Cranberry Ginger Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m all for drinks that feel festive but don’t make me work too hard. A cranberry ginger sparkler totally hits that sweet spot.

This cocktail’s got that tart cranberry juice, a little spicy ginger, and some bubbly sparkle—refreshing, and honestly, just super easy to throw together.

The bright red color? It just looks so cheery, and that ginger gives it a kick so it’s not cloyingly sweet. It’s great for a chill night in, but also a lifesaver when you want to offer something easy but impressive at a get-together.

You’ll see in a sec how fast it comes together, what you’ll need, and what to expect once you take that first sip.

Cranberry Ginger Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it’s got that tart cranberry, some warm ginger vibes, and a bit of fizz from sparkling wine or ginger ale. It’s light but still packs a punch, and I usually have everything I need right at home.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – This helps me mix the juices and syrup so everything blends nicely.
• Measuring jigger – I use it to avoid just eyeballing the amounts, which never quite works out.
• Bar spoon – Good for a gentle stir when shaking feels like overkill.
• Strainer – Keeps out the chunky bits and ice, which is always nice.
• Citrus juicer – I swear fresh lime and orange juice make all the difference.
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing up lime, ginger, or whatever garnish I’m feeling.
• Serving glasses – I usually grab tall glasses or sometimes flutes if I want to be fancy.
• Ice cube tray – Sometimes I freeze cranberries instead of water, just for fun.

Ingredients

• 2 oz 100% cranberry juice or unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz simple syrup or honey (I just taste and adjust)
• 3 oz ginger beer, ginger ale, or ginger kombucha
• 2 oz sparkling wine (skip if you want it non-alcoholic)
• Ice cubes or frozen cranberries
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Mint leaves or a rosemary sprig if you’re feeling extra
• Fresh ginger slices if you want to really amp up the spice

Sometimes I’ll swap in ginger beer for sparkling wine if I’m not in the mood for alcohol. Frozen cranberries instead of ice? They keep it cold and look awesome.

Instructions

• Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
• Add cranberry juice, lime juice, orange juice, and simple syrup or honey.
• Shake it up for about 10–15 seconds—nothing too crazy.
• Strain into a chilled glass with some fresh ice or those frozen cranberries.
• Top with ginger beer, ginger ale, or ginger kombucha.
• If you’re going boozy, pour in the sparkling wine before the ginger mixer.
• Stir gently with your bar spoon.
• Garnish with cranberries, a lime wedge, mint, or rosemary—whatever you’ve got.

I always taste before I serve and sometimes add a bit more syrup or honey if it needs it.

Notes

I’m partial to unsweetened cranberry juice for that sharper flavor, but if you’re into sweeter drinks, cranberry cocktail juice totally works. Fresh lime and orange juice really are worth the tiny bit of extra effort.

If I’m hosting, I’ll usually put out both sparkling wine and ginger beer so folks can pick. Freezing cranberries ahead of time is a fun touch and keeps everything cold.

Sometimes I mix half ginger beer and half ginger ale for a lighter taste. And if I want it spicier, I’ll toss in some thin ginger slices before shaking.

It’s just as good as a mocktail or a cocktail, so you can make it work for pretty much any crowd.

Tasting Notes

Right away, there’s this bright, crisp vibe to the drink. The cranberry brings a tart little punch, and then the ginger steps in with this gentle warmth that just evens everything out.

The bubbles from the ginger fizz? They make it surprisingly lively—almost playful, honestly. It’s one of those sips that feels fun, not just another drink.

Taking it slow, I notice the cranberry hits first with a sharp, clean flavor. After that, the ginger lingers, leaving a light spice on my tongue that’s not too much, but just enough.

The sparkling texture keeps things from getting heavy. Makes it super easy to enjoy, especially as a mocktail.

I have to say, this works so well as a refreshing drink on a warm day. But then again, it’s got a festive thing going on too, perfect for holidays.

The color pops—kind of cheerful, honestly. And the fizz adds that playful touch I can’t help but like.

Since it’s a non-alcoholic drink, I can serve it to pretty much anyone. It’s a solid mocktail for kids, or a simple sparkling cranberry mocktail for adults who aren’t feeling like drinking.

It somehow feels special and yet, it’s ridiculously easy to make. That’s not something you find every day.

For me, what stands out most is how versatile this is. I can have it as an easy mocktail in the afternoon, or pour it into a fancy glass when there’s a party.

Each sip stays light, crisp, and balanced. It never goes overboard on the sweetness, which I appreciate.