Cranberry Orange Spritzer | Non-Alcoholic | Easy Recipe
As the cooler weather settles in and the farmhouse bustles with preparations for the holidays, there’s nothing like a festive drink to welcome loved ones. This Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Orange Spritzer is a fun drink that balances sweet, tart, and bubbly flavors. Making it the perfect cocktail for any holiday party or special occasion. Maybe you’re hosting a cozy brunch or serving holiday drinks at a gathering. Either way, this orange cranberry spritzer is versatile and easy to make.
One of my favorite things about this spritzer is how much the kids love it. They get so excited to have their own fancy drinks served in “grown-up” glasses with sugared cranberries and a rosemary sprig garnish. Watching their eyes light up when they take their first sip makes this simple recipe feel even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Spritzer
This spritzer is a great way to showcase the flavors of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and homemade simple syrup, all topped with bubbly soda water or lemon-lime soda. Garnished with sugared cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and a slice of orange, it’s a show-stopping drink recipe that’s sure to impress.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic cranberry drink for guests of all ages, this spritzer is perfect. The kids can enjoy it alongside the adults, making it a family-friendly holiday tradition. And if you’re looking for an adult beverage option, with a simple twist, you can turn this cranberry drink into a festive cranberry cocktail by adding prosecco, ginger ale, or your favorite cocktail spirit.
The true star of this drink is the cranberry simple syrup
Not only does it bring a bold ruby-red color and vibrant flavor, but it also creates a stunning ombre effect when combined with the lighter orange juice and sparkling mineral water. As the syrup sinks to the bottom, it forms a layered drink that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.
And the best part? This syrup is homemade using fresh cranberries, and after blending and straining, you can even repurpose the leftover cranberry pulp into a festive jam or ice cream topping. Simple, rustic, and oh-so-versatile—this cranberry orange spritzer really has it all!
A Drink Everyone Can Enjoy
One of the best things about this drink is that it’s kid-friendly. While the adults might pair theirs with a holiday appetizer or a favorite cocktail, the kids will love sipping their spritzers in tall glasses or even smaller vintage glasses, just like the grown-ups. For extra fun, let them add their own garnishes—whether it’s stacking sugared cranberries onto a skewer or tucking in a slice of orange.
It’s a great way to involve the little ones in the celebration while giving them something they can be proud to drink. Plus, with the bright red cranberry simple syrup and sparkling bubbles, it feels just as festive as any adult beverage.
Why This Orange Cranberry Spritzer Is One of My Favorite Things
Here on the farm, we keep things simple yet special. This drink fits right in—it’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and perfect for any time of year. On a hot summer day, it’s a cooling treat; during the holiday season, it becomes a showpiece on the table. The homemade simple syrup made with fresh cranberries is what takes this from an everyday drink to something truly memorable.
Watching the kids laugh and sip their fancy drinks alongside the adults fills me with so much joy—it’s moments like these that truly make the holiday spirit come alive.
Cranberry Orange Spritzer | Non-Alcoholic | Easy Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Simple Syrup:
- 2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cup water
- 2 cup granulated sugar
For the Spritzer:
- 1/2 cup sparkling mineral water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry simple syrup per glass
Optional Garnishes:
- Sugared cranberries
- Sugared Rosemary sprig
- Slice of orange or Orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Cranberry Simple Syrup
Combine fresh cranberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften. - Carefully pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth to extract every bit of juice and flavor from the cranberries.
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into an airtight container, pressing the pulp to release as much liquid as possible.
- Save the leftover cranberry pulp—it makes a delicious jam for toast or a festive topping for vanilla ice cream!
- Let the syrup cool completely before using. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks. But brink to room temp before using as it gets thick in the fridge.
- Step 2: Assemble the Spritzer
Fill individual glasses with 1/2 cup sparkling water. - Add in 1/2 cup orange juice.
- Gently pour 1/4 cup cranberry simple syrup over the top. The layers will create a gorgeous ombre effect.
- Garnish with a slice of orange, a sprig of rosemary, and sugared cranberries.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions for Holiday Drinks
- For a holiday party, prepare a large pitcher or punch bowl of this cranberry orange spritzer so guests can help themselves.
- Pair with a holiday snack spread or even a dollop of cranberry sauce on your appetizers.
- Some of my favorite desserts to make: Thin Cranberry Orange Cookies & Holiday Cranberry Pound Cake
Tips and Variations for a Festive Drink
- Make It an Alcoholic Drink: Add prosecco, vodka, or gin for a fun twist. This transforms the spritzer into a light and bubbly cranberry cocktail that adults will love.
- Use Store-Bought Juice or Syrup: If you’re short on time, swap the simple syrup for cranberry juice cocktail or store-bought cranberry drink. (Just know it won’t look the same and the taste will be different, but still yummy!)
- Experiment with Garnishes: Add orange zest, a sprig of rosemary, or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor.
- Try Blood Oranges: Swap regular orange juice for freshly squeezed blood oranges to give the spritzer a dramatic, deep red color.
FAQs About Cranberry Orange Spritzers
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Mix the cranberry simple syrup and orange juice in an airtight container and refrigerate. Add the soda water or ginger ale just before serving to keep it bubbly. It might not be as pretty with the separation of orange and red, but it will still taste amazing!
2. Can I Make a Large Batch?
Absolutely. Scale the recipe for a large pitcher or punch bowl to serve a crowd at your next holiday party or special occasion.
3. Can I Use Cranberry Juice Cocktail Instead of Simple Syrup?
Yes, but the homemade simple syrup adds a deeper flavor and color to the drink.
Capture the Holiday Spirit on Social Media
This orange cranberry spritzer is as photogenic as it is delicious. Snap a photo of your finished drink in vintage glasses surrounded by sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Tag me on social media so we can see your creations!
A Toast to the Holiday Season
Whether you’re sharing this drink around a roaring fire or serving it as a centerpiece for a fancy holiday brunch, the Cranberry Orange Spritzer is a simple yet stunning addition to your drink recipes. It’s a refreshing drink that captures the holiday spirit and brings a touch of farmhouse magic to any gathering.
Try it out, and let the sparkling bubbles of this cranberry drink bring joy to your celebrations— Cheers from our homestead to yours!
