Cranberry Orange Spritzer | Non-Alcoholic

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As cooler weather settles in and the farmhouse bustles with holiday prep, there's something special about offering a festive drink to welcome loved ones. This Cranberry Orange Spritzer has become a favorite in our home. It's the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and bubbly. Maybe you're hosting a cozy brunch or serving drinks by the fire, either way, this one fits right in. If you're looking for more holiday drinks, you might also love my Traditional Mulled Wassail Recipe, a warm, spiced classic that fills the whole house with comfort.

What I love most is how excited the kids get. Serving their own sparkling drinks in "grown-up" glasses, garnished with sugared cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. It turns a simple sip into something magical. If you love cozy recipes from our farmhouse, you might also enjoy my Homemade Hot Cocoa Powder, Cranberry Pound Cake, or a fragrant Christmas Simmer Pot simmering on the stove.

Cranberry spritzer drink on counter with rosemary and cranberry garnish.

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Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Spritzer

  • Gorgeous presentation: That deep ruby-red syrup layered under golden orange juice is a showstopper.
  • Homemade simple syrup: Fresh cranberries give this drink real flavor, not just color.
  • Family-friendly: Kids and adults can enjoy it together.
  • Customizable: Add prosecco or vodka for a festive grown-up twist.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prep the syrup in advance and assemble just before serving.

Ingredient Notes + Substitutions

Ingredients for orange cranberry spritzer on the counter. Sparkling water, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
  • Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show-don't swap for dried. They bring color and tang to the syrup.
  • Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed for the best flavor, though store-bought works in a pinch.
  • Granulated Sugar: Keeps the syrup bright and sweet without overpowering the cranberries.
  • Sparkling Mineral Water: Adds lightness and fizz. You can also use lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for added sweetness.
  • Garnishes: Sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and orange slices make this drink feel festive and elegant.

✨ Tip: Don't toss the leftover cranberry pulp from the syrup! It makes a delicious jam or ice cream topping.

Variations or Different Ways to Use It

  • Make it boozy: Add prosecco, vodka, or gin for a light and festive cocktail version.
  • Try blood oranges: They'll deepen the color and add a dramatic twist.
  • Use cranberry juice cocktail: In a pinch, it'll work-but you'll lose that stunning layered look.
  • Change the garnish: Add cinnamon sticks or sugared rosemary for extra charm.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Spritzers

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Mix the cranberry syrup and orange juice in advance. Just add the bubbly water right before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.

Can I serve a crowd?

Definitely. Scale the ingredients and serve in a large pitcher or punch bowl with garnishes on the side.

Can I use cranberry juice instead of syrup?

You can, but the flavor and color won't be as rich or vibrant. The homemade syrup really takes it up a notch.

Storage + Serving Tips

  • Syrup Storage: Keep the cranberry syrup in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temp before using-it thickens when cold.
  • Leftover syrup ideas: Swirl into sparkling water, or drizzle over pancakes.
  • Batch it for a party: Pre-mix the juice and syrup, then top with soda water as you serve.
  • A Drink Everyone Can Enjoy
Cranberry spritzer on counter with garnish ready to drink.

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 on festive decorated table ready to serve.
Cranberry orange spritzer drink in champaign glass on table.

Cranberry Orange Spritzer | Non-Alcoholic | Easy Recipe

Eryn Whalen
This is a festive and refreshing drink perfect for the holiday season! Featuring a vibrant cranberry simple syrup that creates a stunning ombre effect when layered with orange juice and sparkling water, it's easy to make, family-friendly, and great for any special occasion.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Beverages
Cuisine American
Servings 10 drinks
Calories 181 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cranberry Simple Syrup:

  • 2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 cup granulated sugar

For the Spritzer:

  • ½ cup sparkling mineral water
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ 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 ½ cup sparkling water.
  • Add in ½ cup orange juice.
  • Gently pour ¼ 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: 8ozCalories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 1gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 39IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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!

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This cranberry orange spritzer has become one of our favorite holiday drinks on the homestead. The kids love helping make the syrup and picking out fancy glasses, and I love how it brings everyone together around the table. It’s simple, bright, and full of Christmas cheer, exactly what the season should taste like.

5 from 1 vote

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