Cranberry Mint Mocktail Recipe

Honestly, there’s something fun about whipping up non-alcoholic drinks that actually taste fresh and aren’t a hassle. The Cranberry Mint Mocktail is one of those easy, flavorful options that skips the booze but still feels like a treat.

With cranberry juice and a bunch of mint, you get a super refreshing mocktail that, honestly, works any time of year.

Every time I make this, someone ends up asking for the recipe. It’s simple, feels a bit fancy, and you can throw it together in minutes.

Cranberry Mint Mocktail Recipe

This cranberry mint mocktail is my go-to when I want something cold and not too sweet. The cranberry tang, the mint, and those fizzy bubbles—what’s not to like?

It’s a crowd-pleaser, and you really don’t need any bartending skills.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tall glasses
• Strainer (optional, if you want it extra smooth)
• Stirring spoon
• Citrus juicer
• Ice cube tray
• Small knife for slicing lime and orange
• Cutting board
• Pitcher (if you’re making a big batch)

Having the right tools makes things easier, but honestly, you can improvise if you’re missing something. I always reach for the muddler—it really brings out that mint flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened)
• 10 fresh mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or cranberry simple syrup)
• Ice cubes
• 3-4 fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
• Lime slices (for garnish)
• Orange slices (for garnish)
• Pomegranate juice, ginger beer, or apple juice (optional for extra flavor)

Fresh juice makes a big difference here, if you’ve got the time. Mint leaves straight from the garden? Even better.

Instructions

• Toss mint leaves and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
• Muddle the mint gently, just enough to release those oils.
• Add cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange juice.
• Drop in some ice cubes—fill the shaker about halfway.
• Give it a good shake until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice.
• Top it off with sparkling water or club soda.
• Stir it gently.
• Add your garnishes—mint leaves, cranberries, lime or orange slices, whatever you’ve got on hand.
• Want a twist? Try swapping some cranberry juice for pomegranate or apple juice, or throw in a splash of ginger beer.

I always sneak a taste before serving, just to see if it needs a touch more syrup or maybe a little extra lime.

Notes

This mocktail’s best when it’s ice cold and freshly mixed.

If I’m craving more sweetness, I’ll add another splash of syrup or juice. Not into sweet drinks? Unsweetened cranberry juice does the trick.

For a party, I just scale up the recipe in a big pitcher.

Sometimes I use soda water for a lighter vibe.

No fresh cranberries? Frozen ones work, or just skip them. Mint wilts fast, so I save it for last.

Switching lime for lemon gives it a new twist. And if you like a little spice, ginger beer is a fun addition.

Honestly, don’t skimp on the ice—especially when it’s hot out.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, cranberry jumps out at me. It’s tart, kind of sweet, and honestly, it wakes up my taste buds right away.

The cranberry is definitely the first thing I notice.

Next up, there’s the fresh mint. It brings a cool, clean flavor that tones down the cranberry’s sharpness. The mint doesn’t overpower anything, but you can’t really miss it, and it makes the whole thing feel super refreshing.

I also enjoy the gentle sparkle from the soda. Those little bubbles make the drink feel light, almost playful.

That slight fizz keeps each sip interesting, like a little surprise every time.

Sometimes I throw in a splash of lime. It adds a bit of tang, and honestly, it just works with the other flavors.

When I smell the mocktail, the fresh mint leaves and the fruity cranberry scent come through. It just feels bright and inviting.

Each drink is smooth, never too thick or watery. The ice keeps it cool, so every sip stays refreshing.

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