Cranberry and apple cider create a perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors in this festive cocktail.

The combination of cranberry juice, apple cider, and vodka makes for a crisp and refreshing drink that’s ideal for fall and winter gatherings.

This simple recipe can be easily scaled up to serve a crowd at parties or holiday events.

The vibrant red color of this cocktail adds a cheerful touch to any table setting.

Garnished with fresh cranberries and apple slices, it’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.

The recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes by adjusting the ratio of cranberry juice to apple cider or by using flavored vodka for an extra twist.

Cranberry Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

This festive drink blends tart cranberry with sweet apple cider for a tasty holiday cocktail. It’s easy to make and perfect for parties.

John

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup vodka
1/4 cup lime juice
2 apples sliced
1 cup fresh cranberries
Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Ice

Pick tart cranberry juice and a good quality vodka.

Instructions

Pour apple cider and cranberry juice into the pitcher.
Add vodka and lime juice. Stir well.
Put in sliced apples and cranberries.

Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Fill glasses with ice.
Pour cocktail over ice.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Let the drink chill so the flavors can mix.

Serve it cold over ice for the best taste.

Notes

This recipe serves 8-10 people.

For a non-alcoholic version, leave out the vodka and add more cider. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Adjust the sweetness by using more or less cider.

Add a splash of ginger ale for some fizz. Try different fruit like pears or oranges for variety.

Tasting Notes

This cranberry apple cider cocktail offers a delightful blend of flavors. The tartness of cranberry juice balances nicely with the sweetness of apple cider. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the drink.

The cocktail has a crisp, refreshing taste.

Its fruity aroma entices the senses before the first sip. The flavors meld together smoothly on the palate.

Texture-wise, the drink is light and easy to sip.

It has a pleasant mouthfeel without being too thick or syrupy. The cocktail leaves a clean, slightly tart aftertaste.

This cocktail pairs well with fall dishes. It complements foods like roasted turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. The drink also works as a standalone aperitif or after-dinner sipper.

For best results, serve chilled or over ice.

Garnish with fresh cranberries or a cinnamon stick for added visual appeal and aroma.

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Substitute

If cranberries or apple cider aren’t available, there are other tasty options for this cocktail.

Pomegranate juice works well in place of cranberry juice. It has a similar tart flavor and deep red color.

For the apple cider, regular apple juice can be used instead.

The alcohol can also be swapped.

Rum or whiskey make good stand-ins for vodka. Non-alcoholic versions are easy to make too.

Just leave out the vodka and add extra juice or sparkling water.

Spices can be changed up as well.

Instead of cinnamon sticks, try adding whole cloves or star anise. Ground nutmeg or allspice sprinkled on top gives a nice aroma.

Here’s a quick substitution guide:

Cranberry juice → Pomegranate juice
Apple cider → Apple juice

Vodka → Rum, whiskey, or non-alcoholic
Cinnamon → Cloves, star anise, nutmeg

The key is keeping the sweet-tart fruit flavors and warm spices. With these swaps, the cocktail will still have a festive fall or winter feel.

Cranberry Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe