This refreshing Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is a fun drink to enjoy anytime! Made with cranberry juice, vodka, and some bubbly soda, it looks as good as it tastes.
If you’re like me, you’ll love having a drink that’s both tasty and easy to make. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. Cheers to a little fizz! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Choose your favorite vodka! A clean, neutral spirit will work best. If you’re looking for a lower-alcohol option, consider using a flavored sparkling water instead of vodka.
Cranberry Juice: Always opt for 100% cranberry juice if you can, as it’s less sweet and has that lovely tart flavor. You can substitute with cranberry cocktail, but it’ll be sweeter. In a pinch, pomegranate juice works well too!
Club Soda or Sparkling Water: For a fizzy lift, club soda is perfect. If you’re watching your sodium, use sparkling water instead. Flavored sparkling water can also add an extra twist of taste!
Garnish: Fresh cranberries are a festive touch, but you could use any seasonal fruit like raspberries or blueberries. Citrus slices like orange or lime add brightness and flavor, too.
How Do I Make Sure My Spritzer is Perfectly Balanced?
Balancing flavors is key in a great spritzer. Start with the vodka and cranberry juice, then adjust the fizz to taste. Here’s how:
- Always taste as you go! Stir and take a sip after adding club soda to see if you like the level of fizz and sweetness.
- If it’s too tart, add a splash of simple syrup or sweetened cranberry juice.
- For extra flavor, muddle a couple of fresh cranberries or add a splash of citrus juice!
Making adjustments to suit your taste can lead to the perfect personalized drink. Enjoy experimenting!
How to Make a Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Optional: orange slice or lime wedge, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and refreshing drink takes just about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s super quick, making it perfect for a spontaneous gathering or a cozy night at home!
Simple Steps to Make Your Spritzer:
1. Fill Your Glass:
Start by filling a rocks glass with ice cubes. The more ice, the colder and more refreshing your drink will be!
2. Add Vodka and Cranberry Juice:
Pour the vodka and cranberry juice over the ice. This is where the magic begins! Well, the deliciousness, anyway.
3. Top with Bubbles:
Gently pour in the club soda or sparkling water on top of the juice and vodka mix. This adds a nice fizzy element to your drink!
4. Stir It Up:
Give it a gentle stir to combine everything deliciously. A little bit of mixing goes a long way in making sure all the flavors mingle together nicely.
5. Add Your Garnish:
Top off your drink with a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color. If you want an extra touch, place an orange slice or lime wedge on the rim of the glass. It looks pretty and adds a zing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your refreshing Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is ready! Serve it immediately and enjoy the delightful fizz and fruity flavors.
Cheers to a delicious drink that’s sure to impress! 🥂
Can I Make This Drink Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! You can easily create a non-alcoholic version by skipping the vodka and using additional club soda or sparkling water instead. This will keep the refreshing feel while being completely alcohol-free!
How Can I Sweeten the Spritzer?
If you find the drink too tart for your taste, simply add a teaspoon of simple syrup or agave nectar. Stir it in gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness!
Can I Prep This Drink Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to serve this drink fresh, you can prepare the vodka and cranberry juice mixture in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add the club soda right before serving to maintain the fizz!
What Other Fruits Can I Use for Garnish?
Feel free to get creative! Besides cranberries, you can use slices of oranges, limes, or even fresh mint leaves for a delightful aromatic touch. Berries like raspberries or blueberries also make a great garnish!