This Cranberry Gin Spritz is a refreshing drink that mixes tart cranberry juice with gin and fizzy soda. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
It’s a fun, fruity way to sip and relax. I love to garnish mine with fresh cranberries and mint for that fancy touch. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: The choice of gin can modify the spritz flavor. A classic London dry gin works well, but for something unique, try a floral gin like Hendrick’s. If gin isn’t your thing, vodka is a good substitute!
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice gives a nice tart taste. If you can’t find it, light cranberry juice cocktail can work in a pinch but will add sweetness. You may also use pomegranate juice for a twist.
Soda: Club soda keeps it light and bubbly. For a richer flavor, swap it out with tonic water. Just keep in mind that tonic adds sweetness and bitterness.
Fresh Cranberries: They’re great to use in the drink and as a garnish. If fresh ones aren’t available, dried cranberries can add a similar flavor, though they won’t have the same visual appeal.
Simple Syrup: This is optional since the cranberry juice might already add enough sweetness. You can replace it with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener or skip it entirely if you prefer a tart drink.
How Do You Muddle Cranberries Without Making a Mess?
Muddling cranberries is a fun step that helps bring out their flavor. Here are some tips to do it without splattering juice everywhere:
- Use a sturdy muddler or the back of a spoon. Gently press down instead of smashing.
- Muddle in a glass that’s wide enough, so you have space to work without overflow.
- Only muddle a few cranberries at a time to keep it controlled.
- Do it slowly to break them open while keeping most of the juices contained.
This step will make your drink really pop with flavor without the mess!
Cranberry Gin Spritz
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz gin
- 3 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish and muddling)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 oz simple syrup or to taste (if you prefer it sweeter)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Cranberry Gin Spritz takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy drink to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion or just a relaxing evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Cranberries:
Start by taking a handful of fresh cranberries and gently muddle them in the bottom of a glass. This will help release their delicious tart flavor.
2. Add Ice:
Next, fill the glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and chilled, perfect for sipping!
3. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Pour in the gin and cranberry juice over the ice. If you like your drink a bit sweeter, feel free to add some simple syrup at this point.
4. Top with Fizz:
Now it’s time to add the fizzy touch! Top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water, filling it to your liking.
5. Stir Together:
Using a cocktail stirrer or a spoon, give your drink a gentle stir to combine everything together. You want those flavors to mingle!
6. Add Garnishes:
For that finishing touch, garnish your spritz with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few whole cranberries. This not only makes it look beautiful but adds a lovely aroma too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cranberry Gin Spritz immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste. It’s such a delightful drink, perfect for any time!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Ingredients for a Mocktail Version?
Absolutely! You can replace the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or simply use tonic water combined with additional cranberry juice for a refreshing mocktail. It will still taste great without the alcohol!
What’s the Best Way to Make This Drink Sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup, honey, or agave syrup. Start with a small amount and taste as you go until it reaches your desired sweetness level.
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover cranberry juice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For fresh cranberries, keep them in the fridge in a breathable bag, and they’ll stay fresh for several weeks. However, for any made spritzes, it’s best to serve them immediately as they won’t stay fizzy for long.
Can I Make This Drink in a Pitcher?
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want, mix them in a pitcher (leave the soda to add later), and serve it over ice. Just add the club soda right before serving for the best fizz!