This cranberry orange spritzer is a festive non-alcoholic drink for the holidays made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sparkling water.
This was supposed to be a post with photos of all the delicious things I baked to bring with us when we visited our families for Christmas. But I didn't do any baking. And we are not on our way to make that visit - thanks to a weather snafu.
And you know what didn't seem like the best idea? Making several batches of holiday treats when Christmas is just going to be the three of us.
So no holiday baking. But what did seem like a great idea was holiday mocktails! So instead I created this Cranberry Orange Spritzer.
While you're here don't forget to check out our new Vegan Christmas Cookbook. It's packed with all my favorite tried and true recipes for a plant based holiday feast!
I mean, not only are cranberries holiday appropriate, but they're also healthy, right? Perfect!
If there were such a thing as cranberry Orangina, this would taste just like it--it's very orange-y, but with a tart kick from the cranberries.
And while I made this as a non-alcoholic mocktail - you can totally add some vodka if you prefer. 😉
Anyway, for those of you who celebrate, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
And if you're still planning that holiday menu, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas:
- My Vegan Christmas Cookbook (new!)
- 100+ DIY Food Gifts for the Holidays
- Gingerbread Waffles
- 5-Minute Vegan Egg Nog
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cups freshly-squeezed orange juice, about 5 large oranges
- ½ cup white sugar (organic for vegan-friendly)
- 2 inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced into thick coins (optional)
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled (or more if you like it less sweet)
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and ginger in a medium pan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Continue to boil until cranberries begin to pop. Once cranberries have popped open and softened, use the back of a wooden spoon to smash them against the side of the pan. Remove from heat and cool.
- Strain cooled cranberry mixture into a bowl through a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids and refrigerate juice until chilled, about an hour. Transfer juice to pitcher and stir in sparkling water. Serve with cranberries or orange slices as garnish, if desired.
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Aw, I'm sorry you had to change your plans like that. Hope your kitty is feeling better! And I hope you had a great Christmas anyways 🙂 (and I hope you're starting to feel better now too. I am so done with cold season!)
Kiersten says
I think everyone I know has been sick in these last few weeks of December! I thought I was getting better, but now my cold has turned into a hacking, constant cough. So Miso and I have been sick together this weekend. 🙂
Cat Davis - Food Family Finds says
I'm not a huge fan of cranberries but when they're mixed with oranges I absolutely love them! I need to add this to my list of things to make for Thanksgiving next year.
Kiersten says
Yeah, I was never a fan of cranberry juice (it's too intense for me, I guess), but I do like it when it's mixed with other juices...
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
These are so pretty and festive!
Katie says
Poor kitty, I hope he's doing better! The spritzer looks delicious!
Kiersten says
He had surgery on Friday and he is doing SO much better now. I hope this never happens to him again--it was really scary! 🙁
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
This looks so refreshing! Hope you all are feeling better!
debra pearlstein says
I'm a cranberry fan. This looks so very refreshing. I'd love one now.