A refreshing cranberry lime spritzer cocktail brings a burst of bright flavors. The drink mixes the sweet-tart notes of cranberry juice with zesty lime and fizzy club soda.
This easy 3-ingredient cocktail takes just 2 minutes to make. It requires no special bartending skills or equipment. The recipe keeps things simple while delivering a drink that looks beautiful in the glass.
The pretty pink color and bubbles make this mocktail-friendly beverage a great choice for parties, brunches, and casual get-togethers. Kids can enjoy a non-alcoholic version while adults can add vodka or rum for a spirited twist.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Measuring jigger or cups
- Ice cube tray
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz club soda or sparkling water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 lime wheel for garnish
- Optional: 1.5 oz vodka
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cranberry juice into the glass.
- Add fresh lime juice.
- If using vodka, add it now.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
This refreshing spritzer has a bright, tart flavor from fresh cranberries balanced with sweet lime. The bubbles from the club soda create a light, effervescent texture that dances on the tongue.
The drink starts with a bold cranberry punch that mellows into subtle citrus notes. The lime adds a zesty kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Primary: Crisp cranberry
- Secondary: Fresh lime zest
- Finish: Clean, bubbly
The cocktail has a beautiful ruby-red color that sparkles in the glass. When served over ice, it maintains its fizzy nature without becoming watered down.
A gentle sweetness comes through from the simple syrup, preventing any harsh tartness from the cranberries. The flavors blend smoothly while staying distinct enough to identify each component.
The aftertaste is clean and refreshing with no bitter notes. This makes it easy to enjoy multiple servings without flavor fatigue.
Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed very cold at 35-40°F (2-4°C)
Substitutes
You can make this drink alcohol-free by skipping the vodka. The mix of cranberry juice, lime, and club soda creates a tasty mocktail.
Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a similar tart flavor. Cherry juice works too, but adds more sweetness.
For a different fizz, swap club soda with ginger ale or sparkling water. Lemon-lime soda adds extra sweetness and citrus notes.
Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Use about 1/2 ounce of bottled juice to replace one lime.
Frozen cranberries make good ice cubes. They keep drinks cold without watering them down. Bonus: They’re pretty and edible when the drink is done.
Want less sugar? Pick diet cranberry juice or a sugar-free cranberry drink mix. Mix it with plain sparkling water instead of sugary sodas.
