Bright, refreshing, and bursting with festive flavors, the cranberry mojito mocktail is the ultimate non-alcoholic drink for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or summer evenings when you crave something light and fruity. This drink captures the essence of a classic mojito with a cranberry twist, offering a delicious balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: For a tart, vibrant flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
- Mint leaves: These add a refreshing aroma and flavor, essential to any mojito-inspired drink.
- Lime juice: The tangy kick balances the sweetness and enhances the cranberry’s tartness.
- Cranberry juice: Opt for 100% juice for an authentic flavor or a sweetened version if you like your drinks sweeter.
- Simple syrup or honey: Sweetens the drink just enough to balance the tangy notes.
- Club soda or sparkling water: Adds that bubbly element to mimic the fizz of a mojito.
- Ice cubes: Keeps the drink refreshingly cold.
Directions
- Start by adding fresh mint leaves and a handful of cranberries to the bottom of a glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them, releasing the mint’s essential oils and cranberry juices.
- Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the glass for that tangy base.
- Add cranberry juice and your sweetener of choice. Stir to combine all the flavors.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, then top it off with club soda or sparkling water to give it a refreshing fizz.
- Stir gently to mix and garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lime, and a few whole cranberries for a festive look.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 mocktail (easily scalable for larger groups)
Variations
- Swap the cranberry juice for pomegranate juice for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy flair.
- Use flavored sparkling water, like lime or berry, to enhance the taste further.
- Substitute honey for agave syrup if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare the base (cranberry juice, lime, mint, and sweetener) in a pitcher and store it in the fridge. Add ice and sparkling water just before serving to maintain the fizz.
What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
You can use frozen cranberries as an alternative. Thaw them slightly before muddling for the best flavor.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Absolutely! This mocktail is alcohol-free, making it a fun and festive option for all ages.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Add more or less simple syrup or honey based on your taste. If using sweetened cranberry juice, you may not need additional sweeteners.
Enjoy this delightful cranberry mojito mocktail for any occasion that calls for a refreshing, flavorful drink!
PrintCranberry Mojito Mocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Mocktail
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Mojito Mocktail is a vibrant, alcohol-free drink perfect for the holidays. It combines fresh mint, tangy lime, and sweet-tart cranberry juice with a fizzy soda finish for a festive and refreshing beverage that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2–3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 tsp sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 3–4 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Add mint leaves and sugar to a tall glass and gently muddle to release the mint’s flavor.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in lime juice and cranberry juice, and stir well.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing treat!
Notes
- To make it sweeter, increase the sugar or syrup.
- Substitute lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, fizzy drink.
- Use crushed ice for a more tropical feel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg