A bright and festive drink brings joy to any gathering, even without alcohol. This Cranberry Clementine Sparkler combines sweet citrus with tart cranberry juice for a perfect mix of flavors.
The simple recipe needs just four ingredients: cranberry juice, clementine juice, club soda, and fresh mint.
The drink’s fizzy bubbles and pretty red color make it look fancy in a glass. Kids love watching the bubbles rise, while adults enjoy a grown-up alternative to wine or cocktails. A garnish of mint leaves and orange slices adds an extra special touch.
These mocktails work great for winter parties, holiday meals, or any time someone wants a special drink. The recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings and takes less than 5 minutes to mix up.
Cranberry Clementine Sparkler Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring cups
- Tall glasses
- Ice cube tray
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh-squeezed clementine juice about 8-10 clementines
- 1 cup 100% cranberry juice unsweetened
- 3 cups sparkling water
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Clementine slices for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs optional
Instructions
- Mix the clementine juice and cranberry juice in a large pitcher.
- Add the simple syrup and stir until well combined.
- Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the juice mixture until glasses are 2/3 full.
- Top each glass with sparkling water. Then, gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, clementine slices, and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Best Tried & Tested Equipment
| Product Image | Our Recommended Equipment | Check Offers! |
|---|---|---|
 | Compact Smoothie Blender | Buy On Amazon |
Top
Top | Glass Cocktail Shaker Set | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Briout Jigger for Bartending | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Briout Bar Spoon Cocktail Mixing Stirrers for Drink | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Winco Stainless Steel 4-Prong Bar Strainer | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Crystal Whiskey Glasses | Buy On Amazon |
Top | 13oz Highball Glasses | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Superb Martini Glasses Drinking Set | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Italian Red Wine Glasses | Buy On Amazon |
Top | Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass Set | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
This sparkling mocktail has a bright, zesty flavor from fresh clementines mixed with the tart pop of cranberry juice. The combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and sour notes.
The drink starts with a crisp citrus aroma. Fresh clementine juice adds natural sweetness and sunny orange notes that blend smoothly with the cranberries.
Club soda brings refreshing bubbles that dance on the tongue. The carbonation makes the fruity flavors feel light and lively rather than heavy or syrupy.
A subtle tang from fresh lime juice adds extra brightness. The lime works quietly in the background to enhance the other fruits without taking over.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary: Sweet clementine, tart cranberry
- Secondary: Lime, effervescent bubbles
- Finish: Clean, crisp, slightly sweet
The drink tastes best when served very cold. Ice helps maintain the ideal temperature while keeping the bubbles active and vibrant.
Substitute
You can swap ingredients in this mocktail recipe while keeping the festive taste.
Replace clementine juice with orange juice or tangerine juice for similar citrus flavors.
Fresh cranberry juice can be replaced with store-bought cranberry juice cocktail.
If you use store-bought juice, pick an unsweetened version to control the sugar level.
For the sparkling water base, try these options:
- Club soda
- Ginger ale
- Tonic water
- Lemon-lime soda
Note: Using flavored sodas will make the drink sweeter than the original recipe.
The garnish can change too. Instead of fresh cranberries, try:
- Orange slices
- Lime wedges
- Frozen berries
- Mint leaves
Want less citrus?
Apple juice or white grape juice work well with cranberry juice. These fruit juices create a sweet and tart balance that matches the original drink.
