This simple holiday mocktail has alllll the flavors you ask me for this time of year – juicy, tart cranberries, sweet apple, slightly spicy ginger and something to sweeten, like maple syrup. The recipe takes just a few minutes to make for one or because I know you all love batch mocktails for Christmas, I’ve included instructions below for how to scale this one up for guests.

this recipe

When it comes to requests to this time of year, I find the best mocktail holiday drinks usually have a few things in common. They tend to use traditional holiday flavors, they’re easy to make, they can be made in a pitcher or punch for guests and of course, they are delicious. You’ll be happy to know this recipe ticks all those boxes! It's one of my favorite Christmas mocktails and would also work well for Thanksgiving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s oh so festive: would you look at that color? With gorgeous red hues and lovely green garnishes, this mocktail is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

The flavors pair perfectly: it’s no secret that cranberry and apple are a match made in heaven! Combined with a little ginger and something to sweeten, it’s the perfect balance of flavors.

It’s easy to adapt: I’ve made a few suggestions for variations below. This recipe would be perfect with your favorite zero-proof spirit or even topped with a non-alcoholic champagne alternative for a sophisticated touch.

Ingredients – What You Need

Mint leaves: fresh mint is always best! I’m lucky enough to grow mint year round in my garden and it grows like a weed, even in a small pot. I highly recommend trying it if you haven’t.

Maple syrup or your sweetener of choice: I love using maple because so many of you request it this time of year, but you could also use a honey syrup, monk fruit sweetener drops, Stevia….whatever you prefer.

Cranberry juice: any brand will do and you can choose a low sugar cranberry juice if you wish to keep the sugar content down.

Apple juice or cider: I recommend non-alcoholic apple cider if you have it where you live, otherwise a cloudy apply juice works well. You can use regular apple juice if that’s all you have. Hint: if you love apple cider, be sure to try my easy apple cider mocktails.

Lime juice: I always recommend fresh because it tastes so much better than bottled! But if you only have access to bottled, that’s totally fine too.

Your choice of mixer: you can use sparkling water, ginger beer of even an alcohol-free sparkling wine for more of an adult vibe if you wish.

Optional: I added a touch of grenadine to these to make them a brighter red for the holidays. You could also add a little apple cider vinegar if you don’t use a non-alcoholic spirit as this adds just a touch of bite that often goes missing when we remove the alcohol from a drink.

Equipment

Shaker or pitcher: if you’re making this mocktail for one (or two!) a regular shaker is fine for these easy holiday mocktails. Don’t have a shaker? No worries! Just find something with a tight-fitting lid. I find a mason jar or a water bottle both work really well.

If you’d prefer to make a larger batch mocktail, choose a large pitcher or small punch bowl. I think a clear one looks best so you can see all the lovely colors, but you do you!

Muddler: A muddler is used to press down on the mint to extract some of the lovely oils and flavor the mocktail. Again, if you don’t have one, there are everyday items around the home that make great replacements! Try the handle end of a wooden spoon, a mortar and pestle of even a meat mallet (go gently if you use a meat mallet, we only want to bruise the mint slightly)!

How to make it

To make the best holiday mocktails:

Clap the mint together in your hands. This helps to release the oils and scent. Add the maple syrup to your glass then muddle gently. A few gentle presses with the muddler will do, you just want to bruise the mint slightly.

Add the lime juice to your glass, followed by the apple juice and cranberry juice. Add some ice to your shaker, replace the lid and shake well.

Strain the mixture over ice into your glass. Top with your sparkling beverage of choice and garnish with your choice of cranberries, mint and lime.

Expert tips and tricks

How to make a batch holiday mocktail: I love making this recipe for guests, let me tell you how to do it!

Decide the number of serves you want, then use change the ‘servings’ amount in the recipe card. This will automatically calculate the quantities needed of each ingredient.

Add the mint and maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) to your punch bowl or pitcher. Press down a few times with your muddler to just bruise the mint slightly. Add the lime, cranberry juice and apple juice and stir gently. Just before you’re ready to serve, add the sparkling beverage of your choice.

Serve over ice and garnish with cranberries, mint and/or lime.

Make a garnish station for your guests: if you’re making a larger batch of this, I love making a little garish station with the punch bowl or pitcher, ice and your choice of garnishes. Decorate it with some Christmas decorations and little twinkling lights and you’re all set!

Make sure the ingredients are cold: it’s best to use chilled ingredients for this recipe because your holiday mocktails are best served cold! Chill them in the fridge prior to serving.

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I hope you love this simple cranberry holiday mocktail as much as I do!