosemary. It’s an easy-to-make drink that looks quite elegant and tastes wonderfully refreshing.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Rosemary: Gently pressing the rosemary in your shaker will help release its wonderful aroma and flavor into the drink.
- Cranberry Juice: For the best flavor, use 100% cranberry juice instead of a cranberry cocktail blend, which often has added sugars.
- Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
What You Need
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz 100% cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
⏱️ Time: 5 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Herbs
Take one sprig of fresh rosemary and gently press it a few times in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. This helps release its wonderful oils.
Step 2: Mix Your Cocktail
Add the vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and secure the lid. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is very cold.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an extra sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries. Enjoy your beautiful drink right away!
📝 Final Note
You can easily scale this recipe up to make a pitcher for friends; just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
Classic Cranberry Vodka Cocktail: Simple & Sweet
Sometimes the most straightforward drinks are exactly what you need, and this classic cranberry vodka cocktail is always a good choice. It’s incredibly easy to make and consistently refreshing.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Vodka Quality: Since there are so few ingredients, using a vodka you genuinely enjoy will make a noticeable difference in the finished drink.
- Orange Liqueur: A small splash of orange liqueur, like Triple Sec or Cointreau, adds a lovely layer of citrus flavor and sweetness. It’s optional, but I think it really elevates the drink.
- Adjusting Taste: You can always add a bit more lime juice if you like it tarter, or a tiny dash of simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
What You Need
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.25 oz orange liqueur (optional)
- Ice
- Lime wedge or fresh cranberries for garnish
⏱️ Time: 3 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make It
Step 1: Build Your Drink
Fill a glass (a highball or rocks glass works well) with plenty of ice. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and if you’re using it, the orange liqueur.
Step 2: Stir and Chill
Gently stir all the ingredients together with a spoon until they are well combined and the drink is cold. You want everything to be evenly mixed.
Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish your cocktail with a fresh lime wedge or a few floating cranberries for a pretty touch. Serve it right away and enjoy its simple, refreshing taste!
📝 Final Note
For a little fizz, top your finished cocktail with a splash of club soda or tonic water before garnishing.
