Bloody Cranberry Cooler Mocktail Recipe

I love coming up with drinks that everyone can actually enjoy—especially mocktails. This Bloody Cranberry Cooler Mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink with the tang of cranberry and a splash of citrus, just right for parties or even if you’re just hanging out at home.

It’s got the same excitement as a cranberry fizz mocktail or a cranberry ginger fizz, but you don’t need anything fancy to make it.

Sometimes, I like mixing in lime or orange for a twist—I’ve even called it a cranberry lime or cranberry orange mocktail, depending on my mood. If you want something that looks festive and tastes bright, this one should do the trick.

Let me show you how I make my go-to Bloody Cranberry Cooler at home.

Bloody Cranberry Cooler Mocktail Recipe

This mocktail brings together cranberry and orange juice with sparkling water for a cool, fruity drink. I love how simple it is, and the color really pops—especially if you toss in fresh cranberries, mint, or lime as a garnish.

Equipment

• Tall glass or highball glass
• Cocktail shaker (optional, but handy for mixing)
• Measuring cup or jigger
• Spoon or stir stick
• Knife and cutting board (for fruit)
• Small pitcher or big cup if you’re making a batch
• Strainer or fine sieve (if you’re using fresh juice)
• Ice cube tray

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or regular)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/3 cup sparkling water, ginger ale, or club soda
• Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
• A handful of fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
• 1 orange slice (for garnish)
• Fresh mint or basil leaves (optional)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup, agave nectar, or honey (to sweeten, if you want)
• Extra options: sliced strawberries, rosemary sprigs, or pomegranate seeds

Instructions

• Fill your glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in cranberry juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
• Add your sweetener if you want it a bit sweeter. Give it a good shake or stir.
• Strain into the ice-filled glass—no seeds or pulp, please.
• Top off with sparkling water, ginger ale, or club soda.
• Stir gently, just enough to mix but keep those bubbles.
• Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, fresh mint, or basil.
• Want more? Toss in strawberries, rosemary, pomegranate, or maybe a cinnamon stick.

Notes

I usually go for unsweetened cranberry juice for that tart kick, but if you like it a bit softer, regular juice is fine. Adjust the syrup or honey to taste.

Swapping the sparkling water for ginger beer or even pineapple juice changes things up in a fun way. Fresh fruit slices or a cinnamon stick make it look party-ready. Sometimes I’ll add mint or basil, or use lemonade if I’m out of limes.

If you’re making it for little kids or anyone avoiding sugar, just skip the syrup. Lots of ice is key—it’s way better when it’s super cold.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip, the first thing that hits is the tangy cranberry. It’s bold, but not in a way that makes you pucker.

The cranberry gives it this gorgeous red color—honestly, it just looks good in a glass.

There’s a gentle sweetness that plays off the tartness. Fresh lime juice brings in a little zing, and every sip feels crisp.

The bubbles from the soda water add a fizzy lift, but don’t drown out the fruit.

When I serve this, I’ll usually pop in a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint. It just makes the whole thing feel cooler.

Tasting highlights:

• Tart cranberry up front
• Sweet finish
• Fizzy bubbles
• Light citrus notes

Honestly, the flavors really shine when the drink is ice-cold.

Substitute

Let’s be real—sometimes I just don’t have everything I need. When that happens, I’ve found a few swaps that work pretty well in my Bloody Cranberry Cooler Mocktail.

If cranberry cocktail’s missing from my fridge, I’ll grab cranberry juice or maybe even toss in some grape juice with it. The tartness is still there, which is honestly all I’m after.

For fizz, I’ve tried lemon-lime soda or ginger ale instead of club soda. Both bring some bubbles and a sweet edge, so it’s not a bad trade at all.

Every now and then, someone wants a drink that feels a bit richer. I’ll use apple cider instead of soda—definitely changes the vibe, but it’s cozy and perfect for fall.

And, well, if the adults want to liven things up, a splash of vodka turns it into a proper cocktail. Easy fix.

If the drink isn’t sweet enough, I’ll just add a little honey or simple syrup. Sometimes I want it more tart, so I’ll squeeze in extra lemon juice.

A few quick reminders for myself:

• Apple cider gives it that autumn vibe.
• Vodka? Instantly a spritz.
• Lemon-lime soda keeps things bright and bubbly.