Cranberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m always up for trying new drinks at home, and this Cranberry Gin Smash just hits the spot. That bright color, the tartness of cranberry, and the crisp gin—yeah, it’s a winner for parties or just hanging out on the couch.

If you’re into easy recipes that still pack a punch, you’ll probably want to give this one a shot. It only takes a few minutes, and people always seem to love it when I serve it up. Plus, it’s not just for the holidays; I make it year-round.

With a couple of basic tools and some simple steps, you’ll be sipping this cocktail before you know it.

Cranberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it’s dead simple, refreshing, and honestly, that color looks great in a glass. Cranberry juice, ginger ale, and fresh lime make it feel a little special.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: Great for mixing and chilling everything together.
• Muddler: You’ll need this to smash up the lime and cranberries.
• Strainer: Helps keep seeds and pulp out of your drink.
• Measuring jigger: For getting the gin and cranberry juice just right.
• Cocktail glass: I usually grab a short glass, but really, any wide-mouthed glass will do.
• Bar spoon: Handy for a gentle stir at the end.
• Ice: Can’t forget a handful for shaking and serving.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened—up to you)
• 1 oz ginger ale
• Half a lime, cut into wedges
• A handful of fresh cranberries (optional, for muddling and garnish)
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar or simple syrup (optional, if you want it a bit sweeter)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions

• Toss the lime wedges, cranberries, and sugar (if you’re using it) into the shaker. Muddle everything pretty well.
• Add the gin and cranberry juice next.
• Fill up with ice, then shake for about 10 seconds.
• Strain the mix into your cocktail glass over fresh ice.
• Top with ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
• Finish with a few extra cranberries and a mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

Fresh lime really brightens things up, though bottled lime juice works if that’s what you’ve got. I usually go for unsweetened cranberry juice and just add a splash of simple syrup if I think it needs more sweetness.

Frozen cranberries work fine, especially if fresh ones are out of season. Sometimes I’ll add a bit more ginger ale if I’m craving more fizz.

Don’t over-muddle the cranberries, or the drink can get a little bitter—learned that one the hard way. Using a nice gin does make a difference, but honestly, any basic gin will work for a casual night in.

For a festive touch, I just drop a few cranberries in the glass before handing it over.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the Cranberry Gin Smash, the flavor jumps out—crisp and bright, right from the start.

The tartness from fresh cranberries is front and center, but there’s just enough sweetness to mellow things out.

Gin brings in this subtle, almost herbal note that blends in nicely with the fruit.

Sometimes I’ll add a splash of club soda, and those gentle bubbles really lift the flavors. It makes the whole drink feel lighter, somehow more refreshing.

Here’s a quick rundown of what I usually taste in each glass:

• Tart Cranberries
• Subtle Sweetness
• Herbal notes from gin
• Bright citrus (if I toss in lemon)

Each ingredient seems to bring its own personality. If I muddle in some fresh mint, there’s this cool, fresh finish that just takes the cocktail up a notch.

Honestly, the color is part of the fun too. The deep ruby hue of a cranberry smash looks fantastic in a clear glass.

Every time I make this cocktail, there’s something about those bright flavors and lively color that makes it a joy to serve—and sip.