Warm spices and tart cranberries blend with smooth vodka in this refreshing cocktail. This easy Cranberry Ginger Vodka Cocktail takes just 5 minutes to make and needs only 4 simple ingredients.
The mix of ginger and cranberry creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Adding vodka brings a clean, crisp element that makes this drink ideal for fall and winter gatherings.
People love serving this cocktail at holiday parties and special occasions. The bright red color looks great in a glass, and guests always ask for the recipe.
Cranberry Ginger Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Ice
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Fresh lime wedge for garnish
- Ice cubes
Optional: 1/4 inch fresh ginger slice
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice to the shaker.
- If using fresh ginger, muddle it gently in the shaker.
- Shake the mixture for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
This cranberry ginger vodka cocktail offers bright, tart notes from fresh cranberries mixed with spicy warmth from ginger. The vodka adds a clean, neutral base that lets these flavors take center stage.
The first sip brings a crisp, tart cranberry punch that tingles the tongue. The ginger heat builds slowly, creating a pleasant warmth that spreads across the palate.
A subtle sweetness balances the drink’s tartness, while bubbles from the sparkling water add a light, refreshing texture. The cocktail finishes clean with lingering hints of ginger and cranberry.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary: Tart cranberry, spicy ginger
- Secondary: Light sweetness, mineral notes
- Finish: Clean, warming
The cocktail’s pale pink color and effervescence make it visually appealing. Its aroma combines fresh cranberry with zesty ginger notes.
The drink maintains its balance as the ice melts, though the flavors become more subtle. For the best taste experience, serve well-chilled with fresh garnishes.
Substitute
You can replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice or cherry juice for a similar tart flavor. Both options work well with ginger and vodka.
The ginger component is flexible too. Fresh ginger can be swapped with ginger beer, ginger ale, or ginger syrup. Each creates a different level of spiciness in the drink.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and add extra cranberry juice or sparkling water. This makes a refreshing mocktail that keeps the same flavor profile.
Other spirit options include:
- Gin
- White rum
- Tequila blanco
Need it sweeter? Add simple syrup or honey to taste. For less sweetness, use pure unsweetened cranberry juice instead of cranberry cocktail.
A splash of lime juice works in place of lemon juice. The citrus adds brightness and balances the drink’s flavors.
